The CSPC Trailblazer Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated novelty and creativity through leadership, vision, courage, and commitment, and positively and significantly impacted the Canadian Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystem. 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 2024 will present four Trailblazer Awards, one in each of the categories of Policy for Science, Science for Policy, Innovation Policy and finally, a new award as of this year: 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 technological or scientific discoveries or inventions are not considered for this award.
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