Canada’s top scientists and engineers announced
By Design Engineering staff
General awards NSERCNSERC awards celebrate trailblazing astrophysics, a game-changing ancient waters discovery and a healthcare delivery breakthrough.
The Governor General of Canada recognized Canada’s top researchers in the fields of natural sciences and engineering in an official ceremony on February 16, 2016 at Rideau Hall.
The event celebrated trailblazing astrophysics, a game-changing discovery of ancient waters, and a breakthrough that will transform healthcare delivery.
The Right Honourable David Johnston was joined by the Honourable Dr. Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, and Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), in presenting six prestigious prizes.
The Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering went to McGill University astrophysicist, Dr. Victoria M. Kapsi. Dr. Kaspi is one of the world’s leading experts on neutron stars, the ancient remnants of the most massive stars in the Milky Way. Her research group has had major impacts in the field of astrophysics, and her seminal work sheds light on how stars evolve, how they die and, ultimately, the very nature of matter under extreme conditions.
Dr. Victoria M. Kapsi, McGill University astrophysicist and recipient of the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering. (Courtesy of MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2015)
Awards for outstanding university-industry partnerships, ground-breaking discoveries, excellence in multidisciplinary research, and fellowships to enhance the career development of outstanding and highly promising scientists and engineers were also announced.
The work of these researchers is enhancing crop productivity while achieving significant energy and water savings, developing breakthrough medical diagnostic platforms, improving forest resilience to insect pests, harnessing light and fluids to reduce CO2 emissions, and expanding the understanding of energy-producing chemical reactions that sustain deep microbial life.
This year’s recipients represent a diversified group across many disciplines and sectors. They serve as an inspiration to young Canadians. The ceremony celebrates the outstanding achievements of recipients who received six NSERC prizes totaling $3.71 million.
NSERC Award Recipients
Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering
Victoria M. Kaspi, McGill University
NSERC John C. Polanyi Award
Barbara Sherwood Lollar, University of Toronto
The Brockhouse Canada Prize for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Engineering
Shana Kelley, University of Toronto
Edward H. Sargent, University of Toronto
NSERC Gilles Brassard Doctoral Prize for Interdisciplinary Research
Yasser Gidi, McGill University
Synergy Awards for Innovation
Category 1: Small- and Medium-sized Companies
Emil M. Petriu, University of Ottawa
Industrial partner: Rami Abielmona, Larus Technologies Corp.
Category 2: Large Companies
David Miller, Carleton University
Industrial partner: Greg Adams, J.D. Irving, Limited
Category 3: Two or More Companies
Jean Caron, Université Laval
Industrial partners: Jean-Paul Guérin, Maraîchers J.P.L. Guérin et fils inc.
Daniel Malenfant, Vert Nature inc.
Denys Van Winden, Production horticole Van Winden inc.
Jean-Bernard Van Winden, Les fermes Hotte et Van Winden inc.
Stéphane Van Winden, Delfland inc.
Category 4: Colleges
Neil Cooke, Red River College
Ray Hoemsen, Red River College
Jose Rizalino M. Delos Reyes, Red River College
Shokry Rashwan, Red River College
Rob Spewak, Red River College
Industrial partner, Lloyd Kuczek, Manitoba Hydro
