The Banting Research Foundation Celebrates 100 Years Since Banting's Nobel Prize Win

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting’s Nobel Prize win for the discovery of insulin. The Banting Research Foundation, established to honor his legacy, is commemorating this important milestone.

Banting’s discovery of insulin revolutionized the treatment of diabetes, which at the time was a deadly disease with no known cure. His groundbreaking research paved the way for the development of life-saving insulin therapies that have saved countless lives over the past century.

Since its establishment, the Banting Research Foundation has broadened its scope beyond diabetes and insulin research. The foundation’s primary focus is to provide funding for early-career researchers in various areas of biomedical research. With a mission to support innovative and impactful projects, the foundation aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and improve human health. By investing in young scientists, the Banting Research Foundation is building the foundation for the next generation of world-class researchers in Canada.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Banting’s Nobel Prize win, it’s important to reflect on his incredible contributions to the field of diabetes research and to honor his memory by continuing to support innovative research in the health and biomedical field. With the sustained backing of organizations such as the Banting Research Foundation, we can make progress towards discovering cures and developing treatments for various diseases, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions of individuals globally.

Charles H Best and Frederick G Banting on the roof of the Medical Building, University of Toronto, ca. 1922
Charles Best (left) and Frederick Banting, with a dog used in their experiments to isolate insulin. (courtesy Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, U of T)
Frederick Banting was the codeveloper of insulin and shared Canada's first Nobel Prize.
Dr. Charles H. Bet and Dr. G. R. Williams check one of many experiments being conducted in the lab of the Charles H. Best Institute, University of Toronto. National Film Board of Canada / Library and Archives Canada / PA-112972.