Discovery Awards

Discovery Awards, taking place on November 10th, 2026, celebrates outstanding innovators whose game-changing achievements in science and technology put Nova Scotia at the forefront of global innovation, all in support of Discovery Centre. Tickets on sale now!

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Nominations Now Open!

Hall of Fame

HOF

Dr. Robert Bortolussi

Former Vice President of Research at the IWK Health Centre

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

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Avalon Lively

Undergraduate student, McGill University

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

Award Sponsor

PROFESSIONAL OF DISTINCTION

Headshot - Dr. Dave Risk

Dr. Dave Risk

Professor and Brian Mulroney Institute of Government Research Chair in Climate Science and Policy, St. Francis Xavier University
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Dr. Israat Haque

Professor, Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University
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Dr. Pawan Lingras

Director, Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics, Saint Mary’s 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

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.

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Dr. Paul Manning

Associate Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University
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Jason Loxton

Senior Instructor II, Cape Breton University
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Abigail Greek

Medical Student, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University

Sponsor

EMERGING PROFESSIONAL

Headshot - Alexa Yakubivich

Dr. Alexa Yakubovich

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University
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Dr. Jane Francis

Assistant Professor, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University
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Dr. Justine Dol

Accelerate Chair in Women+ Health Research, IWK Health

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

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Sheheryar Khan

Founder & CEO, Alaagi Inc.
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David Hodgson and Sara Fedullo

Co-Founders, Hollo Medical
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Barry Stevens

President, Stevens Solutions & Design Inc.

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

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Dr. Stefanie Colombo

Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, Aquaculture Nutrition, Dalhousie University
Headshot - Dr. Dave Risk

Dr. Dave Risk

Professor and Brian Mulroney Institute of Government Research Chair in Climate Science and Policy, St. Francis Xavier University
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Dr. Rita Orji

Professor and Canada Research Chair, Computer Science, Dalhousie University

The Public Impact Award 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.

Sponsors

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

Associate Sponsor

Youth Award

Hall of Fame

Science Champion

Innovation

Professional of Distinction

Emerging Professional

Media

Discovery Spotlight

Discovery Demo

Science Challenge

Raffle Sponsors

Friends