CIHR/CAPO 2026 Research Excellence Award Winner: Madeline Li

Madeline Li MD PhD is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and a psychiatrist in Psychosocial Oncology at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada. She completed an MD/PhD degree, with her doctoral studies at the Ontario Cancer Institute, followed by a residency in psychiatry and fellowship in psychiatric oncology at the University of Toronto. In addition to clinical practice, she conducts collaborative research in the areas of psychoneuroimmunology and psychosocial oncology.  She has expertise in end-of-life care, screening for emotional distress and management of mood disorders in cancer. 

The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee and the Board of Directors Association, has made a significant research contribution to Psychosocial Oncology. This award will follow a nomination and selection process as outlined in the Award Terms of Reference.

• Click here to view Award Terms of Reference

Eligibility

• Eligibility is limited to members in good standing of CAPO (for at least one year prior to the nomination). 
• Award recipients must register and attend the annual CAPO conference (in person or virtually) in order to be eligible.

Application Criteria

• The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee and the Board of Directors of the Association, has made a significant research contribution to psychosocial oncology.
• The award will be presented at the annual CAPO conference by the Chair of the Awards Committee or an Institute designate. 
• The winner(s) agree to have their name(s) released as winners of the award and to be featured on CHIR-ICR's various communication channels (e.g., website, social media, newsletter).

Anticipated Timeline

• January 15, 2026: Launch of call for applications
• April 10, 2026: Submissions due
• Awarded at CAPO conference

Award

• Recognition award and reimbursement for travel expenses to the CAPO annual conference up to $1000

Application Process

• Submit application below

• 2025 - Dr. Josée Savard (QC)
• 2024 - Dr. Sylvie Lambert (QC)
  
• 2023 - Dr Sophie Lebel (ON)
  
• 2022 - Dr. Fiona Schulte (AB)

• 2021 - Dr. Shane Sinclair (AB)

• 2020 - Dr. Jennifer Jones (ON)

• 2019 - Dr. S. Nicole Culos-Reed (AB)

• 2018 - Dr. Doris Howell (ON)

• 2017 - Dr. Gary Rodin (ON)

• 2015 - Dr. John Oliffe (BC)

• 2014 - Dr. Tom Hack (MB)

• 2013 - Dr. Keith Wilson (ON)

• 2012 - Dr. Kerry Courneya (AB)

• 2011 - Dr. Elizabeth Maunsell (QC)

• 2010 - Dr. Linda Carlson (AB)

The CIHR - Institute of Cancer Research & CAPO Early Career Investigator in Psychosocial Oncology Award 

CIHR/CAPO 2026 Early Career Investigator Award Winner: Perri Tutelman

Dr. Perri Tutelman is a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor in Transdisciplinary Digital Mental Health in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary, as well as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine. Dr. Tutelman obtained her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) in 2022. She completed a predoctoral residency in Pediatric & Child Clinical Psychology at the Alberta Children’s Hospital (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Psychosocial Oncology at the University of Calgary (2022-2024). Currently, her research is focused on developing novel patient-oriented interventions to support the wellbeing of children, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. She works closely with patient partners to co-design research that addresses what matters most to patients and their families. Her work has been recognized with grants and awards from national organizations including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Pan-Canadian Palliative Care Research Collaborative, and the Royal Society of Canada.