Lehana Thabane, professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), has been elected to the World Academy of Sciences’ (TWAS) 2026 class of fellows.
Thabane, who is also vice-president of Research at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and scientific director of the Research Institute of St Joe’s Hamilton, is one of only two Canadians elected to the newest class, joining 61 other scientists from across the globe. He is the third person from McMaster to be elected to the academy.
TWAS is an elite group of the most accomplished scientists who are working to solve some of the biggest problems that face the world, especially in developing countries. The academy consists of more than 1,400 members from 112 countries. Election to the academy is a lifetime honour.
“I am deeply honoured to be elected as a fellow of the World Academy of Sciences and humbled to be only the third person from McMaster University to receive this distinction,” Thabane says.
“This moment is not a reflection of personal achievement, but a recognition of what becomes possible when rigour meets generosity — a testament to the collaborative spirit and cutting-edge research fostered by McMaster and St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.”
“I am grateful to my colleagues, collaborators, and students whose dedication has made this achievement possible,” Thabane says. “I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s mission of promoting scientific excellence and its application to pressing global issues.”
Thabane is best known for his work in reshaping how clinical trials are designed and conducted. He has pioneered innovations in pilot and feasibility trials, adaptive designs and platform trials.
His 2010 paper on pilot trials has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times and has been cited more than 4,000 times. It has become a foundational resource for early-stage clinical research and led to the creation of the Pilot and Feasibility Studies Journal, of which he is currently the emeritus co-founding editor-in-chief.
“Being elected to the World Academy of Sciences is one of the highest honours a scientist can receive and there are few others more deserving of this recognition than Dr. Thabane,” says Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.
“His groundbreaking workplaces him amongst the most influential scientists of our time.”
Thabane has authored more than 1,300 peer-reviewed publications and has contributed over $500 million in research funding through more than 300 national and international studies.
“St. Joe’s is proud of Dr. Thabane’s global recognition of his immense accomplishments,” says Mike Heenan, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System. “As an affiliated hospital with McMaster University and its medical school, we share the same mission, values and unwavering commitment to discovery.
“Dr. Thabane is a shining example of leaders using compassionate research to advance care to some of the most marginalized communities around the world.”
In addition to his role with HEI, Thabane holds associate membership with the departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, Family Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, and Anesthesia, as well as the School of Nursing and School of Rehabilitation Science.