The CSPC Science Policy Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to science policy, and throughout their career have championed and inspired the science policy community in Canada. This award recognizes the work of individuals who have worked in science policy over a period of many years and made a deep impact in Canadian science policy.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is nominated and selected by the CSPC Board of Directors. CSPC encourages all individuals and/or organizations to forward names of any persons who they believe might deserve to be nominated for this award to CSPC (info@sciencepolicy.ca). The CSPC is committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and encourages individuals from all groups to apply. An individual may win the CSPC award only once.
2024 – Lifetime Achievement Award Winner:
Michèle Stanton-Jean, PhD
Chercheuse invitée, Centre de recherche en droit public, Université de Montréal
Contribution: Michèle Stanton-Jean is a trailblazer in public health policy, governance, and bioethics. As a research associate at the Centre de recherche en droit public of the University of Montreal, she has significantly shaped the fields of public health, bioethics, and citizen participation in policymaking. Michèle held numerous senior positions, including as Canada’s Health Deputy Minister, where she played a crucial role in reorganizing the Canadian Blood System and renewing the Canadian Tobacco Legislation. She has made major contributions internationally, chairing the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee, where she led the development of the International Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights.
She is also a recognized researcher and the author or co-author of numerous books, including a notable publication on the evolution of women’s involvement in public life, “L’ Histoire des femmes au Québec depuis quatre siècles”” (1982). Her distinguished career has earned her multiple awards, including the Order of Canada and the Légion d’Honneur of France, cementing her legacy as a leader in Canadian and global public health governance.
2022 – Lifetime Achievement Award Winner:
Sheila Watt-Cloutier
Citizen Advocate on Environmental, Cultural and Human Rights
Sheila Watt-Cloutier has been selected as a result of so many years of exceptional contribution and leadership over the course of her career in bringing Indigenous perspectives and knowledge to national and international policymaking, in particular on environmental health, sustainability and preservation.
She has raised awareness of the threat of climate change in the Arctic and its relationship to human rights and Indigenous rights in Canada, and globally, She has been clearly articulating the interconnectedness of Inuit culture, the environment, the economy, foreign policy, global health, and sustainability. Her work with the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment integrated traditional and western knowledge and evidence, bringing a human face to climate change in the Arctic. She has inspired the science policy community across Canada with her insights, courage, and voice.
The CSPC Trailblazer Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated novelty and creativity through leadership, vision, courage, and commitment and have positively and significantly impacted Science, Technology, Innovation and Society in Canada. These individuals have been instrumental in boldly spearheading change via one or more transformative initiatives while blazing a trail and inspiring others to follow.
CSPC 2025 will present four Trailblazer Awards, one in each of the categories of Policy for Science, Science for Policy, Innovation Policy, and Science & Society.
CSPC encourages nominations from all disciplines of policy and science (natural sciences, engineering and technology, health and life sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities) and from all sectors (governments at all levels, academia, private and nonprofit sectors, media and others).
Please note that this award does not consider technological or scientific discoveries, inventions, or innovations.
2024 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Policy for Science
Dr. Maydianne Andrade
Biologist and Professor, University of Toronto Co-founder and Inaugural President of the Canadian Black Scientists Network
Contribution: Dr. Maydianne Andrade was selected as the recipient of this Award because of her significant contribution to advancing equity for Black and underrepresented scientists in Canada. As the founding president of the Canadian Black Scientists Network, she has created impactful initiatives such as the BE-STEMM conference and the Youth National Science Fair, inspiring and supporting Black professionals and students across the country. Through her leadership in the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence (TIDE), Dr. Andrade has championed inclusive practices by developing educational modules on bias and inclusion, and facilitating critical conversations on equity.
Her transformative efforts have earned her recognition, including the Ludwig and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize, leaving a lasting impact on the inclusivity of STEMM careers in Canada.
2024 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Science for Policy
Dr. Evan Fraser
Director of Arrell Food Institute and Professor in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics, University of Guelph
Contribution: Dr. Evan Fraser is recognized for his significant contributions to advancing food policy in Canada and globally. As Director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, his interdisciplinary research focuses on creating sustainable, equitable, and productive global food systems while fostering climate resilience. His dedication to public engagement has raised awareness of critical food system issues through books, documentaries, and educational tools.
Dr. Fraser was selected for this award in recognition of his leadership in shaping food policy and transforming food systems, exemplifying a strong commitment to integrating scientific research into policy for a more sustainable and resilient future.
2024 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Innovation Policy
Dr. Marc Nantel
Vice President, Research, Innovation & Strategic Enterprises Niagara College
Contribution: Dr. Marc Nantel is a leader in advancing applied research and innovation within Canada’s college sector. Under his leadership, Niagara College has consistently ranked among the country’s top research institutions. He has been instrumental in establishing key research hubs, such as the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, and has played a pivotal role in securing over $100 million in funding for college research in Budget 2023. Dr. Nantel’s efforts in fostering multi-institutional networks and advocating for policy changes have strengthened the role of colleges in Canada’s innovation ecosystem, supporting economic growth through industry collaboration.
His strategic vision and commitment to bridging academia and industry exemplify the spirit of the Innovation Policy Award.
2024 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Science and Society
Dr. Bonnie Schmidt
President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science
Contribution: Dr. Bonnie Schmidt is the President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science, a national education charity established in 1991. With her background in physiology, she has led the organization in delivering impactful STEM programming to millions of youth and educators across Canada. Dr. Schmidt’s pioneering vision of engaging post-secondary students as volunteer role models has created over 55 outreach sites nationwide, involving tens of thousands of volunteers.
She was selected for this award due to her transformative leadership in STEM education and outreach, which has significantly advanced science literacy and engagement in Canada. Her commitment to equity and public engagement has positioned Let’s Talk Science as a bridge between the Science, Technology & Innovation ecosystem and the education system. Dr. Schmidt’s leadership in establishing national collaborations, co-founding the Science & Technology Awareness Network (STAN), and advising various national and international bodies has left a lasting impact on STEM education, benefiting generations to come.
2023 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Innovation Policy
Dr. Catherine Beaudry
Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal
2023 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Science for Policy
Dr. David Hammond
Professor and University Research Chair in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo
2023 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Policy for Science
Hon. Kirsty Duncan
Deputy House Leader Member of Parliament
2022 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Innovation Policy
Dr. Elicia Maine
Associate Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation, Simon Fraser University
2022 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Science for Policy
Dr. Gregory J. Smallwood
Principal Research Officer, National Research Council of Canada
2022 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Policy for Science
Dr. Imogen Coe
Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
2021 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Innovation Policy
Josephine Etowa
Professor, University of Ottawa
Senior Investigator, Centre for Research on Health and Nursing
2021 – Trailblazer Award Winner
Category: Science Policy
Yann Joly
Research Director, Centre of Genomics and Policy
This award recognizes a young individual (student, postdoctoral fellow, researcher, entrepreneur, etc.) under the age of 35 who proposes an innovative and compelling evidence-based policy that will make a positive difference to Canadians. This award is designed not only to highlight innovative, evidence-driven policy ideas by policy students and young professionals, but also to encourage young people not currently studying, or working on, public policy to share their policy ideas.
Eligible recipients include all young Canadian residents under 35, regardless of their field of study or work.
2024 Youth Award Winner
Abby Christopher
Master Student, Marine Management
Dalhousie University
Topic: Harbouring Life: Managing Port Impacts on Coastal Ecosystems
Abby Christopher is dedicated to environmental sustainability through her research and innovative policy proposal. Her proposal, “Harbouring Life: Managing Port Impacts on Coastal Ecosystems,” aims to address the lack of consistent ecosystem monitoring in Canadian ports.
The proposal’s novelty lies in its comprehensive approach, emphasizing standardized guidelines, transparency, and collaboration with Indigenous communities to ensure sustainable port management practices. Abby’s proactive approach seeks to protect marine ecosystems while fostering accountability and long-term development.
Featured Applicants:
2021 – Winner: Shaarika Sarasija
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Ottawa
Topic: Step up: Finding respite care for persons living with dementia among students of Canadian health professions
Runners up:
- Taylor Reidlinger – A Call to Modernize Canadian Fisheries Policy: for Better Community Well-being, Food Security, Climate Resilience, and Economic Prosperity
- Hannah Rahim – The need for community-driven phenomenological research to address the suicide crisis among Indigenous peoples in Canada
Runners up:
- Taylor Reidlinger – A Call to Modernize Canadian Fisheries Policy: for Better Community Well-being, Food Security, Climate Resilience, and Economic Prosperity
- Hannah Rahim – The need for community-driven phenomenological research to address the suicide crisis among Indigenous peoples in Canada
2020 – Winner: Hannah Harrison
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Geography, Environment & Geomatics, University of Guelph
Topic: Improving seafood direct-marketing for Canadian economic resilience and food security
This award recognizes a young individual (student, postdoctoral fellow, researcher, entrepreneur, etc.) under the age of 35 who proposes an innovative and compelling evidence-based policy that will make a positive difference to Canadians. This award is designed not only to highlight innovative, evidence-driven policy ideas by policy students and young professionals, but also to encourage young people not currently studying, or working on, public policy to share their policy ideas.
Eligible recipients include all young Canadian residents under 35, regardless of their field of study or work.
2021 – Winner: Shaarika Sarasija
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Ottawa
Topic: Step up: Finding respite care for persons living with dementia among students of Canadian health professions
Runners up:
- Taylor Reidlinger – A Call to Modernize Canadian Fisheries Policy: for Better Community Well-being, Food Security, Climate Resilience, and Economic Prosperity
- Hannah Rahim – The need for community-driven phenomenological research to address the suicide crisis among Indigenous peoples in Canada
