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.

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2024 – Trailblazer Award Winner

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

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

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

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.

Previous Trailblazer Award Winners

2023 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Dr. Catherine Beaudry

Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal

2023 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Dr. David Hammond

Professor and University Research Chair in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo

2023 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Hon. Kirsty Duncan

Deputy House Leader Member of Parliament

2022 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Dr. Elicia Maine

Associate Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation, Simon Fraser University

2022 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Dr. Gregory J. Smallwood

Principal Research Officer, National Research Council of Canada

2022 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Dr. Imogen Coe

Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University

A photo of a black woman smiling in a yellow suit and zebra print shirt

2021 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Josephine Etowa

Professor, University of Ottawa
Senior Investigator, Centre for Research on Health and Nursing

a bald white man smirking at the camera

2021 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Category: Science Policy

Yann Joly

Research Director, Centre of Genomics and Policy

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2020 – Trailblazer Award Winner

Dr. Cara Tannenbaum

Scientific Director, The Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR’s) Institute of Gender and Health
Professor in the Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, The Université de Montréal