Dr. Lara Boyd

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Dr. Lara Boyd has achieved remarkable success in the field of neuroscience, bridging the gap between clinical practice and laboratory research. Her work has fundamentally changed how stroke recovery is approached globally, moving beyond repetitive motion to methods that actively engage the brain's plasticity. Holding the Canada Research Chair and being named a Distinguished University Scholar places her among the elite researchers in Canada. Her TEDx talk has reached millions, making her one of the most effective science communicators in her field today.

AwardsDr. Boyd has received significant academic and professional honours throughout her career. She holds the Canada Research Chair in the Neurobiology of Motor Learning, a prestigious federal appointment awarded to top researchers in Canada. In 2023, she was named a Distinguished University Scholar at UBC, one of the highest honors within the university system. She was also recognized as one of B.C.'s Most Influential Women in 2018 and received the Faculty of Medicine Award in 2021 for her contributions to research and teaching.

Honours & Distinctions

Distinguished University Scholar

University of British Columbia·2023

Highest honor within UBC for exceptional research output and impact.

Canada Research Chair

Government of Canada·N/A

Prestigious federal appointment for top researchers in neurobiology.

Most Influential Women in STEM

University of British Columbia·2018

Recognized as a leading figure in science and technology in British Columbia.

Rankings & Lists

Most Cited Researchers in Motor Learning

Google Scholar·2026

Records & Feats

Viral Neuroscience Communication

Science Communication·2014

Delivered a TEDx talk that has been viewed millions of times, bringing neuroplasticity to a mass audience.

High Citation Impact

Academic Impact·2026

Cited over 23,546 times in academic literature, placing her among the most impactful researchers in motor learning.