Brain “Regain” Puts Canada Front and Centre in Stem Cell Research 

When Dr. Gordon Keller returned to Canada in 2007 to take on the directorship of UHN’s McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine— now the McEwen Stem Cell Institute—the country reclaimed one of the world’s leading stem cell researchers. 

Growing excitement around stem cells in Canada, coupled with a landmark philanthropic investment from Robert and Cheryl McEwen to UHN to help accelerate regenerative medicine and stem cell research, meant the time was perfect for Dr. Keller’s return. 

After working 25 years in Europe and the United States, Dr. Keller came home to Canada to build a world-leading stem cell institute in Toronto—a city with a renowned stem cell research community. That network grew out of the legacy of Drs. James Till and Ernest McCulloch’s groundbreaking discovery of blood-forming stem cells through research at the Ontario Cancer Institute (now the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre) in 1961. 

Dr. Keller is globally recognized for his work in stem cell biology—particularly his success in turning stem cells into many different types of other cells in a culture dish. Among the many “firsts” from his lab was the discovery that stem cells could be used to produce most of the cell types found in the human heart and blood cell system. This breakthrough was important because it provided the exact cells required for developing new therapies. Dr. Keller’s research program became the blueprint for the McEwen Stem Cell Institute, which focuses on translating the power of stem cells into new therapies to treat a range of diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, liver failure and blood cell disorders. 

Dr. Keller’s contributions extend beyond the lab. His work on heart cells—along with that of Dr. Michael Laflamme, a senior scientist in the McEwen Stem Cell Institute—contributed to the formation of the biotechnology company BlueRock Therapeutics, which focused on developing stem cell–based therapies for degenerative diseases. BlueRock was subsequently acquired by Bayer Inc. for a total company valuation of approximately US$1 billion and now employs more than 150 scientists in Toronto. 

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Keller always had an interest in biology and first learned about stem cells during his PhD studies at the University of Alberta. “At the time, I was working on a project that introduced me to the concept of hematopoietic stem cells. I was fascinated by these stem cells that could regenerate an entire blood cell system and wanted to know more.” 

In recognition of his many contributions to the field over his 35-year career, Dr. Keller has received numerous international awards, including the prestigious 2025 International Society for Stem Cell Research Achievement Award. 

Although his leadership duties consume much of his time, Dr. Keller still derives tremendous satisfaction from working in the lab and says there’s nothing like having a look down a microscope and seeing a dish full of beating heart cells. 

The Canada Leads 100 Challenge is a $30-million philanthropic campaign at UHN that aims to recruit 100 top clinician-scientists from around the world who are looking for the best home to conduct their research. This investment in innovative medical research will accelerate life-changing discoveries, spur economic growth and grow global influence to improve the lives of Canadians. 

Learn more about how you can help us attract the world’s best talent at UHNfoundation.ca/CanadaLeads.