Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2019-11-22
Invested on: 2022-11-17
Karen Messing, O.C.
Montréal, Quebec
Karen Messing is a groundbreaking researcher who integrated gender considerations into the field of ergonomics. Professor emerita at Université du Québec à Montréal, she produced evidence showing how the work environment affects physical and mental health by creating studies devoid of the gender biases she found in previous research. An advocate for workplace equality and a mentor to other scholars, she influenced governments, employers and trade unions in many countries to strive for improved labour conditions for both women and men.