Former CIFAR Board Chair and renowned medical geneticist helped shape science and health policy in Canada

Patricia Baird, former Chair of CIFAR’s Board of Directors and a deeply valued member of the CIFAR community, has passed away at the age of 88. Baird was a world-renowned medical geneticist and leader in Canadian science and health policy. She served as Chair of CIFAR’s Board for eight years and made lasting contributions to the organization and its mission.

Throughout her longstanding relationship with CIFAR, Baird was also an Associate Fellow and Advisory Committee Chair of CIFAR’s Population Health program, and was later named a Director Emerita. As a donor, Baird supported CIFAR’s research for over 30 years.

Baird joined the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Faculty of Medicine in 1968 and became Head of its Department of Medical Genetics in 1979, becoming the first woman to lead a clinical department at UBC. Her research evolved from studying the incidence and prognosis of inherited diseases to examining the social, ethical and policy implications of emerging genetic and reproductive technologies. 

She chaired the federal Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies, whose landmark 1993 report helped shape Canadian policy in the field. Her contributions to science and public life were recognized with numerous honours, including the Order of British Columbia and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

“Patricia was an extraordinary leader whose commitment to human health research was evident throughout her remarkable career,” said Stephen J. Toope, President & CEO of CIFAR. “I feel fortunate to have known her, and CIFAR benefited enormously from her leadership as Chair of our Board of Directors. Her contributions to science, public policy and to CIFAR leave an enduring legacy. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends and those who had the privilege to know and work with her.”