Toronto Times
Editorials
Clone-Controversy Duo Retire
November 14, 2054
After a successful 40 year career at Toronto's Dyad Institute, Drs. Delphine Cormier (71) and Cosima Niehaus (68) retired this week. Dr. Cormier has held the role of Chair of the Dyad Board of Directors since 2025, and Dr. Niehaus has served as Director of Genetic Research since 2023.
Drs. Niehaus and Cormier were instrumental in the takedown of the Dyad scientists and executives behind the 2016 illegal human cloning controversy. Dr. Cormier famously worked as double agent for three years at the Dyad institute while relaying vital inside information to the small group, including Dr. Niehaus, working to uproot those behind the illegal human experimentation. Dr. Niehaus is herself one of the clones involved in the secret decades-long experiment. In addition to working with Dr. Cormier behind the front lines at the Dyad Institute, she also fought for the legal standing and rights of her sister clones during the controversy, sparking a patent war that went all the way to the Supreme Court.
Since gaining legal control of their DNA, Dr. Niehaus and her sisters have been generous in donating time and biological samples to further qualitative and quantitative genetic research around the world. Their motto, "Show, Don't Tell," was adopted by the Dyad Institute in 2030. Sisters of Dr. Niehaus include well-known thespian, Allison Hendrix, and director of Toronto's Department of Children and Family Services, Sarah Manning.
After the 2016 cloning controversy and the subsequent collapse of the Dyad institute's genetic research department, Drs. Cormier and Niehaus stepped up to rebuild the program from the ground up. Today, the genetic research department employs over 300 scientists, and hosts a coveted residency program for promising young-scientists. The department's many accomplishments include the individualized human organ growth method that has eliminated the need for donor organ transplants.
Outside of the laboratory, the two women have received national recognition as LGBT advocates. Together since 2014, the two women were married in 2018, and have three children. When asked how they plan to spend their time after retirement, Dr. Cormier said, "We're thrilled at the prospect of spending long afternoons with our family." Dr. Niehaus chimed in, "And giving our grandkids their first chemistry lessons!"
They may have hung up their lab coats, but I doubt we've heard the last from this powerful pair of women.