Dr. Judy Illes appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada

The IBI congratulates Dr. Judy Illes, IBI Immediate Past Chair, on her promotion to Officer of the Order of Canada. This distinguished recognition reflects her groundbreaking contributions to biomedical ethics and neuroscience and for being a proponent of Indigenous knowledge as a vital source from which to reframe Western Traditional medicine.

On December 31, 2025, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has made 80 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including 6 Companions, 15 Officers and 59 Members. Six appointments are promotions within the Order, and another represents an honorary appointment.

“When I was honoured to become a Member of the Order of Canada, I was recognized for bringing ethics to neurology and the neurological sciences in Canada.

It is such a privilege to be recognized for expanding this body of Canadian work and leadership, including cross-cultural perspectives, to the world stage.”
– Dr. Judy Illes

In 2017, Dr. Illes was initially appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada for her contributions to the field of neurology, including pioneering research that has highlighted the ethical, social and legal implications of advances in neuroscience.

The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Since its creation in 1967, more than 8,250 people from all sectors of society have been appointed to the Order. The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.

Please join us in celebrating this significant milestone and in expressing our highest regard for this well-deserved award!