GlycoNet Investigators inducted into the Royal Society of Canada

The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) recently announced its 2026 Class of Fellows and College Members, recognizing 159 distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists from across Canada. This news includes two GlycoNet investigators, Drs. Jason Acker and Lara Mahal, professors at the University of Alberta.

Founded in 1882 as Canada’s national academy, the RSC fosters research and education across the arts, humanities, and sciences. The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists recognizes exceptional emerging and mid-career leaders who bring fresh perspectives and a multigenerational capacity to address major challenges and seize new opportunities across disciplines.

Dr. Acker is an internationally recognized leader in transfusion sciences and cryobiology.  He has made exemplary contributions to advancing the safety and quality of blood products across the world. 

Dr. Mahal is an internationally acclaimed scientist, whose pioneering studies have discovered unexpected roles for specific glycans in cancer and influenza. Examining glycan control mechanisms, Dr. Mahal’s work is overturning dogma surrounding microRNA and identifying new mechanisms and targets for these non-coding RNA.