Celebrating research excellence

Celebrating research excellence

By Leigh Cameron, Research Promotions Coordinator

October 2, 2017

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Queen’s scholars across disciplines were recognized at a celebration of research excellence on Sept. 29, held in the Alan G. Green Fireplace Reading Room in Stauffer Library.

Hosted by interim Vice-Principal (Research) John Fisher, the celebration honoured scholars who have received federal and provincial research funding for the first time, funding from the Queen’s Research Opportunities Funds (QROF) program, external research awards, and internal honours such as the Prizes for Excellence in Research. Notably, over the last year, Queen’s researchers have been the recipients of national and international honours from the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Royal Society of Canada, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

According to Maclean’s magazine, Queen’s scholars are highly decorated – ranking first in faculty awards and accolades from 2003-2012, and have since maintained the second spot.

Attendees also listened to Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald speak about the importance of the Fundamental Science Review (commonly referred to as the Naylor Report), published earlier this year. The report was commissioned by Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan and was developed by a panel of nine non-partisan experts that included Dr. McDonald. The report focuses on the importance of fundamental research support to Canada, and also to its global competitiveness.

Dr. McDonald urged guests to write to their federal Members of Parliament and Ministers to ensure that the recommendations outlined within the report lead to meaningful action. A statement issued by Principal Daniel Woolf in April upon the release of the report also shows Queen’s support for fundamental science advocacy. Resources to assist in writing a letter in support of the Fundamental Science Review can be found on the website of the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research).

Queen’s is a member of the U15 group of Canadian research-intensive universities, and our faculty and students are advancing research programs that have real world impact and are addressing global challenges.