Northern Science Award

Eligibility

The Northern Science Award is presented annually to an individual or a team who have made a significant contribution to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Canadian North.

Definition of northern science

For the purposes of this award, “northern” is defined as that part of Canada that lies north of sixty degrees north latitude; or south of sixty degrees north latitude but north of the southern limit of the discontinuous permafrost zone. “Science” refers to initiatives that advance our understanding of the natural world and society in all fields of inquiry, using diverse approaches to knowledge production and sharing, including those based upon Indigenous ways and systems of knowing.

Selection process

As part of the selection process, the selection committee will assess nominations on the following combination of achievements:

• wide recognition of the quality and significance of the knowledge created;
• significant contribution to the way northern knowledge is produced and shared;
• training or participation of Northerners in the research, project or initiative; and
• relevance to advancing northern priorities, with an emphasis on knowledge impacts.

Summary

In the spirit of the last International Polar Year (2007-2008), the award recognizes transformations in the way knowledge is produced and shared, and the impact research has on the North, its communities and people.

Laureates of the award receive the Centenary Medal and a $10,000.00 prize.

Until 1997 the award was presented to an individual who made distinguished contributions to northern Canada through their scientific research. In recognition of advancements in how knowledge is produced and shared, the eligibility requirements for the award were reconsidered. They now include nominees who possess and share Indigenous knowledge and, to recognize the value of collaboration and the role played by organizations in the North, teams of people can also be nominated.

Nomination requirements

Anyone can make a nomination of either an individual or a team. The nominator should provide the following to the selection committee:

• A letter of nomination clearly demonstrating the nominee’s accomplishment(s) (in 500 words or less);
• Supporting documentation which can include one or more of the following:
  • a curriculum vitae (10 pages maximum length)
  • evidence of scientific achievements in northern science, for instance, research briefs, publications, other awards and distinctions, professional and public services, activity descriptions (oral storytelling events or performances) or links to media (e.g., short videos, podcasts) that demonstrate sharing of indigenous knowledge
  • evidence of the application of the new knowledge and its impacts
• Three letters of support highlighting the achievement(s).

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

Selection committee

A five-member selection committee appointed by the Chairperson of Polar Knowledge Canada reviews all nominations and recommends the recipient for the award. Committee members are chosen from outside the federal public service for their broad understanding of the North and the impacts of science.

Nominations documents must be uploaded to Polar Knowledge Canada’s online application and reporting system using the Northern Science Aware (NSA) – Nomination Form.