Elizabeth Eisenhauer and Judy Needham recognized as CCRA Women Leaders in Cancer Research

Congratulations to Elizabeth Eisenhauer former CCTG Director and founding Director of the Investigational New Drug program and to former Patient Representative Chair, Judy Needham on their recent acknowledgement as Women Leaders in Cancer Research by the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA). The CCRA featured the contributions of several women recognized through the CCRA awards program and marked their achievements on International Women’s Day.

Elizabeth A. Eisenhauer, OC, MD, FRCPC, FRSC
Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research, 2017

“I think it's important to recognize that the spectrum of research that can be done is not just lab-based -– it's clinical research, it's public health and policy research.” 

Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer has not only made her mark as one of Canada’s preeminent investigational drug trialist, she has been a pivotal leader at both the national and international levels, influencing changes to the clinical cancer research and cancer control policy landscape. As the longest serving chair of the CCRA, she oversaw the first pan-Canadian cancer research strategy and authored the landmark report on the state of academic clinical trials in Canada, which provided the impetus for the Canadian Clinical Cancer Trials Network (3CTN). Over her career, Dr. Eisenhauer coordinated over 170 trials which were carried out in institutions in Canada, the US and Europe. Several of these trials have led to the identification of new cancer agents now used in clinical practice.

Judy Needham
Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research, 2017

“Patients are at the centre of their decision-making process with their caregivers and therefore outcomes that matter to patients are important.”

Judy Needham has been a leading light in patient engagement in Canada and within the breast cancer research community, initiated by her tenure with the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance. A large focus of her work has been leading the development and implementation of patient engagements models for the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG). She has also supported the development of patient engagement models with the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, University Health Network, Breast International Group (BIG), and Cancer Trials Ireland.
 

Story content courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance. (2026). Women Leaders in Cancer Research: Celebrating CCRA Awardees. © Canadian Cancer Research Alliance, 2026 ISBN 978-1-927650-82-0 (PDF)