TFRI’s leadership and research community are mourning and paying tribute to Dr. Philip (Phil) Branton, who dedicated his life to cancer research and the advancement of it in Canada. He had a great affection for Terry Fox and the work it funded, serving as the inaugural chair of the Institute’s Scientific Advisory Committee for several years. The McGill University professor of biochemistry passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
McGill University’s Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute issued a press release Sept. 17, which can be viewed here. The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance, which was Dr. Branton’s brainchild, also posted an online tribute. Plans are being made for a memorial at a later date.
“Phil Branton and I were undergraduates together at the University of Toronto. He was a friend and colleague. Phil was recognized internationally not only for his seminal research on adenovirus and transforming oncogenes but also as a leader and builder in cancer research,” says Dr. Victor Ling, TFRI’s founding president and scientific director. “At TFRI we benefitted from his leadership as chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee. His genius was his ability to bring people together to work on a bigger vision. His legacy lives on. Thank you, Phil!”
Phil was a visionary cancer researcher whose contributions have left an indelible mark on cancer research in Canada and around the world. As a distinguished member of the scientific community, his work on human adenoviruses, cell death, protein degradation and tumour suppressors has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of cancer biology, paving the way for innovative treatments and breakthroughs that continue to benefit patients today.
Phil was a tireless advocate for collaborative research. As the inaugural scientific director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Cancer Research, he helped drive initiatives that emphasized collaboration, innovation and patient-centred research. It was through his capacity in this role that he helped establish the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) in 2007 as a catalyzer for collaborative cancer research in Canada. His influence and guidance have had a lasting impact on TFRI’s mission to accelerate the discovery of cancer therapies and improve outcomes for patients through team-based science.
"Phil was an invaluable and critical member of the Terry Fox working group that was responsible for creating, launching and developing the Terry Fox Research Institute in the formative years," said Darrell Fox, Terry's younger brother and senior advisor to TFRI. "His jovial, friendly and contagious personality was enjoyed and appreciated by us all."
As we mourn the loss of an extraordinary scientist and leader, we also celebrate his immense legacy. Phil’s contributions will continue to resonate through the work of the many researchers, institutions and patients who have benefitted from his dedication and insight.
“Canada owes a debt of honour to Phil. Through his focus and jovial nature, he brought cancer researchers together to tackle the task of beating cancer as a team. Through his role as the inaugural scientific director of the Institute of Cancer Research at CIHR his impact on the creation of TFRI is indelible,” says Dr. Jim Woodgett, TFRI President and Scientific Director.
“Whether he was playing goalie during pickup hockey at McMaster, leading a powerhouse research group or providing leadership to Canada’s cancer research community, Phil Branton always took life as it came and lived it to its fullest. He was certainly a great role model for me and many others as a scientist, entrepreneur and colleague. Phil will be greatly missed,” remarked TFRI Board chair Dr. John Bell, senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research.
At TFRI, we are deeply grateful for his commitment to our shared vision of a world without cancer, and we will honour his memory by continuing the work he helped to champion. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.
See below tributes shared about Phil’s incredible life and legacy. Please send along your comments to info@tfri.ca and we will include them here.
Quotes from members of the Terry Fox Research Institute
“I have known Phil for over 35 years. He was a great human being, generous, caring and a very smart scientist. He cared very much about the people around him. He also devoted much effort to strengthening cancer research in Canada. We will sorely miss him.” – Dr. André Veillette, Executive Director, MOHCCN
“Phil was one of a kind. Scientist, research director, entrepreneur, KOL extraordinaire. And the most entertaining dinner companion! His guidance was instrumental in the launch and growth of TFRI.” – Dr. Christopher Paige, senior scientist, University Health Network, member and past-chair, TFRI’s Board of Directors
“Phil’s larger-than-life personality and commitment to building and supporting Canadian cancer research will remain with us.” – Dr. Morag Park, director, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Centre, and professor at McGill University
“His passion for science was also matched to his passion for life. He definitely made a strong impression on many researchers, and we are the richer for it.” – Dr. Anne-Marie Mes-Masson, associate scientific director, Centre de recherche CHUM et Institut du cancer de Montréal
“Phil helped shape the newly established Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) while serving as the Institute of Cancer Research’s first scientific director, bringing together major cancer funding and research organizations in Canada into conversation about priorities in cancer research. These included organizations such as the NCI of Canada, CAPCA (Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies), Health Canada, and many others. That conversation resulted in the launching of a number of initiatives such as in palliative care research, and in harmonized tumour tissue banking (CTRNet). The positive impact of these and other initiatives to benefit cancer patients continues to resonate. Building on the theme of more impactful large-scale research, the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) – a consortium of Canada’s major cancer research funders—was Phil Branton’s brainchild. CCRA was created through his persuasive personality and his ability to articulate a grand vision for cancer research based on collaboration rather than competition.” – Dr. Victor Ling, TFRI’s founding president and scientific director