Alison Li is an historian of science and medicine who writes about medical research, hormones, and the culture in which they were shaped. She is the winner of the 2025 Jason A. Hannah Medal of the Royal Society of Canada for her book Wondrous Transformations, the story of Dr. Harry Benjamin (1885-1986), best known for his pioneering work in transgender medicine. Her current project is Molecules of Influence: Hormones and Our Lives for Reaktion Books.
Alison has a BSc in biochemistry (McGill) and an MA and PhD in the history and philosophy of science and technology (Toronto). She takes great pleasure in bringing the wonder of science to a non-specialist audience, especially those who feel that science is not for them. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two children.