Trailblazing Scientist and Educator: Dr. Denise Belsham Honoured as a 2025 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner

Dr. Denise Belsham, Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto and a distinguished leader in neuroendocrine research and science education, has been recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award winners by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN). This prestigious honour celebrates women whose leadership, innovation, and impact are transforming industries, organizations, and communities across Canada. 

A Tier 1 Canada Research Chair with over three decades of contributions to understanding neuroendocrine systems, Dr. Belsham has advanced fundamental knowledge of how the brain regulates critical physiological processes such as appetite, circadian rhythms, and reproduction. She serves as President of the International Neuroendocrine Federation, underscoring her leadership in the scientific community.

Beyond her research achievements, Dr. Belsham is a dedicated educator and mentor. She has received the University of Toronto’s President’s Teaching Award, one of the university’s highest honours for teaching excellence. Her commitment to training the next generation of scientists spans decades and includes inspiring countless students.

Dr. Belsham has also had success as an entrepreneur of two startup biotechnology companies: CELLutions Biosystems, which distributes cell lines, and ZAPetite Inc, which has brought her novel discovery of a natural plant-identical therapeutic for obesity and metabolic disease to the market.

Dr. Belsham’s inclusion among Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women affirms her exceptional leadership in research, education, and innovation. Her achievements reflect the commitment to excellence and impact shared across the Women’s Health Research Cluster. To learn more about her research, visit her lab’s website or explore her cluster profile.