We sadly inform the University of Ottawa community of the passing of Dr. Adolfo J. De Bold on October 22, 2021. Dr. De Bold revolutionized cardiovascular research with his discovery that the heart has an endocrine function, considered one of the major cardiovascular discoveries of the past 50 years. His isolation and characterization of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), the cardiac polypeptide hormone previously unknown to the scientific community, deepened scientific understanding of the heart’s physiology and function, opened up new research worldwide, and has led to novel therapeutics. An emeritus professor with Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dr. De Bold was a well-known figure in the Department. He was at the helm of the graduate program, and was also a member of the Departmental Teaching Personnel Committee (DTPC) for many years. A distinguished scientist and Ex-Director of the Cardiovascular Endocrinology Laboratory at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, he was an inspiring figure in the Department and beyond, and renowned around the globe.
Dr. De Bold was one of the most cited Canadian authors, and received much prestigious recognition for his work. His honours include the Gairdner Foundation International Award, Manning Innovation Awards Principal Award, Royal Society of Canada McLaughlin Medal in Medical Research, International Society of Hypertension Research Award, CIBA Award of the American Heart Association, the American Society of Hypertension Research Award, and the Gran Prix Scientifique Lefoulon-Delalande, Institute de France. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 1992, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and in 2014, was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Read a full biography of Dr. De Bold.
Details about a celebration of life will be posted on this page when available, or please visit the link to his obituary.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the De Bold family as well as his friends and colleagues.
