Born and raised on a farm in Lloydminster, Alberta, Dr. Till pursued his passion for science at the University of Saskatchewan, earning a B.Sc. in 1952 and an M.Sc. in physics in 1954. He then obtained a Ph.D. in biophysics from Yale University in 1957. Shortly thereafter, he was recruited to the Ontario Cancer Institute, now known as the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) at UHN.
A Visionary Leader in Stem Cell Research
At the Ontario Cancer Institute, Dr. Till collaborated with Dr. Ernest McCulloch, forming a partnership that would revolutionize biology. In 1961, through experiments involving the injection of bone marrow cells into irradiated experimental models, they provided the first description of blood-forming stem cells. Their 1963 publication in Nature further demonstrated that each spleen colony generated from these experiments originated from a single cell, offering the first functional definition of stem cells. Collaborating with Dr. Lou Siminovitch, they further showed that these marrow cells possessed the capacity for self-renewal.
Dr. Till continued to advance stem cell research for over 15 years, exploring the potential of stem cells to differentiate into various cell types and the feasibility of isolating viable stem cells.
The impact of this work has been profound, laying the groundwork for bone marrow transplants and forming the basis for numerous stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine approaches aimed at repairing or regenerating damaged tissues and organs.
Beyond Stem Cells
In the 1980s, Dr. Till expanded his research interests to encompass various aspects of cancer care, including quality of life, research ethics, and the decision-making capacities of cancer patients. He also explored the role of the Internet as a source of information, support, and advocacy, and examined the impact of this information on patient care.
Dr. Till served as a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto. His numerous accolades include the Canada Gairdner International Award in 1969, appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1994, election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2000, and induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2004.
Dr. Till’s legacy endures through the transformative research he inspired and the many scientists he mentored, whose work continues to advance stem cell science and improve lives worldwide.
"Dr. James Till’s work was not only essential to the discovery and conception of stem cells but also set a new standard for scientific rigour and collaboration,” said Dr. Brad Wouters, Executive Vice President of Science and Research at UHN. “His contributions will continue to resonate through the generations of scientists he mentored and the countless patients who have benefited from his discoveries.”
For more on Dr. Till’s work and enduring legacy, please see the following videos from UHN that marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery that confirmed the existence of stem cells: Till and McCulloch tribute "Mentors", Till and McCulloch tribute “Legacy”
This story first appeared on UHN News