Discovery Awards

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Meet the 2025 Finalists:

Congratulations to our finalists and recipients of the 23rd annual Discovery Awards.

Hall of Fame

Dr. Carlyle Smith Beals

(1899-1979) Dominion Astronomer of Canada, Astrophysicist

Dr. Jean Gray

Professor Emerita of Medical Education, Medicine and Pharmacology, Dalhousie University

Inductees are recognized for having made major, internationally recognized impacts on science and/or technology during their lifetime. Inductees are required to have roots in Nova Scotia having either been born here or having made significant achievements while living and working in Nova Scotia. Through their outstanding lifetime contributions to society, the Hall of Fame inductees serve as inspirational role models for the youth of Nova Scotia to pursue STEM careers.

Youth Award

Syd West

Grade 12 Student, Horton High School

Awarded to the junior or senior high school student(s) in Nova Scotia who achieved the highest ranking among all Nova Scotia participants at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. The Youth Award is designed to recognize extraordinary work in the early scientific efforts of young Nova Scotian students.

PROFESSIONAL OF DISTINCTION

Dr. Martin Mkandawire

Professor, Cape Breton University

Dr. Isabel Smith

Professor, Dalhousie University

Dr. Chérif Matta

Professor, Mount Saint Vincent University

A leader and innovator in their field, a role model for those who pursue science as a career. Awarded to a science and/or technology researcher or developer (in academia, a public research institution or the private sector) who demonstrates ingenuity and innovative thinking in the creation of unique ideas, concepts, perspectives, processes, etc. within their field. The nominee is recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in their work but may not necessarily be well known locally by members of the general public.

Sponsor

SCIENCE CHAMPION

Dr. Paola Marignani

Professor, Dalhousie University

Dr. Kristina Boerder

Research Scientist, Dalhousie University

WISE Acadia

Women in Science and Engineering

An individual, organization, or program that promotes science and technology education and STEM careers, and through their work makes science better understood by the public. Awarded to a working scientist, technology-career professional, science educator, public personality, or program lead(s) who are devoted to the promotion of science and technology. The nominee serves as a role model for all Nova Scotians, particularly for youth, in support of the development of a science and innovation-oriented culture in the province.

Sponsor

EMERGING PROFESSIONAL

Dr. Justine Dol

Postdoctoral Fellow, IWK Health

Dr. Ejemai Eboreime

Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University

Dr. Robert Lennox

Associate Professor, Dalhousie University, Ocean Tracking Network

An individual who is early in their career and demonstrates research excellence, knowledge sharing, and potential for ongoing growth and development. Awarded to a post-secondary science and/or technology student, graduate student, post-doctoral fellow, or early career practicing professional, who lives and studies or works in Nova Scotia. This person demonstrates intellectual achievement, excellence, and has potential for ongoing growth and development. They also demonstrate ingenious and innovative thinking in the creation of unique ideas, concepts, perspectives, processes, etc. within their field. This award is designed to recognize either students or those early in their professional working career, normally within 5 years of starting an established/permanent position in an organization.

Sponsor

INNOVATION

HealthEMe Inc.

Ashwin Kutty and Faten Alshazly, President & CEO

CarbonRun

Edmund Halfyard, Luke Connell, Shannon Sterling

Myomar Molecular

Rafaela Andrade, Founder & CEO

Awarded to a company or individual for science and/or technology innovation in the commercial development of a new product or service. Presented to an enterprise or individual that has developed a commercially viable product or service and is either ready to bring it to market or has recently successfully done so. This award is intended to recognize a team or individual who saw the commercial potential of a concept/research and applied innovative business practices, combined with the strategic investment of time and money, to bring it to the market.

Sponsor

Public Impact award

Dr. Rod Beresford

Assistant Professor, Cape Breton University

Dr. Nicoletta Faraone

Associate Professor, Acadia University

Dr. Shannon Sterling

Associate Professor, Dalhousie University

The Public Impact Award, presented by Research Nova Scotia, recognizes a Nova Scotian researcher in academia, a public research institution, government, or the private sector, whose research has benefited Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society. The recipient’s work has developed in response to the needs of society, and is solving a problem, managing a risk, or creating an opportunity for Nova Scotians.

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Supporting the Discovery Awards means supporting Nova Scotia’s innovation agenda, ultimately contributing to the social and economic prosperity of our province. Your support is a direct investment in engaging and retaining the next generation of talent in our region – our youth.

With a winning formula that interweaves the elements of a sophisticated awards dinner with the fun and interactivity for which Discovery Centre is known, Discovery Awards brings together members of the research community, businesses, industry associations, academia, entrepreneurs and community members for an unforgettable evening that is guaranteed to unleash your inner scientist.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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The Discovery Awards for Science and Innovation is Atlantic Canada’s most prestigious science recognition event and the signature fundraising event for Discovery Centre. To accomplish our charitable mission, we rely on support from a community of people who believe in the power of curiosity to transform lives. When you make a donation to the Discovery Awards, your gift enables the very best in inclusive and accessible STEAM programming for children and families from one end of the province to the other. Every contribution makes a tangible impact, helping to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence among our youth.