In Memoriam: Dr. Robert Sladek
2026-03-10Dr. Robert Sladek was an exceptional scientist, mentor, colleague, and friend whose passing on March 3, 2026 leaves a profound void at McGill. A scholar of uncommon brilliance and curiosity, he combined rigorous scientific thinking with deep generosity toward those around him. His kindness, intellectual breadth, and integrity touched the lives of many students, colleagues, and collaborators. Rob had a rare gift for forming meaningful relationships across the entire community. He was particularly admired for the way he supported students and trainees, often standing up for those who needed an advocate and ensuring that their voices were heard.
Originally trained as an endocrinologist at the University of Toronto, Rob became one of the leading figures in human genetics and genomics at McGill. His scientific perspective reflected this unusual path: he brought to research the clinical insight of a physician together with the analytical rigor of a quantitative scientist, moving easily across disciplines.
Rob was also an early member of the McGill Genome Centre community during a period when genome-wide technologies were rapidly transforming biomedical research. His scientific vision and intellectual engagement contributed to the environment that helped establish McGill as a leading centre for genomics.
Rob was among the early leaders in applying genome-wide approaches to the study of complex disease. His landmark work on the genetics of type 2 diabetes helped establish genome-wide association studies as a powerful strategy for uncovering the genetic architecture of common disease. This work contributed to a major shift in the field and helped bring international visibility to McGill’s growing strength in human genomics.
Over the course of his career, Rob’s research sought to understand how genetic variation is translated into biological function. Beginning with the genetics of complex disease, his work expanded to explore gene regulation, RNA biology, transcriptional networks, and chromatin mechanisms. In later years he also contributed to the development of new computational approaches for analysing genomic data, reflecting his enduring curiosity about how emerging technologies could deepen our understanding of biology and the broader societal implications of genomic science.
Equally important was Rob’s role as a mentor and colleague. He gave his time generously to students, trainees, and junior scientists, often in ways that were quietly transformative. He challenged ideas rigorously and asked probing questions, but always with the aim of helping others refine their thinking and pursue stronger science.
Rob possessed a remarkable intellectual range. Conversations with him could move effortlessly from genomics and technology to philosophy, history, politics, and art. His curiosity extended well beyond the laboratory; even late in his career he explored questions at the intersection of genetics and society, reflecting on how emerging genomic technologies shape identity, ethics, and public understanding of science. To know him was to encounter not only a brilliant geneticist, but a deeply curious and thoughtful mind.
Dr. Sladek’s passing is a tremendous loss to McGill and to the many people whose work and lives he influenced. His scientific contributions will endure, as will the memory of his generosity, curiosity, and commitment to understanding the complexities of biology. He will be deeply missed.
Memories and Condolences
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Sladek's passing. During the time I worked at the Genome, he was always helpful and kind. He was a good person—funny, humble, and someone who made the workplace feel welcoming. I truly enjoyed working with him and chatting with him during my time there. I am sure he will be deeply missed by everyone at the Genome Centre and at McGill. His absence will surely be felt just as much as his presence was appreciated. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues. May he rest in peace. - Tania Younes
I first met Rob when he became my M.Sc co-supervisor in 2012, and returned for a PhD under his supervision as well. Rob had a wellspring of experience to draw on for advice and anecdotes, from working in stage lighting to serving as a physician at a Catholic hospital to collaborating with big genomics projects in the Middle East. He could also talk insightfully about practically every topic, from providing helpful advice on the scientific parts of my thesis to discussing history and art collection. And of course, he was an astute thesis advisor who was incredibly generous with his time and never failed to improve my work. He will be deeply missed at the Genome Centre and wherever life takes me. - Derek So
Rob was a great mentor during my years as a PhD student in Human Genetics at McGill in the 2010s. Rob would always hang out a bit after seminars and it was impossible not to talk to him. I fondly recall standing with him for almost an hour after a seminar just chatting, to the point where we had to leave because they were closing the building! I will recall those moments fondly, and I wish I had to chance to talk to him again. - Anonymous
My condolences to his friends and family. I had the privilege to have Rob as a mentor when I started my position at the CHUM. I was always impressed by the depth of his knowledge. He gave me great advice for my projects and career. I will greatly miss discussing science with him. - Martine Tetreault
I am extremely saddened by the news of Rob's passing. I will deeply miss him. I completed my PhD in December 2025, and Rob was instrumental in my path. In the first year of my PhD in Quantitative Life Sciences (QLS), I applied for the CIHR doctoral award, and Rob generously supported me by making many edits to my proposal, including content structure, theme, message, and strategic formatting. Three days before the deadline, I asked for his help for a final review. He asked me when it was due in which I told him 3 days, and he returned the feedback to me within a few hours. He was a tremendously kind person, and his support allowed me to acquire external funding for my PhD studies. I had difficulties in selecting PhD supervisors after the first year of QLS rotations, and Rob met with me several times to help me decide and offered his support. At that time, I had no one to lean on, and he stepped up to fully support me, and without him, I would not be in the position I am in today. I wish I had the chance to thank him fully. Over the course of my PhD, Rob repeatedly offered to provide me with advice and help me make connections for my postdoc upon the completion of my PhD. I had plans to seek him for my next move, but I did not get the chance to talk to him. I will forever remember all the valuable lessons Rob has taught me, not only regarding research but also in life. - Chen-Yang Su
I was deeply saddened to hear of Rob’s passing. I had the privilege of working alongside him during my time at the Genome Centre, and I will always remember him as an open, funny, and generous colleague. Rob was someone who always seemed to be there in the Genome when you needed him and he always supported newcomers in the Center. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the chance to work with him. - Markus Munter
Such a shock. I am deeply saddened by this news. Rob was a wonderful colleague and a great scientist . His passing is great loss for McGill in general and the human genetics community specifically. - Erwin Schurr
Deeply saddened by the news of Rob’s passing…. Rob was one of those rare people whose presence was quiet, yet immense. He was a true Renaissance man: curious about everything, generous with his time and deeply devoted to science and to mentoring. I was always inspired by the seriousness with which he took that responsibility. We lost a giant, and he will be deeply missed. Heartfelt condolences to you all, but especially, to his family, students, and friends. May he rest in peace. - Ma'n Zawati
Dr. Sladek was my first ever mentor who took a chance on me as an undergraduate student. No matter the piles of paper waiting for him, a drop by his office would always end up in a wonderful long conversation. He was full of stories, such as about his time treating diabetic complications in developing countries. He was generous with praise and offered so much of his time to someone who could never give back. His belief in me even as an uncertain, budding scientist has shaped my self-view. In his lab, he put people first, when someone in that position could have easily focused on results. I have no words big enough to thank the man who quietly instilled confidence in me and supported me through my development. He asked for no recognition and gave freely. I always looked forward to chatting with him and visiting. He was funny, real, and full of love. His laugh filled the room and will be missed greatly. - Serena Tsao
On paper, Rob was a member of my supervisory committee, but in essence, he was so much more. He was an advocate who genuinely cared to find the best outcome for all, with the skill and sensitivity to balance the scope of a project with the people carrying it. I will fondly remember his gift for appearing deceptively still during presentations, eyes closed, seemingly elsewhere, and just as you thought you might get off lightly, he would offer the most penetrating and thoughtful question, one that nobody else in the room had thought to ask. Beyond formal meetings, a "quick catchup" with Rob could easily stretch into hours of rich and wide-ranging conversation. He gave his time as freely as his insight, regardless of your career stage, and I know that generosity touched so many people. He would end every meeting with genuine encouragement, and I would carry those words longer than he probably knew. Rob's loss leaves a great void, but I feel fortunate to count myself among the many with warm and lasting memories of him. - Rebecca Bellworthy
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rob. He was on my PhD committee. I am very grateful for his support and time and advice during the course of my PhD. May his soul rest in eternal peace. - Anthony Bayega
I’m shocked and saddened to hear this news. I’ve known Rob since the 90s and always admired him. My condolences. - Samantha Gruenheid
My sincere condolences to you and to the Institute. Rob was such an intriguing person and a truly remarkable scientist. What I will always remember about him is his ability to ask the most fundamental questions—simple on the surface, yet deeply challenging and thought-provoking. He had a unique way of cutting through complexity and getting to the heart of the matter. Conversations with him were never superficial; whether about science, food, politics, or history, he always brought thoughtful insight and genuine curiosity. Beyond his brilliance, Rob had a presence that encouraged people to share ideas and think more deeply. Knowing him meant constantly learning—not just about science, but about the world. His loss is deeply felt, and I will truly miss our conversations. - Dasman Institute
My sincere condolences to his friends and family during this incredibly difficult time. To us, he was a giant — a remarkable individual whose presence, wisdom, and contributions have left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and his absence will be deeply felt. - Arman Lari, Jesse Islam, Fahd Al-Mulla