Dr. Poul Sorensen Honoured with Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Prize in Cancer Research

The 2025 Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Prize in Cancer Research was awarded to Dr. Poul Sorensen for his revolutionary contributions to pediatric cancer diagnostics and care. The award is a UBC Faculty of Medicine National Research Prize, which celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence in scientific research and ongoing impact in their respective fields.

Dr. Sorensen is a distinguished scientist at BC Cancer and professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the UBC Faculty of Medicine and holds the Johal Chair in Childhood Cancer Research. He is an internationally recognized clinician-scientist and board-certified molecular pathologist.

Working at the intersection of science and patient care, Dr. Sorensen’s research has significantly advanced the diagnosis and treatment of high-risk childhood cancers. He identified key genetic events that drive malignancies, particularly in rare pediatric sarcomas, and leveraged these discoveries to develop molecular diagnostic tools implemented in clinical settings around the world.

Dr. Sorensen has made substantial contributions to the broader scientific and medical community, including a central role in shaping World Health Organization cancer classifications and through collaborative initiatives such as the Pediatric Cancer Dream Team. With unwavering productivity and a collaborative spirit, Dr. Sorensen continues to influence translational research and diagnostic practices worldwide and improve outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.

The Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Prize in Cancer Research is named for a Hong Kong physician who retired to Vancouver in 1988. An obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Chew grew determined to improve outcomes for people with cancer. After his death in 2009, his family and friends sought to honour his goals by endowing a Faculty of Medicine prize in cancer research, as well as a chair and a professorship in gynecologic oncology.

This article has been adapted from its original version. Read the UBC Faculty of Medicine story here.