Welcome!
This page lists all of the initiatives reported to us in support of the 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Insulin. We invite you to add your initiative.
‘Cross-Canada Challenge’ for all Canadians
Salute the Insulin Discovery Team
A challenge to all Canadians to undertake a local initiative in support of the 100th Anniversary. All entries reported will be included here.
International entries also welcome
Please share the details of your response to the Challenge
See the ‘Celebration’ page for suggested actions.
Summary Tables
[due to COVID-imposed restrictions regarding public assembly, dates and locations could change]
Click to reach Summary Table for each Group
- Anniversary Events [by scheduled date]
- Anniversary Educational Resources [videos, articles, exhibitions]
- Anniversary Commemorative Recognition [medallions, monuments, memorabilia, awards]
- Understanding Diabetes [risk reduction; resources for youth living with diabetes]
EVENTS [face-to-face or virtual]
| Date | Title | Host or Producer & Location |
| March 5 | Three Pillars of the Insulin Story [Virtual] | Sanofi Canada |
| March 12 | Living with diabetes during COVID | McMaster Diabetes Association |
| April 14 | 100 Years of Insulin – Impact on our Lives [Virtual] | DAC & BBDC, U of T |
| April 15 -16 | The 100th Anniversary Scientific Symposium [Virtual] | Temerty Faculty of Medicine, U of T |
| April 25 | Screening of Miracle, Baby | RCIScience |
| May 30 | Beyond Insulin: Diabetes Research across Canada | RCIScience |
| June 1 | 100 for 100 Challenge | Banting Memorial High School |
| June 2-3 | CIHR/NIH Conference [Virtual] | Canadian Institutes for Health Research |
| August | Walk in the Footsteps of Banting [Face-to-face] | SFBLF – Banting Homestead Heritage Park |
| September 26 | Tour de T1D | T1 Parents |
| Nov 1 | Banting, Bliss, and Beyond: [Face-to-face] | Toronto Medical Historical Club |
| Nov 14 | World Diabetes Day [Virtual events] | International Diabetes Federation (IDF) |
| Nov 14 – 20 | Banting Week [Face-to-face] | SFBLF, Banting Homestead Heritage Park |
Back to top or
See the Detailed Event Listings
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES [virtual tours, videos, articles, exhibitions, lectures]
| Date | Title | Host or Producer |
| Jan on-going | Insulin100: Celebrating a Century of Health Innovation at the University of Toronto [comprehensive timeline] | University of Toronto |
| Jan on-going | Virtual Tour of Banting’s Birthplace [virtual tour] | SFBLF |
| Jan on-going | Quizzes for the 100th Anniversary Celebration’ [quiz] | SFBLF |
| Jan on-going | Insulin 100: Inspiration and Innovation [website] | Defining Moments Canada |
| Jan 29 on-going | Insulin 100 – The Centenary of Insulin Discovery | Kenneth NH Cheung, MD |
| Feb 1 | Insulin at 100 [article] | Canada History magazine |
| March 26 on-going | Insulin to Innovation [web site] | RCIScience |
| Spring | Heritage Minute [movie for TV] | Historica Canada, Eli Lilly, Novo-Nordisk |
| Sep 1-Dec 31 | The Discovery of Insulin at the University of Toronto [exhibition] | Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, U of T |
| Fall | Focus on Insulin100, future forward [article] | U of T Alumni Magazine |
| Fall | 100 Lives of Insulin | RCIS |
| Nov | Boehm Lectures on Public Health and Healthcare [lectures] | Dalla Lana School of Public Health, U of T |
Back to top
or See the Detailed Education Listings
COMMEMORATIVE RECOGNITION [medallions, monuments, memorabilia, awards]
| Date | Title | Host or Producer |
| April 15 | 100th Anniversary Commemorative stamp | Canada Post |
| May 29 | Monument Honouring the Insulin Discovery Team [unveiling] | SFBLF |
| May 29 | 100th Anniversary Commemorative Medallion [public release] | SFBLF |
| May 29 | 100th Anniversary CommemorativeBrochure [public release] | SFBLF |
| June 14 | Legacy Education Awards [winners announced] | SFBLF |
| November 14 | 50+ years on Insulin Awards [winners announced] | SFBLF |
| TBD | Discovery of Insulin Plaque [re-installation] | Temerty Fac. Medicine, U of T; |
Back to top
or See the Detailed Recognition Listings
DIABETES [basics, risk assessment, support resources]
| Resource | Title |
| eLearning | Understanding Diabetes (for youth and families) free, self-paced, 3 modules |
| Questionnaire | Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment for Youth (8 – 18) |
| Questionnaire | Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment for Adults (Canrisk) |
| Questionnaire | Food Security (for youth and their healthcare provider) |
| Software APPs | Self-management support (IOS and Android) |
| eLearning | Mental Health & Diabetes in Youth (for healthcare providers and teachers) free, self paced, 5 modules |
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EVENTS – DETAILS
March 5, 2021
Three Pillars of the Insulin Story
- Educational Event focusing on discovery, legacy and transformation
- Virtual Tour of of an insulin manufacturing factory
- Hosted by Sanofi Canada
- Contact for details: Education Strategy Manager
March 12, 2021
Living with diabetes during COVID
- Virtual Event focusing on healthy living with diabetes during COVID; open discussion about Banting and the 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Insulin; and fun with a Kahoot trivia game
- co-hosted by McMaster Diabetes Association and Diabetes Canada at Ryerson
- Contact McMaster Diabetes Association (MDA) for more information about other 2021 events
April 14, 2021
100 Years of Insulin—Celebrating Its Impact on Our Lives
- A virtual event 4:30 pm – 8:15 pm
- Sponsored by Diabetes Action Canada and the Banting & Best Diabetes Centre, University of Toronto
April 15-16, 2021
The 100th Anniversary of University of Toronto’s Discovery of Insulin: A Scientific Symposium Celebration
There will be two components to this virtual online meeting:
- Pre-recorded lectures available starting January 2021
- Live, moderated, speaker discussions, abstract & trainee award presentations on April 15 & 16
April 25, 2021 2:00 – 3:30pm
‘Screening of Miracle, Baby’
a special screening of Miracle, Baby – an inspiring documentary about professional hockey player Cory Conacher who lives with type 1 diabetes. A Q&A with Cory, pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Vandermeulen (featured in the documentary), and Canadian filmmaker Calvin Hudson Hwang follows.
Note this is a live only event – a recording will not be subsequently available. Space is limited – registration required.
May 8 & 9, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Jane’s Walk
This virtual walk will highlight the buildings in the College/University area that are associated with the discovery of insulin
For more information, please contact Peter Kopplin
May 30, 2021 2:00pm – 3:30pm
‘Beyond Insulin: Diabetes Research across Canada’
Insulin to Innovation presents a series of engaging conversations with diabetes researchers from across Canada. Hosted by writer and podcast host Krista Lamb, these bitesize chats showcase scientists and clinicians working at the cutting edge of research to improve the quality of life of those living with diabetes.
Submit your questions live or in advance by email
Speakers:
- Dr. Ananya Banarjee is Assistant Professor at the School of Population & Global Health, McGill University and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto.
- Taylor Morriseau is an Indigenous scholar and PhD candidate at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. Her CIHR Vanier research examines early-onset type 2 diabetes among Indigenous youth in Manitoba.
- Dr. Patrick MacDonald from the Alberta Diabetes Institute works in the IsletCore lab, which provides donor tissue to support research across Canada.
- Dr. Mary Jung at UBC researches Type 2 diabetes prevention and exercise.
June 1, 2021 start
‘100 for 100 – Banting Memorial High School – Challenge Program
Banting Memorial High School in Alliston, Ontario has launched a ‘100 for 100’ challenge for students, staff and families to make a 100 day pledge to practice healthy living in honour of the discovery of insulin.
Examples of pledges made include to cycle 5 km, or to walk 6 km or to eat a healthy breakfast daily for 100 days.
Pledges collected are being shared on their social media campaign to honour the discovery.
The Campaign includes sharing SFBLF Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Campaign Infographics with their high school community.
More information contact Diane Marie Cabral
June 2-3, 2021
‘Heterogeneity of Diabetes: Beta Cells, Phenotypes & Precision Medicine Symposium’
- International workshop focused on the cutting edge of diabetes research, how to facilitate interactions and collaborations
- A joint initiative of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestion and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH
- Hosted by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD)
More information contact CIHR-INMD Asst Director
August 20 -22, 2021
“Walk in the Footsteps of Banting” at the birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting
Hosted and developed by the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation in collaboration with the Banting Research Foundation, the Charles H. Best Foundation, and the Royal Canadian Institute for Science.
This FREE event, originally scheduled for the last weekend in May and fully subscribed, was deferred due to COVID assembly restrictions. The event has been re-scheduled to Friday, Saturday, Sunday, August 20, 21, 22, 2021 with two ‘repeat’ sessions each day, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Each session contains two components:
- A series of short, narrated videos with a mix of current and historic content, shown in the historic Octagonal Drive Shed
- A guided tour of the historic Banting family farmhouse, including over 20 exhibits within its walls, with the opportunity to see more exhibits by walking the Banting Legacy Trail
More information contact SFBLF Program Director
Pre-registration is required CLICK HERE
September 26, 2021
‘Tour de T1D – Cycling for Type 1 Diabetes’
This annual event was initiated in 2018 by the parents of a newly diagnosed T1 to help
raise awareness of youth-onset diabetes and to raise funds for various charities that provide help for youth living with diabetes.
The ride follows prescribed routes, all starting and ending at the Heights Ski and Country Club. There are 4 distance options: 25k, 35+k, 55+k and 100k.
Pre-registration is required. Modest registration fees apply.
Location: Heights Ski and Country Club,1106 Horseshoe Valley Road, West, Barrie, Ontario
Check out the Tour de T1D web site for more information.
November 1, 2021
‘Banting, Bliss, and Beyond: Insulin 100, A Century of Science and Care’
Sponsored by the Toronto Medical Historical Club
During this full day event we will celebrate the key contributions of Toronto researchers to the discovery of insulin, recognize the breakthroughs in science and care subsequent to the discovery, describe perspectives on the culture and genetics of diabetes, and pay tribute to the late Professor Michael Bliss.
This event will be of interest to health care professionals, researchers, medical historians and trainees.
Location: University of Toronto campus TBD. Event may be held virtually.
Program and speaker biographies
More Information contact Committee Chair
November 14, 2021
‘World Diabetes Day’
Sponsored by the International Diabetes Federation with hundreds of
celebration events globally
November 14 -20, 2021
‘Banting Week’
This Annual celebration at the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation DMEC, Banting Homestead Heritage Park, will emphasize the Discovery and feature a community breakfast in collaboration with Alliston Lions along with other events currently being developed. Watch the ‘What’s New’ updates on the SFBLF website for details
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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES – DETAILS
January 2021 on-going
‘Insulin100: Celebrating a Century of Health Innovation at the University of Toronto’
This is an illustrated timeline of the Discovery of Insulin followed by a comprehensive timeline of medical innovations at the University of Toronto from 1922 to 2015 and an exposition of the ‘Next 100 Years’
January 8, 2021 – on-going
‘Virtual Tour of Banting’s Birthplace’
A 3D, 360 degree self-directed Virtual Tour of the property, buildings and exhibits at the Banting Homestead Heritage Park. Includes Learning objectives and post-tour projects and 3 self-scoring quizzes; one general and one each for Elementary and High Schools
Developed by the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation
January 11, 2021 – on-going
‘Quizzes for the 100th Anniversary Celebration’
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- Three challenging, fun, self-scoring Quizzes: 100th Anniversary; Discovery; Diabetes Each is self-scoring; provides correct answers for any incorrect response; and a ‘Certificate of Completion’. Each supports ‘pause and resume’
- Developed by the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation
January 2021 – on-going
Insulin 100: Inspiration and Innovation
One video plus extensive historical notes on the discovery and Banting
Includes suggested projects for students
Developed by Defining Moments Canada
January 29, 2021 – on-going
Insulin 100 – The Centenary of Insulin Discovery
An entertaining, animated video developed by Kenneth N. H. Cheung, MD
February 1, 2021
‘Insulin at 100’
A special article developed by Defining Moments Canada.
Cover story for Canada History magazine Feb – Mar 2021
March 26 2021& on-going
‘Insulin to Innovation’
- An online, cross-Canada showcase hosted by the Royal Canadian Institute for Science, with a supporting series exploring the impact of the discovery of insulin on Canadian medical research and society.
- Find details, including ‘100 lives of insulin’ profiles on the insulin to innovation website.
- Developed by the Royal Canadian Institute for Science in collaboration with the Banting Research Foundation, the Charles H. Best Foundation and the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation .
More information contact RCIS Executive Director
Spring 2021
‘Heritage Minute’
- A 60 second short film on the discovery of insulin
- A joint project with Historica Canada, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly
- To air on Canadian television
More Information contact Novo Nordisk, Director, External Affairs
September 1 – December 31, 2021
‘The Discovery of Insulin at the University of Toronto’
An exhibition by the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin and a complement to the existing The Discovery and Early Development of Insulin Digital Collection.
Fall 2021
‘Focus on Insulin100, future forward’
University of Toronto Alumni Magazine
Fall 2021
‘100 Voices and Lives of Insulin
Development of a video and a companion book profiling
individuals whose lives were affected by the Discovery of Insulin;
people living with diabetes as well as key historical figures.
Developed by the Royal Canadian Institute for Science in collaboration with
the Banting Research Foundation, Charle h. Best Foundation, Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation
More information contact RCIS Executive Director
November 2021
‘Boehm Lectures on Public Health and Healthcare’
Hosted by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health
University of Toronto
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COMMEMORATIVE RECOGNITION – DETAILS
April 15 2021
‘100th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp’
This exciting new stamp, designed by Subplot Design Inc, was issued by Canada Post on April 15, 2021. Stamp value is ‘domestic rate’ and 130,000 have been produced. The dimensions of the stamp are 40mm by 25mm.
For order details see Canada Post
May 29 2021
‘Monument Honouring the Insulin Discovery Team’
A permanent monument saluting Banting, Best, Collip, Macleod will be installed in the Legacy Garden at the Banting Homestead Heritage Park. Unveiling date subject to impact by COVID assembly protocols.
Commissioned by the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation
More information contact SFBLF Program Director
May 29, 2021
‘100th Anniversary Commemorative Medallion’
This limited edition Commemorative Medallion will be provided to all attendees at the May 29-30 WIFB Event and will be available subsequently to order online. Medallion honours the 4 Discovery Team members.
More information contact SFBLF Program Director
Designed by the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation
May 29, 2021
‘100th Anniversary Commemorative Brochure’
This Commemorative Brochure will be provided to all attendees 
at the May 29-30 WIFB Event and will be available subsequently to order online. Brochure includes a focus on the discovery, the team, the subsequent impact on Canadian medical research and diabetes advocacy worldwide; the evolution of insulin; the continuing rise of youth-onset diabetes and related challenges; the Homestead Rescue
More information contact SFBLF Program Director
Designed by the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation
June 14, 2021
‘Legacy Education Awards’
The Banting Legacy Education Awards are offered In support of Grade 12 students living with T1 or T2 diabetes. Applications can be obtained directly by a qualifying student only at scholar@bantinglegacy.ca. the 2021 – 2022 competition is dedicated to celebrating the Discovery of Insulin. Winners will be announced on June 14, 2021
November 14, 2021
’50+ years on Insulin Award’
The SFBLF 50+ Years on Insulin Award is provided to recognize the personal courage of adults who have lived with insulin-dependent diabetes for 50 years or more. Nominations from healthcare professionals or a nomination from others attested by a healthcare provider are invited. Selected recipients will be announced on November 14, 2021, Banting’s birthday and World Diabetes Day. Plaques will include recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Insulin.
TBD 2021
‘Discovery of Insulin Plaque’
- Frederick Banting plaque unveiling and reinstallation
- University of Toronto, St. George Campus
- Parks Canada and Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Please tell us about your event in support of the 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Insulin. Send details to 100celebrations@bantinglegacy.ca and we will add a description to this ‘100 for 100’ Celebrations page.