Dr. Catherine TsilfidisA leader in retinal gene therapy research and a champion for equity in academia, Dr. Catherine Tsilfidis is retiring after more than two decades as a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience Program) and Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa (Departments of Ophthalmology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine).
Dr. Tsilfidis is internationally recognized for her work on gene therapy to prevent the death of retinal cells in the eye. Her research in pre-clinical models has shown great promise in treating a wide range of retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, retinal detachment and Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. This research has significantly advanced the field of vision science, laying the groundwork for new therapeutic approaches that aim to preserve and restore sight in patients with degenerative eye conditions.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Tsilfidis has been a tireless advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). She led the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine for 10 years, first as Director and later as Assistant Dean of EDI. Her leadership led to the development of unconscious bias training, mentorship programs for women and LGBTQ2SA+ faculty, and institutional policies that have reshaped the culture of the faculty. Since 2024, she has also chaired OHRI’s EDI Committee, contributing to many impactful initiatives.
Dr. Tsilfidis has mentored more than 90 trainees, taught extensively across undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs and served on numerous advisory and search committees.
"To me, Cathy Tsilfidis personifies the following attributes which are rarely found in one person: an excellent sense for high quality science, impeccable integrity, a strong commitment to fairness, a passion for teamwork, a love for the arts and their lifelong exploration, sustained resilience, continued demonstration of civic responsibility and above all, living the example of a 'good mensch,'" says Dr. Michael Schlossmacher, neurologist and Director of The Ottawa Hospital’s Neuroscience Program.
She leaves behind a legacy of scientific excellence, compassionate mentorship and transformative leadership. Please join us on Oct. 29 from 12-2 p.m. at Roger Guindon Hall Atrium to honour her incredible career.
