2013 NSERC Awards

His Excellency presented a series of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Awards during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.

Mr. Christopher Moraes, of University of Michigan, received the NSERC Howard Alper Postdoctoral Prize. He combines biology and engineering to improve the process known as high-throughput screening, which is used to determine whether existing drugs and therapies could be used to treat other illnesses as well. He creates mechanically realistic, three-dimensional cell culture environments that serve as alternatives to animal models for testing drugs and therapies, thereby making the process more efficient.

Mr. Stephen Cook, of University of Toronto, received the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering. Mr. Cook is among a short list of mathematics researchers whose ideas have spawned new fields of inquiry for current and future generations. Recognized for his celebrated contributions to complexity theory, he has had a fundamental impact on computational theory, algorithm design, programming languages and mathematical logic. He received the A.M. Turing Award in 1982, the highest honour for a researcher in computer science, and his inquiries are now among the most essential theoretical results that must be understood by all computer science graduates. His still-growing body of work, which has been applied to many other fields of research, will likely be cited for decades to come.

Mr. Greg Scholes, of University of Toronto, received the NSERC John C. Polanyi Award. He is seen here with Mr. John C. Polanyi and His Excellency. Mr. Scholes has established himself as a leader in the field of energy transfer. His research has shown that quantum mechanical effects are involved in the capture and distribution of the sun’s energy during photosynthesis. By studying the mechanisms used by some natural organisms to capture and make use of the sun’s energy with extreme efficiency, humanity could learn crucial lessons in making better use of solar conversion to meet our own growing energy needs.

Ms. Sophie D'Amours, of Université Laval, accepted the Brockhouse Canada Prize for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Engineering, on behalf of FORAC Research team. FORAC (Forest to Customers) is a research team that has applied value chain optimization to maximize the economic impact of the forest industry and minimize its environmental impact. Companies and clients use web-based decision-making platforms developed by FORAC to model processes that include harvesting, mill operations and manufacturing, and to develop harvesting plans that include measurement of environmental impacts. Today, these tools are used globally by forest companies and manufacturers that rely on wood products.

Mr. Yusuf Altintas, of University of British Columbia, received one of the Synergy Awards for Innovation. In an industry as competitive as aircraft manufacturing, where margins are tight and precision is a must, the partnership between Yusuf Altintas and Pratt & Whitney Canada has produced significant results. Over the past several decades, this professor of mechanical engineering has worked with the company to develop mathematical models that simulate parts machining and remove much of the financial risk of physical trials. Today, Dr. Altintas’ laboratory is among the best-equipped in North America, and produces a steady stream of highly qualified graduates and innovative ideas for Pratt & Whitney Canada and other companies.

Ms. Christina Natalie Nona, of University of Toronto, received one of the NSERC andré Hamer Postgraduate Prizes. She is researching two neural mechanisms found in the brain—kainate and NMDA receptors—and the role they play in learning and memory. By demonstrating improved performance and conducting detailed examinations of brain sections, she is working towards improved treatment for those with maladaptive forms of learning and memory, such as those suffering from addictive disorders.

Ms. Melanie Mastronardi, of the University of Toronto, received the NSERC Gilles Brassard Doctoral Prize for Interdisciplinary Research. She is working to develop silicon-based nanotechnology, which is more environmentally friendly than previous versions. She is the first recipient of NSERC’s newly established Gilles Brassard Doctoral Prize for Interdisciplinary Research.

Ms. Suzanne Fortier, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), gave remarks and presented the 2013 NSERC recipients.

"You, our laureates, are computer scientists and mathematicians, evolutionary biologists and quantum physicists. You are geologists, nanotechnologists, aerospace engineers and micro-roboticists. Together, you represent the explosion of scientific and technical knowledge that characterizes the age in which we live. You are at the leading edge of science."

Mr. Paul W. Ayers, of McMaster University, received one of the E.W.R. Steacie memorial Fellowships. He is a leader in theoretical chemistry, and leads a research group that is developing computational and conceptual methods for understanding, predicting, interpreting and quantifying chemical phenomena. His research draws from expertise in chemistry, mathematics and computer programming. His wide-ranging contributions to the field have included purely mathematical concepts, unique algorithms and leading-edge computer programming.