Visionary cancer researcher Dr. John Bell appointed to the Order of Canada

Dr. John Bell, renowned cancer research scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, has been appointed to the Order of Canada in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to cancer research, biotherapeutics and the health of Canadians.

For over three decades, Dr. Bell has been at the forefront of cancer biotherapeutics and immunotherapy, developing innovative treatments that use cells, genes and viruses to fight cancer and stimulate an anti-cancer immune response. 

A hallmark of Dr. Bell’s career has been his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into real-world therapies. He played a critical role in establishing The Ottawa Hospital’s Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre, enabling researchers in Ottawa and across Canada to translate their discoveries into novel therapies and bring them to patients through clinical trials.

He also led the creation of Canada’s first cancer immunotherapy network, BioCanRx, which unites hundreds of scientists, clinicians, patients and partners to accelerate the development and delivery of life-saving treatments. Under his leadership, BioCanRx has enabled dozens of clinical trials of new therapies, directly benefiting Canadian patients and positioning Canada as a global leader in cancer research.  

Among his many achievements, Dr. Bell spearheaded the development of several oncolytic (cancer-fighting) viruses, shepherding them into international clinical trials. He also collaborated with Dr. Natasha Kekre and others to develop the first made-in-Canada CAR-T therapy — a cutting-edge treatment that genetically engineers a patient’s own immune cells to target their cancer. This innovation has provided new hope for patients who previously had no options and has established a national platform for advancing cellular immunotherapy.  

Dr. Bell’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his role in establishing the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub (CP2H) and the Canadian Biomanufacturing Cooperative have further strengthened Canada’s ability to respond to global health challenges.  

As a co-founder of several biotech companies, including Jennerex Biotherapeutics, Turnstone Biologics and Esphera SynBio, he also helped to create hundreds of jobs and attracted significant international investment, further bolstering Canada’s life sciences and biomanufacturing economy.  

“I am deeply humbled to receive the Order of Canada,” said Dr. John Bell, senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and professor at the University of Ottawa. “This recognition is a testament not only to the power of scientific collaboration, but also to the resilience and hope of people with cancer and their families. I share this honour with the dedicated teams, trainees, and partners who have worked tirelessly to advance cancer research and improve lives across our country.”

Dr. Bell has played a particularly important role in fostering The Ottawa Hospital’s culture of translational research by bringing discovery scientists together with clinicians in multidisciplinary teams.  

“Dr. Bell is not only a brilliant and creative researcher — he is also passionately dedicated to ensuring that promising therapies find their way to the Canadian patients who need them,” said Dr. Rebecca Auer, Executive Vice-President, Research and Innovation at The Ottawa Hospital and CEO and Scientific Director of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. “His transformative vision continues to revolutionize how we translate innovative biotherapies to the clinic in this country and around the world.”