Recipients
Meet the inspiring innovators, celebrated the past 20 years.
Sponsor
Help sponsor the 2023 Discovery Awards, and support our mission.
Donate
Your support helps spark curiosity, passion, and development in STEAM
Meet the 2023 Finalists & Recipients
Discovery Awards candidates put science achievement in the minds of the local community, along with serving as role models for youth who will be the innovators of the future.
Hall of Fame

Dr. Ron O’Dor
Emeritus Professor, Dalhousie University, 1986-1993
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.
Sponsors
Award Sponsor

Youth Award

Bram St. Peters
Student, Grade 10, Citadel 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.
Sponsors:
PROFESSIONAL OF DISTINCTION

Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal
Professor, Department of Biology, NSERC Atlantic Chair Women in Science and Engineering, Mount Saint Vincent University
Awarded to a world-class science and/or technology researcher or developer (in academia, a public research institution or private sector) who demonstrates ingenious and innovative thinking in the creation of ideas, concepts, perspectives, and processes within their field. The recipient 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. Arunika Gunawardena
Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University
Awarded to a working scientist, technology professional, full-time science teacher, professor, journalist, or media personality who devotes their time to the promotion of science and technology to the public. The recipient serves as a role model for all Nova Scotians, particularly for youth and students, in support of the development of a culture of science and innovation in the province.
Sponsor
EMERGING PROFESSIONAL

Dr. Souvik Mitra
Neonatologist, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, IWK Health Centre
Awarded to a post-secondary science and/or technology student, graduate student, post-doctoral fellow, or practicing professional who is early in their career and lives and studies or works in Nova Scotia. This person demonstrates intellectual achievement, excellence, and has potential for ongoing growth and development.
Sponsor
INNOVATION

Graphite Innovation & Technologies
Mo AlGermozi, Co-founder, President & 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
Professional of Distinction

Dr. Erin Johnson
Professor, Dalhousie University

Dr. Marlon Lewis
Professor Emeritus, Dalhousie University

Dr. Adango Miadonye
Professor, Cape Breton University
Awarded to a world-class science and/or technology researcher or developer (in academia, a public research institution or private sector) who demonstrates ingenious and innovative thinking in the creation of ideas, concepts, perspectives, and processes within their field. The recipient 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. Pemberton Cyrus
Head, Department of Industrial Engineering and President of Imhotep's Legacy Academy, Dalhousie University

Dr. Sarah Wells
Associate Professor, Assistant Dean, Dalhousie University

Dr. Maryanne Fisher
Professor, Saint Mary's University
Awarded to a working scientist, technology professional, full-time science teacher, professor, journalist, or media personality who devotes their time to the promotion of science and technology to the public. The recipient serves as a role model for all Nova Scotians, particularly for youth and students, in support of the development of a culture of science and innovation in the province.
Sponsor:
Emerging Professional

Dr. Finlay Maguire
Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University

Dr. Noreen Kamal
Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University

Emran Billah
CEO, Bluethumb Technologies
Awarded to a post-secondary science and/or technology student, graduate student, post-doctoral fellow, or practicing professional who is early in their career and lives and studies or works in Nova Scotia. This person demonstrates intellectual achievement, excellence, and has potential for ongoing growth and development.
Sponsor:
Innovation

Ashored Innovations
Ross Arsenault, Co-founder, COO

Dartmouth Ocean Technologies
Arnold Furlong, President, CEO & Founder

ABK Biomedical Inc.
Dr. Robert Abraham, Dr. Daniel Boyd and Dr. Sharon Kehoe
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. Sara Kirk
Scientific Director of the Healthy Populations Institute (HPI), Dalhousie University

Professor Jennifer Llewellyn
Professor of Law; Chair in Restorative Justice and Director of the Restorative Research, Innovation and Education Lab (RRIELab), Schulich School of Law

Dr. Steven Beyea
Innovation Strategy Advisor & Research Scientist, IWK Health Centre
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.
Presented by:

Support Discovery Centre
The Discovery Awards are a celebration of local scientific achievements and an opportunity to support the future of innovation in Nova Scotia. A portion of the ticket sales and all of the donations made at the event go towards supporting the Discovery Centre's Youth Empowerment in Science (YES!) programs. YES, is a unique initiative aimed at providing young people with access to STEAM education and hands-on experiences that will inspire them to become the next generation of leaders in science and innovation.

Support
Sponsor
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.


Donate
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.
2023 Sponsors
The Discovery Awards would not be possible without the support of our partners. Thank you to our sponsors: