The Hardi Cinader Prize is a well-recognized award for those in the Department of Immunology at the University of Toronto. Each year, this award is given to a graduate student pursuing doctoral studies in Immunology. The award selects the student who “best reflects the goals and life of Dr. Cinader”, with a specific emphasis on scientific prowess and fascinations in both the arts and sciences. Dr. Cinader, more commonly known as Hardi Cinader, was himself a widely accomplished scientist with a deep interest in Canadian art. While the prestige and monetary value of this award are well recognized by graduate students and faculty members alike, we often do not lend enough thought to the origins of scholarships like the Hardi Cinader Prize, many of which act as legacy awards. Who was Hardi Cinader, and why does his name grace such a prestigious award? As time passes, it is important that we continue to remember and honour those who helped build the Department of Immunology into what it is today. So, without further ado, let’s talk about Dr. Cinader!
Dr. Bernhard (Hardi) Cinader was born March 30, 1919, in Vienna, Austria. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of London in 1944-1945 and subsequently completed his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of London Lister Institute of Preventative Medicine in 1948 – talk about scholarly! Records indicate that he served on the scientific staff of the Lister Institute in 1950.
After achieving the title of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Immunology from the University of London in 1958, Cinader immigrated to Canada, where his scientific career took off. Cinader became Head of the Immunochemistry subdivision of the Ontario Cancer Institute in Toronto before being promoted to Professor of Medical Cell Biology, Medical Genetics and Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Toronto in 1969. Around the same time, Cinader acted as a founding member and the first President of the Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) from 1966-1969 while simultaneously playing an instrumental role in establishing the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). His achievements continued into 1969, serving as the first IUIS President. Also around this time, Cinader became instrumental in the early days of what would become the Department of Immunology. He became the Director of the Institute of Immunology from 1971-1980, helping to foster its development until 1984 when Immunology attained academic status within the Faculty of Medicine as a fully-fledged Department.
Cinader was an incredibly accomplished scientist. His research was instrumental in guiding our understanding of many key immunological topics. He investigated foundational concepts including the production of cytokines, human antibody classes, antibody catalysis (the ability of antibodies to destroy pathogens), the first descriptions of mouse antibody classes (allotypes), and more. His work has been published across numerous reputable journals and he has been a pioneering figure in immunology research in Canada.
Beyond his scientific passions, Cinader was a well-known patron of Indigenous Canadian art and artists. In 2001, shortly after his passing, he bequeathed his collection of First Nations’ art to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). His collection housed over 600 paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, quill and beadwork, which can now be seen on rotation at the ROM. He has been recognized as an authority on First Nations art. Together, the many aspects of Cinader’s life including his research, his artistic passions, and his teaching and mentorship are remembered. When described, many may have called Cinader “extraordinary” or “exceptional” for excelling beyond the standards of scientific research and engaging heavily with the community.
Traditionally the Cinader Prize is awarded at the Immunology Department Holiday Party (often sandwiched between a lighthearted faculty roast filled with scientific wit and the department busting a move on the dance floor). Any graduate student expected to earn their PhD in the succeeding year or who have received their PhD in the preceding year are eligible for the award. This award is not to be confused with the Hardi Cinader Graduate Scholarship in Immunology, the Cinader award lectureship granted through CSI, or the Bernhard Cinader Award given by CSI – which Cinader acted as the inaugural award recipient for at the first CSI meeting held in 1987.
It is important to remember the vast impact Dr. Cinader had on his community. From his extensive contributions and leadership endeavours, he was an exceptional figure in our collective history. His lasting legacy should remind us that while being driven in our academic endeavours is important, we will be remembered as more than the sum of our parts, and we should pursue our passions unapologetically.
Raven Stoddart
