Remembering Connie Eaves
The ISSCR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Connie Eaves, a tremendous friend and globally renowned stem cell scientist. Dr. Eaves was a member of the Stem Cell Reports Editorial Board and served on the ISSCR Board of Directors from 2009-2015. Many current and former ISSCR leaders fondly remember Dr. Eaves and her impactful contributions to the Society and stem cell community.
“Connie was a pioneer in the field of stem cell biology. She had one foot in hematopoiesis and the other in the mammary gland. Her Nature 2006 paper on mammary epithelial stem cells was a dazzler, putting her on the map for good and causing all heads to turn. Research aside, Connie made time for everyone. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always a smile on her face. I join with many colleagues in expressing sadness over her departure from our community. Her legacy will long be remembered,” Elaine Fuchs, PhD.
“Connie was an amazing woman! Great scientist with fundamental discoveries in stem cell biology that will be her ongoing legacy. But more than that, she will be remembered for her steadfast support of women and young scientists, helping them moving forward in their careers,” Janet Rossant, PhD.
“I served as an [ISSCR] Board Member alongside Connie from 2012 to 2015. In particular, I am deeply grateful for her support during the joint conferences on stem cell research between Japan and Canada, as well as the ISSCR conference in Vancouver. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time,” Hideyuki Okano, MD, PhD.
“Connie was the most wonderful scientist - rigorous, smart, funny, kind, and direct. She was a major influence on many generations of stem cell researchers and will be sorely missed,” Fiona Watt, DPhil, FRS, FMedSci.
“Connie was a trailblazer in stem cell research, a devoted member and leader of the ISSCR, and a wonderful friend. She will be dearly missed,” Haifan Lin, PhD.
"Connie was an early champion of the ISSCR, and her leadership focused on highlighting quality research and mentoring trainees. In addition to these on-going contributions, she and her husband, Allen Eaves, were instrumental in bringing the 2014 ISSCR Annual Meeting to Vancouver, B.C.,” Nancy Witty, former ISSCR CEO.
In 2018, Dr. Eaves body of work was recognized with the ISSCR Tobias Award: Dr. Eaves was an internationally recognized leader and authority on stem cells of the blood-forming system and how their properties change over time and by type. Her discovery of the diversity of blood cell characteristics has been influential in the field, with specific implications for the development of leukemia in patients of different ages. “Eaves’ contributions to the understanding of blood stem cells have been instrumental to the field,” said Hans Clevers, PhD. “Her rigorous approaches to the study of blood stem cell transplants and maintenance have been transformative and provide valuable insights into many areas of stem cell research now being translated to the clinic,” he said.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations honoring Connie’s incredible career and legacy can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation to support the Terry Fox Laboratory at www.bccancerfoundation.com/ConnieEaves or mailed to: BC Cancer Foundation 150-686 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1G1.