2 UBC alumni
named to the 2025
Order of BC
August 2025
Dr. Ruth Grunau | MA 1969, EdD 1975, PhD 1985
Category
Science and Technology
Reason for award
For her pioneering research that has transformed global understanding and care of infant pain, advancing neonatal health of infants born very pre-term and shaping clinical practices worldwide.
Bio
Dr. Ruth Grunau has transformed neonatal care through her groundbreaking research on infant pain. She developed the Neonatal Facial Coding System, the first validated tool to assess infant pain, adapted worldwide.
At BC Children’s Hospital, she was a foundational member of B.C.’s first Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic. Dr. Grunau discovered that repeated NICU pain and stress can significantly impact brain development, stress regulation and behavior into adolescence. Her research identified genetic, hormonal and sex-specific factors in pain vulnerability and revealed that common treatments like morphine and sucrose may have unintended neurodevelopmental effects.
A leader in the Family Integrated Care trial, she showed that involving parents in NICU care improves outcomes. Dr. Grunau has more than 240 refereed journal publications, 35 book chapters, $88 million in research funding and global recognition with international awards. She ranks among the top 1.5 percent of cited researchers.
A dedicated mentor and advocate, her work has shaped clinical practices, public policy and improved outcomes for vulnerable infants and families worldwide. Dr. Grunau loves to spend time with her eight grandchildren.
Dr. Robin Love | MD 1986
Category
Professions and other occupations
Reason for award
For his visionary leadership and mentorship, while transforming palliative care and inspiring a global standard of compassionate, equitable end-of-life care.
Bio
Dr. Robin Love, a family and palliative care physician in Nanaimo, has spent more than 30 years transforming end-of-life care in B.C. As founding medical director of Palliative Care at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, he led the creation of a 13-bed unit, a symptom-management clinic and a community-based team — now models of holistic care.
A passionate educator, he has trained hundreds of healthcare professionals through UBC, UVic and international programs. His global impact includes helping establish Nepal’s national strategy for palliative care and a Centre of Excellence in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
Known for his kindness and mentorship, Dr. Love supports colleagues through complex cases and fosters a culture of compassion and resilience. As a UBC clinical professor and leader in the Nanaimo Family Medicine Residency Program, he has shaped future care providers.
His enduring influence continues to elevate the standards of palliative care and medical education across communities and over generations.
