Trailblazer Award Criteria CSPC 2026

The deadline for nominations has passed

The CSPC Trailblazer Awards recognize individuals who have positively and significantly impacted Canada’s science, technology, and innovation policy ecosystem through vision, creativity, and impact. These individuals have been instrumental in boldly spearheading change via one or more transformative initiatives, while blazing a trail and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

CSPC 2026 will present four Trailblazer Awards, one in each of the categories:

Policy for Science Award

Policy for Science refers to the set of governmental policies or institutional strategies, decisions, and frameworks that shape the funding, priorities, infrastructure, and governance of scientific research and development. It involves creating conditions that support scientific innovation, including investments in research institutions, training of scientists, and development of science infrastructure. Policy for science also encompasses research integrity, EDIA, and international collaboration, ultimately aiming to strengthen the scientific enterprise to advance knowledge, economic development, and societal well-being.

Science for Policy Award

Science for Policy refers to the use of scientific knowledge, evidence, and expertise to inform and support decision-making in public policy. It involves translating complex scientific research into accessible insights that can guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies across various sectors, including (but not limited to) health, environment, technology, security, education, and justice. Science for policy emphasizes evidence-based policymaking, where decisions are grounded in reliable data, research and knowledge rather than opinion or ideology.

Innovation Policy Award

Innovation Policy refers to policies and public strategies, regulations, and initiatives aimed at promoting the development, diffusion, and application of new ideas, technologies, products, and services. It seeks to enhance the capacity for innovation to drive economic growth, competitiveness, and social well-being. Innovation policy encompasses support for research and development entrepreneurship and education, digital infrastructure, social innovation, and collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

Science & Society Award

Science & Society refers to areas that strengthen public understanding and engagement with science, including the relationship between science and society. This includes but is not limited to science communication, education, journalism, public engagement, citizen science, and more.

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.

Area(s) of Impact

The Nominee must have catalyzed change that has had a positive and significant impact on Canadian Science, Technology, Innovation and Society through at least one, and up to three, of the following areas:

Policy: has demonstrated novelty and creativity, leading to significant and demonstrable impact on public policy, policymaking for science, innovation and society, and/or the use of science in policymaking.
Advancing research: has made significant and demonstrable contributions to research in science policy, innovation policy, and/or the relationship between science and society.
Mobilizing knowledge: has made significant and demonstrable contributions to mobilizing and disseminating knowledge to the public and communities across the country.
Community-building: has made a significant and demonstrable impact in bridging various stakeholders in science, innovation and/or social policy, building a more cohesive and connected science, technology and innovation community.
Championing/advocating: has contributed in innovative and creative ways to promote and raise the profile of science policy, innovation policy and/or social policy.
Capacity-building: has contributed to training, mentoring, inspiring, or developing the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs and/or policymakers by spearheading change through an inclusive and collaborative approach.
Enhancing productivity/economic development: has made demonstrable and significant impacts and contributions to productivity, economic development, and entrepreneurship.
Enhancing social innovation: has made distinct and transformative impacts and contributions to making human and natural systems more adaptive, sustainable, and resilient.
Public engagement/education: has catalyzed public engagement with scientific enterprises and strengthened public understanding and trust in science by promoting citizen scientists, and advancing science communication and journalism in areas where science and society intersect.

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be evaluated by the Awards Selection Committee, which is composed of leaders in the Science, Technology, Innovation, Social and Policy ecosystems. Nominations are assessed based on the following criteria:

Impact Statement: Describe how the Nominee’s work has (1) catalyzed change, and (2) impacted Canadian Science, Technology, Innovation and Society. Please use quantitative and/or qualitative data to demonstrate the significance and transformative nature of the Nominee’s impact (No more than 800 words).
Specifically describe:
- The depth and breadth of the impact.
- The novelty and creativity of the Nominee’s work.
Relevance to Area(s) of Impact: Describe how the work and the impact of the Nominee’s contribution are relevant to each selected Area of Impact (see above) (No more than 300 words for each Area of Impact).
Role of Nominee in Impact: Elaborate on the role of the Nominee in contributing to the impact and results achieved (No more than 300 words per Area of Impact referenced).
Leadership and Dedication: Describe how the Nominee has shown leadership, dedication and sustained commitment to the overall advancement of science, technology, innovation and society (No more than 400 words).

Please note: Statements provided in the nomination form may be used to introduce and highlight the winner during the awards ceremony.

How to Apply

Nomination forms must be completed in English or French and submitted by Sunday June 14, 2026, by 11:59 PM (nominator’s local time).

The required elements for a successful nomination are listed below. Upon submission, please ensure your nomination form is fully completed and that it adheres to the stated word limit.

Open Nomination Form

Evaluation Criteria

Nominations will be evaluated by the t Awards Selection Committee, composed of leaders in the Science, Technology,Innovation and Policy ecosystem. Nominations are evaluated based on the responses to the questions below and the following criteria:

Depth and breadth of the impact and the impact of the transformational change on the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy ecosystem.
Novelty and creativity of the Nominee’s work that has innovated or catalyzed change.
Relevance to the Area(s) of Impact.
Leadership and sustained commitment.

Rules and Eligibility

Nominees must be residents of Canada or Canadian citizens living abroad.
Nominees can be at any stage of their career.
Nominees can be from any sector, including industry, government, academia, not-for-profit organizations, media, etc.
Scores and feedback provided by the Awards Selection Committee will not be disclosed for any reason.
Upon Nominees’ consent, the CSPC reserves the right to profile any Impact Statement in all conference materials and on the CSPC website before, during, and after the event.
The CSPC and the Awards Selection Committee members will not release any confidential information from the nomination form.
The current CSPC Board, staff, Award Committee volunteers, and members of the Awards Selection Committee cannot nominate anyone nor be nominated.

If you encounter any issues in submitting your nomination or have any questions regarding submission, please email [email protected].

Click here to access the Nomination Form

Prizes

The Trailblazer Award winner will be recognized prominently at the 17th Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC 2025), at the Gala Dinner which will be held during the conference in Ottawa. The Trailblazer Award winner will receive free admission to CSPC 2025 along with accommodation for two nights at the designated hotel for the conference. The award winner will also receive a trophy and certificate from CSPC. Please see the previous Trailblazer Winners ceremony here