Faculty of Science - Faculty of Science news

�鶹��’s Computer Science Camp brings learners and mentors together

�鶹�� — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:05:14 +0000

From June 29 to July 3, the School of Computer Science hosted its 2026 �鶹�� Computer Science Camp for high school and CEGEP students from across Quebec, offering a week of immersive coding and learning.

Restored wetlands aren’t clear-cut wins against climate change, �鶹�� study suggests

�鶹�� — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:57:28 +0000

Wetland restoration is often promoted as a definitive way to support wildlife, improve water quality and help store carbon. However, new research from �鶹�� suggests the overall climate picture is more complicated.

Adrian Liu appointed Associate Dean, Graduate Education and Equity

�鶹�� — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:34:39 +0000

The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Adrian Liu as Associate Dean, Graduate Education and Equity.

He began his five-year term on July 15, succeeding Biology Professor Laura Nilson in this role following her recent appointment as Chair of the Department of Biology.

CHIME collaboration helps identify location of "missing" matter in the universe

�鶹�� — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:06:14 +0000

Estimates of ordinary matter in the universe exceed the amount observed in stars and galaxies, leaving much of it unaccounted for. Researchers from the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME)/Fast Radio Bursts Collaboration, including �鶹�� and MIT, have developed a new method to seek out this “missing” matter by combining galaxy locations with fast radio burst detections. A fast radio burst, or FRB, is an ultrabright, millisecond flash of radio waves emitted by extremely energetic phenomena in the distant universe.

�鶹�� researchers receive $14 million in SSHRC funding for 62 projects focusing on societal challenges

�鶹�� — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:08:07 +0000

Topics include youth agency through video games and entrepreneurship education in India.

New Research from Prof. Rose Bagot's Lab uncovers how GABAergic neurons encode experienced rewards

�鶹�� — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:26:58 +0000

New work from Dr. Rosemary Bagot's lab: inhibitory "GABAergic" neurons — long treated as supporting players in the brain — turn out to help track the recent history of rewards in two key decision-making regions (shown in mice). The work reshapes which neurons we think are keeping score of our past outcomes.

Read the paper in Cell Reports

AeroCellutions wins second place at the 2026 Biodesign Challenge Summit

�鶹�� — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:15:01 +0000

Image from left to right: Emma Louie, Olivia Cozariuc, Meenakshi Pillai, Carolyn Denton, Emmett Olthuis, Anisa Hashemi, Liberté Vaudandaine, Samathar Senso, Mannat Chandok, Emma Bryson.

Unusual calcite formation discovered at the site of �鶹�� Sustainability Park

�鶹�� — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:59:51 +0000

�鶹��’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is now studying it as part of research about the Island of Montreal

A rock featuring a white calcite vein in a rare ‘petal’ formation has been extracted from the construction site of the future �鶹�� Sustainability Park.

Attached to a chunk of grey stone, the full rock is the approximate size of a microwave. It was discovered by construction workers north of Pine Avenue.

2025 Patterson Distinguished Service Medal

�鶹�� — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:38:40 +0000

Professor Parisa A. Ariya was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Patterson Distinguished Service Medal, an award widely regarded as the most prestigious Canadian distinction recognizing exceptional contributions to meteorology. Meteorology is a broad discipline within the atmospheric sciences and encompasses several specialized research areas, including atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, dynamic meteorology, hydrology, climatology, and climate change. The award consists of a formal citation, a framed letter, and a gold medal.

Novel marine monitoring network could help improve environmental protections, shipping regulations in the Lower St. Lawrence

�鶹�� — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:54:43 +0000

A single monitoring network developed by �鶹��, Natural Resources Canada, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and Dalhousie University researchers can simultaneously track earthquakes, water behaviour, human activity and whales, providing a comprehensive picture of what’s happening in, under, and at far distances from the water.

The researchers’ experimental network, installed in the Lower St. Lawrence, detected twice as many earthquakes as the National Earthquake Monitoring System, while also capturing whale calls, ship noise, tidal activity and mining blasts.

36 Faculty of Science professors receive NSERC Discovery Grants funding

�鶹�� — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:55:53 +0000

Thirty-six Faculty of Science professors have been awarded funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant program.

The Discovery Grants program is NSERC's largest and longest-standing program. Discovery Grants support ongoing projects with long-term goals, providing researchers with the flexibility to explore the most promising avenues of research as they emerge.

122 �鶹�� research projects awarded $30 million in NSERC Discovery Grants funding

�鶹�� — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:43:39 +0000

Funding supports bold ideas across natural sciences and engineering disciplines at �鶹��, in fields ranging from ophthalmology and physics to music research and electrical engineering.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has awarded 122 �鶹�� research projects funding from its Discovery Grants competition for a total investment of $30 million.

Training Canada’s next generation of radio astronomers

�鶹�� — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:45:27 +0000

Inaugural session of CRASIES gives students hands-on experience and a broader view of a rapidly growing field

When Audrey Bernier arrived at �鶹��’s Canadian Radio Astronomy Summer Institute and Extended School (CRASIES) in late May, she already had two years of radio astronomy research experience. What she was looking for was a broader understanding of the field beyond her own work.

Andrew Gonzalez receives 2026 NOMIS Distinguished Scientist and Scholar Award

�鶹�� — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:57:33 +0000

$2.7M award will support Liber Ero Chair’s research on the ecological networks underpinning biosphere resilience

NASA should build a biocontainment facility on the moon to protect Earth, researchers advise

�鶹�� — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:24:52 +0000

A biocontainment facility designed to protect Earth from potentially hazardous biotic contaminants from space should be part of a planned NASA base on the moon, a policy paper maintains.

“Humanity is entering a new era of space exploration, but our planetary protection strategies have not kept pace with the risks associated with returning extraterrestrial samples to Earth,” said paper co-author Frederick I. Moxley, Director of Strategic Threat Analysis and Research Laboratories, an Idaho-based consultancy.

Outstanding TA Award Winners (2025-2026)

�鶹�� — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:37:19 +0000

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025–2026 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards.

Congratulations to Zakary Horton, Helena Heinonen, and Boris Zupancic, who have been selected as this year's award winners. We also extend our congratulations to Damien LeBlanc, who received an Honourable Mention in recognition of his outstanding contributions.

Derek G. Gray (1941-2026)

�鶹�� — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:39:23 +0000

It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you that our dear colleague and friend Dr. Derek G. Gray, Professor Emeritus, passed away on Saturday May 30^th

A leap of faith: how Astrid found her path

�鶹�� — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:34:31 +0000

Four years ago, Astrid Parrot moved from Senegal to Montreal to study, leaving her home and family for the first time to begin her B.Sc. Honours Chemistry degree at �鶹��. Without a clear picture of what her future would look like, she took what she describes as “a leap of faith."

She immersed herself into university life, living in residence her first year and meeting new people. She had found her place at �鶹��, but uncertainty lingered throughout her degree as she quietly wondered whether chemistry was truly the right path for her.

Faculty of Science announces appointment of four department chairs

�鶹�� — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:20:45 +0000

From left: Prof. Yi Huang (Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences), Prof. Laura Nilson (Department of Biology), Prof. Brigitte Pientka (School of Computer Science), Prof. Galen Halverson (Department of Earth and Planetary Science).

The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce the appointment of four department chairs, who began their terms on June 1.

The three new chairs are Prof. Yi Huang (Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences), Prof. Laura Nilson (Department of Biology), and Prof. Brigitte Pientka (School of Computer Science).

Adrian Liu receives the 2026 Carrie M. Derick Award for Graduate Teaching and Supervision

�鶹�� — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:34:49 +0000

Congratulations to Adrian Liu (Physics), who received the 2026 Carrie M. Derick Award for Graduate Teaching and Supervision!

The Carrie M. Derick Award for Graduate Supervision and Teaching, awarded by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, acknowledges outstanding contributions to promoting graduate student excellence through supervision and teaching by a faculty member who has been supervising for 10 years or less.

Jasmin Chahal receives the 2026 Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching

�鶹�� — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:42:31 +0000

Congratulations to Jasmin Chahal (Microbiology and Immunology) for winning the 2026 Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching!

Presented annually, the Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching celebrates a faculty member for superior teaching at the undergraduate level within the Faculty of Science.

Read below the announcement of the award from the Spring 2026 Science A convocation program:

Dr. Bridget Andersen awarded the 2026 Yablonovitch Research Prize

�鶹�� — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:20:04 +0000

Congratulations to Dr. Bridget Andersen, who has received the 2026 Yablonovitch Research Prize.

The prize, established in 2022 by Eli Yablonovitch, BSc 1967, DSc 2018, and Karen Yablonovitch, is awarded annually by the Faculty of Science at convocation to a graduate student enrolled in the Faculty of Science who has achieved the best research accomplishment in experimental physics.

Three scholars receive President’s Prize for Outstanding Emerging Researchers

�鶹�� — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:59:07 +0000

Professors Mette Bendixen, Rachel Langevin and Kai Wang recognized for research excellence and impact.

What an illusion involving a fake hand can tell us about our mind-body connection

�鶹�� — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:29:58 +0000

People who have a weaker sense of self are also more likely to have less bodily awareness, �鶹�� researchers have found. The study supports the idea that people’s perceptions of themselves and how they experience their own bodies are deeply connected.

Beyond deepening psychologists’ understanding of “embodied cognition,” the connection between our minds and our fundamental bodily awareness, the findings could have concrete applications regarding the treatment of certain psychiatric conditions, the researchers said.

Adrian Liu awarded 2026 CAP Medal for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Physics Award

�鶹�� — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:05:25 +0000

National honour from the Canadian Association of Physics (CAP) recognizes �鶹�� physicist’s excellence in teaching, mentorship, and inclusive leadership.

2026 Faculty of Science Excellence Award winners announced

�鶹�� — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:41:53 +0000

Ann Jack (Clerical), Diti Anastasopoulos (Management), and Maxime Leroux (Technical) have been named recipients of the Faculty of Science Excellence Awards.

These awards, announced at the Faculty of Science Council meeting on May 20th, recognize the outstanding contributions made by members of the Faculty’s administrative and support staff during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Read below the citations prepared by the Faculty of Science Excellence Awards Committee.

Research findings challenge long-held assumptions about how we learn or regain speech

�鶹�� — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:06:17 +0000

Learning to speak a new language, or regaining speech, depends more on areas of the brain that process sound and physical sensation than on the parts of the brain that govern motor control, according to new research findings.

The study, by researchers at �鶹�� and the Yale School of Medicine, has implications for speech-learning theory and for the development of speech processing and recognition technologies.

Historic plant collections offer a window into genetic change

�鶹�� — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:10:22 +0000

Pressed plant specimens collected centuries ago and stored in herbaria around the world could play a key role in facilitating the tracking of genetic change and extinction risk in plants, a �鶹��-led study indicates.

Explosions, colour changes, and hands-on science: the �鶹�� Chemistry Outreach Group’s 24 Hours of Science Event

�鶹�� — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:07:05 +0000

On Saturday, May 2, families gathered at the Otto Maass Chemistry Building for an exciting day of discovery as the �鶹�� Chemistry Outreach Group held its annual 24 Hours of Science event, which welcomed 220 guests.

�鶹��’s Bravo Gala shines a spotlight on research excellence

�鶹�� — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:18:30 +0000

At event honouring 116 winners of major awards, keynote speaker and SSHRC Gold Medal recipient Myriam Denov emphasized the importance of listening.

�鶹�� celebrated more than 100 researchers at the 21^st edition of Bravo, a gala event May 7 honouring the winners of major provincial, national and international research prizes and awards in 2025.

Provost honours 31 �鶹�� professors for exceptional research achievements

�鶹�� — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:00:18 +0000

The 2026 cohort of Distinguished James �鶹�� Professors, James �鶹�� Professors and William Dawson Scholars embody ‘the very best of our academic community’.

Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic) Angela Campbell has named 31 �鶹�� professors as Distinguished James �鶹�� Professors, James �鶹�� Professors or William Dawson Scholars. The internal awards recognize exceptional research achievements.

�鶹�� awarded 16 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs

�鶹�� — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:51:34 +0000

From fundamental physics to child well-being, �鶹�� researchers advance discovery across disciplines

�鶹�� has been awarded $18.1 million in federal funding to support 16 Canada Research Chairs – six new and 10 renewed.

$1.25 million for �鶹�� research from the New Frontiers in Research Fund

�鶹�� — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:34:01 +0000

Federal fund will support transformative high risk, high reward research across engineering, science, and medicine at �鶹��.

Six Faculty of Science Professors celebrated for outstanding research achievements

�鶹�� — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:02:15 +0000

Clockwise from top left: Parisa Ariya (Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences), Bruce Arndtsen (Chemistry), Nikolaos Provatas (Physics), Hanadi Sleiman (Chemistry), Irene Gregory-Eaves (Biology), and Fiona Soper (Biology)

This year, six professors from the Faculty of Science have been recognized among the recipients of the 2026 cohort of Distinguished James �鶹�� Professors, James �鶹�� Professors and William Dawson Scholars.

�鶹�� awarded 16 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs

�鶹�� — Wed, 13 May 2026 16:56:30 +0000

From fundamental physics to child well-being, �鶹�� researchers advance discovery across disciplines

�鶹�� has been awarded $18.1 million in federal funding to support 16 Canada Research Chairs – six new and 10 renewed.

The University’s newly appointed CRCs will drive forward cutting-edge research in fields that include subatomic physics, food science and agricultural chemistry, and counselling psychology. Renewed Chairs will continue vital work in such areas as Parkinson’s disease, bioengineering, data ethics and intergenerational childhood trauma.

ATOC 183 poster session turns 500-student class into climate symposium

�鶹�� — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:49:00 +0000

https://teachingblog.mcgill.ca/2026/05/04/the-power-of-the-poster-session-turning-a-large-class-into-a-climate-symposium/

Geography Professor Mallik Mahmud receives MEOPAR 2026 Early Career Researcher Award

�鶹�� — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:43:40 +0000

Mallik Mahmud, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, is one of nine early-career ocean researchers across Canada awarded the 2026 Early Career Researcher Award by the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR), recognizing exceptional early-career ocean researchers whose work advances climate resilience.

�鶹�� researchers’ novel device could boost the development of sound-based lasers

�鶹�� — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:52:16 +0000

Researchers at �鶹�� have developed a novel device that generates sound-like particles known as phonons at extremely cold temperatures. The technology could be used to create phonon lasers, with possible applications in communications and medical diagnostics.

Appointment of Alanna Watt as Dean of the Faculty of Science

�鶹�� — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:48:45 +0000

Dear members of the �鶹�� community,

I am delighted to announce that Prof. Alanna Watt will be �鶹��’s next Dean of the Faculty of Science. The �鶹�� Board of Governors approved her appointment at its meeting on April 23, 2026, and her five-year renewable term will begin on May 1.

The science that changed how we study pain

�鶹�� — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:34:17 +0000

Some of Dr. Jeffrey Mogil’s most influential discoveries could be considered serendipity. He may not have set out to revolutionize the field, but what he ended up finding has made a lasting impact in the world of pain research.

Dr. Mogil is a pain researcher and professor at �鶹��, and his CIHR-supported work uncovered two big blind spots: the research had focused almost entirely on male pain and mostly measured one type of pain—and not the type that makes the biggest difference for patients.

Researchers identify new jellyfish species in fossils near Quebec City

�鶹�� — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:37:27 +0000

Researchers studying 450-million-year-old fossils discovered about 50 kilometres northeast of Quebec City have identified a new species of basal medusozoan: Paleocanna tentaculum, a soft-bodied, tube-shaped polyp with a ring of tentacles. Closely related to modern jellyfish, it is a rare discovery. Only a few other species in its subphylum have ever been described in the fossil record.

2026 Fessenden Professorship Awards and Tomlinson Science Awards winners announced

�鶹�� — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:45:09 +0000

The 2026 winners of the Fessenden Professorship and Tomlinson Science Awards have been named.

Established in 2007 and named after Canadian electrical engineer Reginald Aubrey Fessenden, the Fessenden Professorship in Science and Innovation Award supports researchers in exploring early-stage concepts, developing intellectual property, and moving innovations toward commercialization.

Researchers turn to mussels and mistletoe to design sustainable materials

�鶹�� — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Taking inspiration from how mussels and mistletoe plants build natural fibres and adhesives, researchers at �鶹�� have developed a new way to manufacture complex materials that could offer a more environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional plastics and glues.

Professor Henri Darmon recipient of the Jeffery‑Williams Prize (2026)

�鶹�� — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:30:54 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Henri Darmon, Distinguished James �鶹�� Professor at �鶹�� and CRM member, on receiving the 2026 Jeffery‑Williams Prize from the Canadian Mathematical Society. Darmon is an internationally recognized leader in number theory, known for his groundbreaking work on elliptic curves, L‑functions, and automorphic forms, including the introduction of Stark‑Heegner points and real quadratic analogues of singular moduli.

Science showcase celebrates the curiosity driving undergraduate research

�鶹�� — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:44:02 +0000

More than 200 undergraduate students presented their work at the 7th edition of the annual Faculty of Science event

From labs to field sites, �鶹�� students brought their discoveries to life at the 7^th annual Undergraduate Science Showcase, held on March 25. The event offers students an encouraging, non-competitive space where they can proudly share their research, passion projects, and in-class work, all while strengthening their confidence and science communication skills.

Researchers warn of risks posed by ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ found in crops, agricultural soil

�鶹�� — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:16:17 +0000

A new international study offers insights into the health risks posed by crops’ absorption of “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) and flags knowledge gaps the authors say must be addressed.

CECs include pharmaceuticals, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials and PFAS (commonly known as “forever chemicals”). The researchers warn that even when present at very low concentrations, these chemicals can subtly alter plant physiology, disrupt soil health and pose wider environmental and human health risks.

Professor Keita Christophe Named APS Rising Star!

�鶹�� — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:50:00 +0000

Big congratulations to Professor Keita Christophe, newly named an APS Rising Star—a well‑deserved recognition of outstanding research and impact in psychological science!

New APS Rising Stars – Association for Psychological Science – APS

Professor Marcin Sabok awarded the Ryll-Nardzewski Prize (2026)

�鶹�� — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:17:15 +0000

We are delighted to announce that Marcin Sabok has been awarded the Ryll-Nardzewski Prize.

The prize was established to honour the great Polish mathematician Czesław Ryll-Nardzewski, and is awarded by the Ryll-Nardzewski Center at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. The prize is for outstanding achievements in mathematics in areas related to the work of Ryll-Nardzewski.

🔗 Read the official announcement

Humans share acoustic preferences with other animals, study shows

�鶹�� — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:18:52 +0000

A �鶹��-led study has found that humans share acoustic preferences with other species, at least when it comes to animal calls. The results provide experimental evidence that shared sensory processing mechanisms may shape aesthetic judgments of sound.

Study shows how tree cover shapes freshwater ecosystems over millennia

�鶹�� — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:07:15 +0000

Researchers at �鶹�� used 2,000-year-old stone jars in Laos to observe long-term ecological processes, enhancing understanding of how strongly tree cover shapes small freshwater ecosystems. Their findings stand to help scientists predict how freshwater habitats will respond to environmental change, the researchers said.

Findings of �鶹�� study could lead to new longevity therapies and improved fall prevention

�鶹�� — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:46:40 +0000

A new �鶹�� study has found a direct link between age‑related declines in neuron activity in the cerebellum and worsening motor skills, including gait, balance and agility. While it is well known that these abilities diminish with age, this is the first research to pinpoint how changes in Purkinje cells – a key type of cerebellar neuron – drive this decline and translate into measurable changes in behaviour and physical function.

David Harpp (1937-2026)

�鶹�� — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:45:54 +0000

It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you that Dr David Harpp, Tomlinson Professor Emeritus in Science Education, our colleague, but also to many of us in the department a teacher, mentor and friend for many decades, passed away Saturday February 14^th, peacefully and in the presence of those closest to him.

Siva Reddy (Computer Science and Linguistics) and Katelin Schutz (Physics) awarded 2026 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowships

�鶹�� — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:27:55 +0000

Professors Siva Reddy (Computer Science and Linguistics) and Katelin Schutz (Physics) have been named 2026 Sloan Research Fellows.

They are among the 126 early-career researchers in this year’s cohort of the prestigious two-year, $75,000 fellowship sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Fellows are nominated by their colleagues and evaluated based on their research accomplishments, creativity and potential to become leaders in their fields.

Plants retain a ‘genetic memory’ of past population crashes, study shows

�鶹�� — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:32:55 +0000

Researchers at �鶹�� and the United States Forest Service have found that plants living in areas where human activity has caused population crashes carry long-lasting genetic traces of that history, such as reduced genetic diversity. Because genetic diversity helps species adapt to climate change, disease and other stresses, the study suggests it is vital to consider a population’s history-influenced genetics alongside its size and habitat in conservation planning.

People can learn to reject unfair advantages, even when it costs them

�鶹�� — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:32:11 +0000

A new study co-authored by �鶹�� researchers suggests people can be taught to reject unfair advantages.

“We often benefit personally from an unequal distribution of resources, a phenomenon known as advantageous inequity – for example, receiving a higher salary than a colleague with the identical role,” said senior author Ross Otto, a psychology professor. “Here we ask whether people can learn to punish advantageous inequity merely by observing the inequity-averse preferences of another person.”

Dr. Bridget Andersen awarded the Dr. Allie Vibert Douglas Astrophysics PhD Thesis Prize

�鶹�� — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:25:05 +0000

Congratulations to Dr. Bridget Andersen, who has received the Dr. Allie Vibert Douglas Astrophysics PhD Thesis Prize!

Two funding opportunities available for students participating in a Field Study Semester

�鶹�� — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:40:35 +0000

The Faculty of Science is pleased to share two awards available for students participating in a Field Study Semester (FSS) in the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 academic year.

Professor Audrey Moores (Chemistry) awarded the Canadian Pacific Chair in Biotechnology

�鶹�� — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:56:11 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Audrey Moores (Chemistry), who has been awarded the Canadian Pacific Chair in Biotechnology!

The Canadian Pacific Chair in Biotechnology is an endowed chair created in 1984 to promote research in the field of biotechnology. The chair is awarded for a five-year term and rotates among �鶹��'s Faculties of Medicine, Science and Agriculture.

�鶹��’s Bachelor of Arts and Science program celebrates 20 years of interdisciplinary scholarship

�鶹�� — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:58:56 +0000

Happy 20th birthday, B.A. & Sc.!

Redpath Museum and Physics Outreach bring science to life at �鶹��'s Bellairs Research Institute

�鶹�� — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:41:55 +0000

This past September, St. James Parish in Barbados celebrated We Gatherin’, a year-long festival of Barbadian heritage, culture and community. As part of the festivities, �鶹��’s Bellairs Research Institute hosted a day-long Science Adventure for local schoolchildren featuring a visit from �鶹��’s Redpath Museum and the Physics Outreach Committee.

How a �鶹�� undergrad’s summer research project became a paper in a prestigious journal

�鶹�� — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:16:56 +0000

When then-�鶹�� undergraduate Maya Willard-Stepan cold-emailed a professor asking to help with their research, she didn’t expect the project to end up in the Nature-partner journal npj Urban Sustainability.

“I really wanted to get involved in research early,” said Willard-Stepan, who had come to �鶹�� from a small town on Vancouver Island.

Homecoming 2025: Water, Climate Change, and the Future

�鶹�� — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:26:51 +0000

As part of last weekend’s Homecoming festivities, Interim Dean of Science Alanna Watt hosted an engaging and timely event on Friday morning entitled “Water, Climate Change, and the Future,” which highlighted the importance of freshwater science research in the face of a changing climate.

Fast Radio Burst Conference hosted at �鶹�� for the first time

�鶹�� — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:03:31 +0000

Physics researchers Amanda Cook and Alice Curtin organize FRB2025, celebrating the 10th anniversary of a major finding in the field

Doris Hua, Faculty of Science Communications Assistant

Nineteen new or renewed Canada Research Chairs awarded to �鶹��

�鶹�� — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:58:34 +0000

Federal investment boosts �鶹��’s research leadership with over $13 million for Canada Research Chairs

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced over $198 million in federal funding through the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program, including more than $13 million to support 19 Chairs—nine new and ten renewed—at �鶹��.

Biology’s Mahnaz Mansoori wins President’s Award for Administrative and Support Staff

�鶹�� — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:16:58 +0000

Phytotron Manager Mahnaz Mansoori (pictured above, left, with Biology Department Chair Prof. Gregor Fussmann) was one of nine �鶹�� staff members honoured with the President’s Award for Administrative and Support Staff at last week's afternoon convocation ceremony. These annual awards recognize the talent, dedication, and hard work of staff members who have made outstanding contributions to the University’s mission.

Schulich Leaders pursue passion for STEM

�鶹�� — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:44:57 +0000

As a CEGEP student, Daniel Wei captained his college robotics team to victories with a dodgeball-throwing robot and a biodegradable soil sensor for farmers.

He and a peer also earned a bronze medal at a science and technology fair for their research on biomechanical processes involved in developing artificial intestines.

The achievements are part of Wei’s impressive track record of leadership, innovation and academic success that landed him Canada’s most generous scholarship for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The Science of Studying: How Understanding Your Brain Can Boost Academic Success

�鶹�� — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:16:18 +0000

by Jasmine El-Sawaf

What if the key to studying smarter wasn’t about what you learned, but how you learned it? At �鶹��, the Office of Science Education’s (OSE) neuroscience-based program SciLearn is helping students in the Faculty of Science do just that.

Appointment of Alanna Watt as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Science

�鶹�� — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:28:54 +0000

Dear community members,

I am pleased to announce that Professor Alanna Watt, of the Department of Biology, has graciously agreed to take on the role of Interim Dean of Science, effective July 1, 2025. She will oversee the Faculty while we continue the search for a new Dean of Science. In accordance with the University Statutes, an Advisory Committee will be established to support this process.

Experience and expertise

2025 Faculty of Science Excellence Award winners announced

�鶹�� — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:09:57 +0000

Danielle Vlaho (Academic Associate), Joe Iantomasi (Clerical), Luisa Sabaz (Management), and Badawy Sha’ath (Technical) have been named recipients of the Faculty of Science Excellence Awards.

Read below the citations prepared by the Faculty of Science Excellence Awards Committee.

Eight Faculty of Science professors honoured by Provost for exceptional research achievements

�鶹�� — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:21:16 +0000

Clockwise from top left: Robert Brandenberger (Physics), Christian Genest (Mathematics and Statistics), Joel Kamnitzer (Mathematics and Statistics), Bärbel Knäuper (Psychology), Milica Miočević (Psychology), Adrian Liu (Physics), Nagissa Mahmoudi (Earth and Planetary Sciences), and Galen Halverson (Earth and Planetary Sciences)

Eight Faculty of Science professors are among this year’s cohort of Distinguished James �鶹�� Professors, James �鶹�� Professors, and William Dawson Scholars.

�鶹�� researchers help ATLAS Collaboration share in 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

�鶹�� — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:35:18 +0000

Twenty-eight �鶹�� researchers are among the winners of the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for their contributions to the ATLAS Collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Sometimes referred to as the Oscars of Science, Breakthrough prizes are awarded annually by the foundation of the same name for achievements in life sciences, fundamental physics and mathematics.

2025 Fessenden Professorship Awards and Tomlinson Science Awards winners announced

�鶹�� — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:36:19 +0000

The winners of the 2025 Fessenden Professorship Awards and Tomlinson Science Awards have been announced.

The Fessenden Professorship in Science and Innovation Award, named after Canadian electrical engineer Reginald Aubrey Fessenden, was established in 2007 to accelerate the validation and technology transfer of promising concepts in the early- or mid-stages of development and bring them closer to a commercial product and market.

David Stephens named Academic Lead for Horizon �鶹��

�鶹�� — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:14:02 +0000

Congratulations to Professor David Stephens (Department of Mathematics and Statistics), former Vice Dean of the Faculty of Science, who has been named Academic Lead for Horizon �鶹��.

Read the full story here.

�鶹�� names winners of the 2025 President’s Prize for Public Engagement through Media

�鶹�� — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:45:03 +0000

Congratulations to Jérôme Waldispühl and Attila Szantner (Computer Science), The Eclipse Task Force (Physics), and Andrew Gonzalez (Biology), who are among this year's winners of the President’s Prize for Public Engagement through Media!

In announcing the winners and runners-up, President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini noted that they were among a strong field of applicants spanning all 12 Faculties.

“This is further evidence that the sharing of knowledge and a love of learning are core �鶹�� values,” he said.

Science Showcase helps students build communication skills

�鶹�� — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:45:58 +0000

Students from across the University gathered at the University Centre (SSMU) on March 25 to share their research, fieldwork, in-class assignments and passion projects in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

�鶹�� Professor Simon Caron-Huot awarded a 2025 Dorothy Killam Fellowship

�鶹�� — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:40:32 +0000

Simon Caron-Huot, Professor and Canada Research Chair in High-Energy Physics, has been awarded a 2025 Dorothy Killam Fellowship. The prestigious Dorothy Killam Fellowship is part of Canada’s National Killam Program, which also includes the Killam Prize. Eight Fellowships were awarded across the country.

The Dorothy Killam Fellowship provides researchers with up to two years of relief from teaching and administrative duties to focus on transformative research that has potential to positively improve Canadian lives.

Nuit Blanche returns to the Redpath Museum

�鶹�� — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:47:55 +0000

On March 1, Nuit blanche took over Montréal for its 22nd edition. The annual all-night festival brings cultural events to every corner of the city, including �鶹��’s downtown campus.

Celebrating science fair mentor clubs and judging in Kahnawà:ke

�鶹�� — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:30:38 +0000

For the second year in a row, Science Outreach and student volunteers from the �鶹�� BrainReach and Chemistry Outreach groups collaborated with the Kahnawà:ke Education Center and local schools for their annual Science Fair and science mentor clubs.

Paul Masset and David Rolnick awarded 2025 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowships

�鶹�� — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:27:06 +0000

Professors Paul Masset (Psychology) and David Rolnick (Computer Science) have been named Sloan Research Fellows.

�鶹��’s Office for Science and Society receives 2024 James Randi Educational Foundation Award

�鶹�� — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:20:37 +0000

�鶹��’s Office for Science and Society (OSS) has been awarded the 2024 James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) Award. This award, totaling US$200,000, is given annually to people or organizations that encourage critical thinking and provide unbiased, fact-based answers to questions.

From Lab to Life: Science Literacy Week @ �鶹�� this February!

�鶹�� — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 13:47:29 +0000

Join �鶹�� to celebrate the joys of science with Science Literacy Week! From February 22nd to 28th, delve into this year's theme, From Lab to Life and explore science in the everyday. Events include a study on the ancient Egyptian animal mummies in the Redpath Museum, a tour of the Maude Abbott Medical Museum, Science History Treasures in �鶹��’s Rare Books and Special Collections, and much more. Learn more here.

Four �鶹�� Faculty of Science students and graduates named finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships

�鶹�� — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:22:39 +0000

Faculty of Science students Joshua Cheruvathur (BSc'25) and Elaine Xiao (BSc'25), as well as graduates Antoine Bourdin (BSc'24) and Chanel Perreault (BASc'22), are finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships at �鶹��.

How a �鶹�� student’s teenage curiosity led to the first megalodon discovery in Canada

�鶹�� — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:08:26 +0000

Louis-Philippe Bateman’s fascination with megalodon began with a single sentence in a book about Canada’s geological evolution. It described giant, mysterious fossilized shark teeth discovered in the 1960s by fishermen dredging for scallops off Canada’s Atlantic coast. The curiosity felt by the teenager with a budding interest in paleontology would resurface in a meaningful way during his undergraduate years at �鶹��.

�鶹��'s Department of Psychology ranks 21st in the Times Higher Education Top 50 list

�鶹�� — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:08:11 +0000

�鶹�� provides a top-tier education in a wide variety of fields, as highlighted in the World University Rankings by Subject 2025, released on January 22 by Times Higher Education (THE).

�鶹�� ranks among the top 90 in the world in all of the 11 subjects assessed, placing six subjects in the top 50. The number of institutions of higher education considered varied by discipline, from 389 for Law to 1,488 for Engineering.

Geography Department celebrates 80th anniversary

�鶹�� — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:03:17 +0000

�鶹��’s Department of Geography turns 80 this year!

This milestone marks the anniversary of George Kimble’s appointment as �鶹��’s first Professor of Geography and Department Chair on January 1, 1945.

Kimble, who had previously been a meteorologist with the Royal Navy, was allocated two rooms in the Arts Building (rooms 30 and 38) by the Faculty of Arts and Science to lay the foundation for the new department. A few months later, F.K. Hare was appointed as �鶹��’s second Professor of Geography (eventually becoming Dean of Arts and Science in 1961).

Novel method to transform greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals ranked among year’s top breakthroughs

�鶹�� — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:24:33 +0000

A groundbreaking discovery by �鶹�� researchers is among the top scientific advances of 2024, according to Québec Science magazine.

The scientists developed a novel method to transform two greenhouse gases—methane and carbon dioxide—into valuable chemicals using sunlight. This innovation could help reduce emissions and provide a more sustainable way to produce certain industrial products.

King Charles III Coronation Medals awarded to 19 members of the �鶹�� community

�鶹�� — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:51:39 +0000

Nineteen members of the �鶹�� community have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal is conferred on individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

The recipients include Professor R. Bruce Lennox, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Tomlinson Professor of Chemistry.

TSI Outreach Program Administrator, Carolina Cruz-Vinaccia, wins President’s Award

�鶹�� — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:29:41 +0000

Congratulations to Carolina Cruz-Vinaccia, the Outreach Program Administrator at the Trottier Space Institute and Physics Department for being awarded the President's Award for Administrative and Support Staff! Winners of this award are honoured for the quality of their work, service to the community, innovation and initiative.

Bellairs Research Institute going strong at 70

�鶹�� — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:56:14 +0000

To mark its 70th anniversary, �鶹��’s Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados hosted events Dec. 5-6 that brought together researchers, students, elected officials and community partners to celebrate its history and build momentum for the future. 

Bellairs brings science programming to Barbadian students

�鶹�� — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:53:58 +0000

Last week, hundreds of students in Barbados saw science come to life in a whole new way.

As part of the celebrations marking its 70th anniversary, �鶹��’s Bellairs Research Institute opened its doors to the community Dec. 5. Three hundred students from five local schools were treated to free science kits, lunch and a day of hands-on activities.

A STEAM day to celebrate 70 years of �鶹��'s Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados

�鶹�� — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:21:55 +0000

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of �鶹��’s acclaimed Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados and to promote STEAM education to local students, �鶹�� partnered with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), and the U.S. State Department for a full day of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities and presentations.

Next stop, Oxford

�鶹�� — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:59:57 +0000

For Vincent Wong, life truly is a journey.

As a Loran Scholar, the Vancouverite moved across the country in 2021 to pursue his B.Sc. Honours in Neuroscience at �鶹��. He was drawn by The Neuro (The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital), Canada’s largest neuroscience research centre.

In the summer of 2022, Wong traveled to Yellowknife to conduct a research project on the unique health-care challenges in the North, an experience that would shift his career trajectory.

West Island high schoolers participate in summer research at �鶹��’s Gault Nature Reserve

�鶹�� — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:57:30 +0000

This summer, Gault Nature Reserve hosted four high schoolers from the West Island Black Community Association for this year’s Youth Biodiversity Internships Program. Led by Professor Bruno Tremblay, this collaboration brought together a diverse range of community members from �鶹�� and beyond to connect on their passion for science. For 5 weeks, youth conducted fieldwork at Gault with �鶹�� students, explored how scientific research happens in nature and made links to their own lives and future careers.

Mapping the Benefits and Trade-offs from Natural Climate Solutions

�鶹�� — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:47:29 +0000

A new study published today in Nature Sustainability uses advanced machine learning methods and large language models to assess the benefits and trade-offs of natural climate solutions (NCS).

Led by The Nature Conservancy and co-led by Brian Robinson, Associate Professor of Geography at �鶹��, the researchers analyzed over 250,000 peer-reviewed publications to produce a global evidence map of NCS co-impacts.

Unleashing Creativity at the �鶹�� Physics Hackathon

�鶹�� — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:01:01 +0000

On November 15^th – 17^th, the Trottier Space Institute and the Department of Physics hosted its 9^th Annual �鶹�� Physics Hackathon. This friendly coding competition brought together 163 people, from grade 10 high school students to graduate students. Participants had a total of 24 hours over the span of 3 days to create computing and physical science projects in teams. Learn more here.

West Island high schoolers participate in summer research at �鶹��’s Gault Nature Reserve

�鶹�� — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:12:16 +0000

by Christine Pallon, Communications Officer, Faculty of Science

Every year, �鶹��’s Gault Nature Reserve in Mont-Saint-Hilaire welcomes a host of student researchers. This past summer, there was a new addition to the usual group of young scientists at the Reserve: four high schoolers from Montréal’s West Island.

The Redpath: a newly accredited museum!

�鶹�� — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:36:51 +0000

In August 2024, the Redpath Museum was certified as an accredited museum institution by the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec. The accreditation is a seal of quality confirming that the museum meets internationally recognized requirements and standards for governance, museological practices, and heritage presentation. With this recognition, the Redpath joined a network of 180 other accredited museums across the province.

Natalya Gomez and Daryl Haggard win Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships

�鶹�� — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:29:49 +0000

Professors Natalya Gomez (Earth and Planetary Sciences) and Daryl Haggard (Physics) have been awarded 2024 Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

These awards recognize early-career academic researchers, providing them with a $250,000 research grant over two years.

Celebrating 10 years of Chemistry Outreach!

�鶹�� — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:54:50 +0000

Congratulations to the Chemistry Outreach group, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary during �鶹��’s Open House on October 27^th! Over 250 people joined the festivities and enjoyed hands-on activities, magnificent demos, and chemistry-themed refreshments throughout the day.

Family Science Day: �鶹��’s Family Friendly Foray into Science

�鶹�� — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:14:40 +0000

by Phuong Hoang, Faculty of Science Communications Associate

Soup & Science event opens up research opportunities for undergraduate students

�鶹�� — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:48:22 +0000

Twenty-two speakers from the faculties of Arts, Science and Engineering presented their research in “lightning talks” to more than 480 undergraduate students at Soup & Science, a biannual event.

A Resounding Success: Celebrating �鶹��’s Biodiversity Festival

�鶹�� — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:32:07 +0000

The Biodiversity Festival

Thomas C. Preston awarded grant from Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

�鶹�� — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:20:42 +0000

Funding to support research on atmospheric aerosol particles and the emergence of life on Earth

Professor Thomas C. Preston -- jointly appointed to the departments of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Chemistry -- has been awarded a grant of USD$800,000 by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The grant will support Professor Preston’s research on atmospheric aerosol particles, with the goal of advancing understanding of the origin of life's building blocks on early Earth.

Mark your calendars! Family Science Day: September 28th

�鶹�� — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:46:09 +0000

On September 28^th between 9 am and 4 pm, join �鶹��’s Office of Science Outreach, STEMM Diversity @ �鶹��, the Trottier Space Institute and �鶹�� Physics Outreach, for free science activities for families. Activities will be held both indoors and outdoors at the downtown campus and are intended for children ages 6 and up.

Registration is required for some activities.

For more details and the full schedule, visit this link.

‘This scholarship is truly life-changing’ - �鶹��’s 2024 Schulich Leaders

�鶹�� — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:54:28 +0000

Daniel Valentini couldn’t believe his eyes when he read the letter informing him of his Schulich Leader Scholarship.

“I called �鶹�� to confirm, and they told me it was real. I think I was in shock,” says Valentini, a graduate of Dawson College in Montreal who is entering �鶹��’s Faculty of Science.

�鶹��’s Computer Science Camp inspires next generation of coders

�鶹�� — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:33:25 +0000

After a hiatus of about a decade, the �鶹�� Computer Science Summer Camp once again welcomed students from Montreal high schools and CEGEPs to the downtown campus this summer. The camp was a group effort organized by students, staff and faculty across the computer science community. Students participated in four packed days of talks, hands-on activities and coding sessions, to learn about computer science.

Twelve �鶹�� professors honoured by the Royal Society of Canada

�鶹�� — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:29:42 +0000

Ten �鶹�� professors researching in such areas as child trauma, memory and cardiovascular diseases are among the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) newest Fellows. Another two early-career professors at the University have been named Members of the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

They are among 104 new Fellows and 56 Members from across the country announced by the RSC on September 3, 2024.

Frederic Bertley receives honorary doctorate degree for his astounding work in science education

�鶹�� — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:45:38 +0000

Frederic Bertley was amongst a group of leaders to receive an honorary degree from �鶹�� this spring. For the past eight years, Bertley has served as the President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), which features the largest science outreach program in North America.

The power of face time: Insights from zebra finch courtship

�鶹�� — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 14:16:11 +0000

A new study on songbirds sheds light on the power of social interaction to facilitate learning, insights that potentially apply to human development.

�鶹�� researchers discovered that zebra finches deprived of early social experiences could still form strong bonds with a partner later in life. Once placed into cohabitation with a male, females that had never heard a mating song before could quickly develop a preference for his melody.

Celebrating International Pi Day with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives

�鶹�� — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 18:07:34 +0000

Earlier this year, �鶹��’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives celebrated International Pi Day with a talk from mathematician Dr. Edward Doolittle followed by a student panel on Indigenous experiences in STEM and, of course, some delicious pie.

�鶹��’s Computer Science Camp inspires next generation of coders

�鶹�� — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:11:18 +0000

After a hiatus of about a decade, the �鶹�� Computer Science Summer Camp once again welcomed students from Montreal high schools and CEGEPs to the downtown campus this summer.

The four packed days of talks, hands-on activities and coding sessions were all intended to strengthen students’ interests in coding and coding competitions, and to contribute to the development of computer science talent in Quebec.

2024 Interdisciplinary Research Development (IRD) Award Recipients Announced

�鶹�� — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:12:10 +0000

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Interdisciplinary Research Development (IRD) Award! As part of the Computational & Data Systems Initiative, these awards are presented by the �鶹�� Collaborative for AI & Society (McCAIS) and encourage interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding and positively influencing the impact of AI on Society. The projects target a range of issues, from the enhancement of sustainable agriculture to supporting indigenous education.

From Windy City to wilderness champion

�鶹�� — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:46:46 +0000

In the heart of Lanaudière, Quebec, a 233-hectare tract of wilderness stands as a living testament to the resilience of nature and the generous stewardship of �鶹�� chemistry professor Linda Reven.

Physics Professor Cynthia Chiang featured in National Geographic

�鶹�� — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 19:09:43 +0000

Physics Professor and National Geographic Explorer Cynthia Chiang is the subject of a new National Geographic article out today.

Lighting up the circuits of the cerebellum

�鶹�� — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 14:08:52 +0000

New �鶹�� study sheds light on the cerebellar nuclei

In a new article published today in Nature Communications, a team of �鶹�� researchers led by Professor Alanna Watt of the Department of Biology examines the spatial organization of neurons in the cerebellar cortex. The findings offer new insight into how information is integrated in the cerebellum and shed light on the role of the often-overlooked cerebellar nuclei.

Generative AI in the classroom

�鶹�� — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:06:47 +0000

With generative AI tools readily available to students, student assessment was a recurrent topic of discussion at a bilingual, two-day symposium hosted by �鶹�� last month in partnership with Google and the Pôle interordres de Montréal.

Astrophysics award honours student research with nod to pioneer

�鶹�� — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:01:22 +0000

Allie Vibert Douglas made history when she earned her PhD at �鶹��.

It was 1926 – a time when higher education wasn’t an option for most women.

By then, Douglas already had a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science from �鶹�� – and had been named a member of the Order of the British Empire for her wartime service. With her PhD, she became the first Canadian woman to obtain a doctorate in astrophysics.

Nigel Roulet awarded David Thomson Award for Graduate Supervision and Teaching

�鶹�� — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:41:17 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Nigel Roulet, Department of Geography, for being awarded the 2024 David Thomson Award for Graduate Supervision and Teaching!

This award recognizes an outstanding faculty member who has been supervising graduate students for more than ten years. Roulet started as an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography in 1994 and began his term as Graduate Program Director of the department the following year.

Axel Hundemer awarded Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching

�鶹�� — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:38:01 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Axel Hundemer, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, for being awarded the 2024 Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching! This award is given each year to recognize a faculty member for superior teaching at the undergraduate level in the Faculty of Science.

Read below the citation for the announcement of the award.

�鶹�� doctoral and postdoctoral students earn major funding awards

�鶹�� — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 19:28:28 +0000

Twenty �鶹�� doctoral and postdoctoral students have received important funding from the Government of Canada. Sixteen have earned Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and four, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.

The Vanier program awards doctoral students up to $50,000 per year for three years. The Banting program is worth up to $70,000 annually for two years.

Global News features 2024 honorary degree recipient Dr. Frederic Bertley

�鶹�� — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:11:07 +0000

Dr. Frederic Bertley (BSc’94, PhD’00), who received an honorary doctorate at the �鶹�� Science convocation this past Friday, is featured in a new Global News article about his life growing up in Montréal and career as a doctor and science communicator. Known affectionately as “Dr. B.,” Dr. Bertley has won eight Emmy awards and is president and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio.

Katelin Schutz named CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar

�鶹�� — Fri, 31 May 2024 19:59:11 +0000

Professor Katelin Schutz of the Department of Physics has been named a 2024-2026 CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar in the Gravity & the Extreme Universe program.

Gregory Dudek receives the 2024 CS-Can Lifetime Achievement Award

�鶹�� — Wed, 29 May 2024 19:42:31 +0000

Professor Gregory Dudek of the School of Computer Science has received the 2024 CS-Can Lifetime Achievement Award.

Awarded annually by Computer Science Canada/Informatique Canada (CS-Can/Info-Can), this award recognizes current or former faculty who have made exceptional contributions to the field of computer science in Canada.

2024 Faculty of Science Excellence Award winners announced

�鶹�� — Mon, 27 May 2024 17:09:02 +0000

Michelle Maillet (Academic Associate), Lauren Kay (Clerical), Chantal Marotte (Management), and Moshe Dalva (Technical) have been named recipients of the Faculty of Science Excellence Awards.

These awards, announced at the Faculty of Science Council meeting on May 21st, recognize the outstanding contributions made by members of the Faculty’s administrative and support staff during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Read below the citations prepared by the Faculty of Science Excellence Awards Committee.

Science fair fun in Kahnawà:ke

�鶹�� — Wed, 22 May 2024 14:46:37 +0000

Every year in Kahnawà:ke, a Kanien:keha’ka community on Montreal’s South Shore, students present their projects at a science fair organized by the Kahnawà:ke Education Center (KEC).

For more than 15 years, KEC Science Curriculum Consultant Kathy Walsh has supported students at schools across the community as they prepare projects in the weeks leading up to the annual fair. This year, she and KEC Science Projects Liaison Mya Bordeau enlisted the assistance of �鶹��’s Office of Science Outreach to bring �鶹�� students into the classroom as mentors.

The �鶹�� Collaborative for AI and Society (McCAIS) announces undergraduate research award recipients

�鶹�� — Thu, 16 May 2024 20:08:47 +0000

Sustainable Data Science Training Program awarded $1.65 M from NSERC CREATE

�鶹�� — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:05:26 +0000

Today, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced more than $26 million in funding for 16 new training initiatives through its Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program.

�鶹�� receives funding from the Canadian Space Agency for exoplanet studies using the James Webb Space Telescope

�鶹�� — Tue, 14 May 2024 13:52:23 +0000

�鶹�� has received funding from the Canadian Space Agency for two separate projects dedicated to the study of exoplanets, using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The projects are slated for completion by June 2025. Both studies will be led by Professor Nicolas Cowan.

Undergraduate research takes center stage at Poster Showcase

�鶹�� — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:42:17 +0000

On the evening of March 19, more than 500 members of the �鶹�� community gathered in celebration of student work at the fifth annual Undergraduate Poster Showcase. Hosted each March by the Office of Science Education (OSE), the Showcase invites students from across the University to share their scientific research, field work, in-class assignments, passion projects and more.

Inspiring the next generation of scientists: Future Innovators Science Fair

�鶹�� — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:05:19 +0000

On March 27th, in collaboration with Real Ventures, �鶹��'s Chemistry Outreach Group joined other STEM experts and educators for the Future Innovators Science Fair at the Royal Charles Elementary School for International Women’s Month.

Barbados Field Study Semester is journey of discovery

�鶹�� — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:48:10 +0000

by Emma Bergeron Quick

Reflecting on my semester abroad in Barbados, I feel gratitude, excitement, and nostalgia already settling in. Three months of learning in this vibrant small developing island state left an unforgettable mark on my heart and mind, shaping my perspectives, and igniting a sense of exploration, discovery, and newfound desire for change.

Five burning questions with Ehab Abouheif

�鶹�� — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:54:25 +0000

Ehab Abouheif, James �鶹�� Professor in the Department of Biology at �鶹��, has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the highest distinctions in the global science community, which recognizes contributions to science and technology, scientific leadership, and extraordinary achievements across disciplines.

Celebrating all of our science outreach volunteers

�鶹�� — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:20:53 +0000

National Volunteer Week: April 14-20, 2024

The theme for this year's National Volunteer Week is Every Moment Matters. It highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and wellbeing of our communities.

�鶹��’s Gault Nature Reserve: Serving biodiversity and the community

�鶹�� — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:40:41 +0000

Located in the heart of the Montérégie region, in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, �鶹��’s Gault Nature Reserve comprises more than 1,000 hectares of lush old-growth deciduous forest, just 40 km from Montreal. A refuge for migratory birds, Gault is at the heart of Canada’s first UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve.

Thousands flock to �鶹�� to take in solar eclipse

�鶹�� — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:48:45 +0000

On Monday April 8th, thousands of people flocked to �鶹��'s downtown and MacDonald campuses, as well as Gault Nature Reserve, to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event: the total solar eclipse. The three spectacular events not only included a viewing party with free glasses, but also educational activities to inform the public on this astronomical phenomenon. Read the Reporter article on the eclipse festivities to learn more.

Night Lights and Scientific Delights: Nuit blanche at �鶹��

�鶹�� — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:50:46 +0000

by Phuong Hoang, Faculty of Science Communications Assistant

True to its name, Montréal’s Nuit blanche is an annual celebration of the vibrant culture of the city, with thematic itineraries and extended business hours that ensure festival-goers a night of endless excitement. From flower printing workshops to ghost story roundtables, Nuit blanche invited Montrealers to share and express their creativity through a diverse range of activities at different locations across Montréal.

Real Data and Real Solutions in MATH 527

�鶹�� — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:39:00 +0000

On a cloudy afternoon this past December, a group of �鶹�� students gathered in a downtown Montréal boardroom to give a data science presentation to Citera, a sustainability analytics company. This presentation wasn’t for an internship or any other extracurricular activity – it was part of one of �鶹��’s newest and most innovative courses: MATH 527, Statistical Data Science Practicum.

Soup & Science: �鶹��’s stew-pendous serving of research

�鶹�� — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:23:57 +0000

Recently, �鶹�� undergraduate students had the opportunity to savor an enriching blend of knowledge and soup at the 37th edition of Soup & Science. This week-long event, occurring once a semester, highlights research taking place on campus. This semester’s showcase included topics across disciplines, ranging from quantum meta-photonics to optogenetic stimulation in roundworms, and students were able to learn and engage with these topics in an intimate setting.

A push for more women in computer science

�鶹�� — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:26:28 +0000

When Jade Raymond, BSc’98, studied at �鶹��’s School of Computer Science, she was one of few women in the program and “I think the only woman I knew in my year who went and got a job as a programmer in computer science after graduating.”

Raymond became a trailblazer in the video game industry, helping create the huge hit Assassin’s Creed, and building studios from the ground up for Ubisoft and Electronic Arts.

$107.5 million for eight innovative research projects led by �鶹��

�鶹�� — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:57:49 +0000

On March 13th at the Université de Montréal, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced the results of the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) Innovation Fund (IF) 2023 competition.

Seventeen �鶹�� researchers announced as Canada Research Chairs

�鶹�� — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:54:55 +0000

Seventeen outstanding �鶹�� researchers were appointed on March 13th as new and renewed Canada Research Chairs (CRC), one of Canada’s most prestigious academic honours. The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, at the Université de Montréal.

Support science for everyone on March 13!

�鶹�� — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:58:19 +0000

One element that makes �鶹��24 so special is the energy that our students bring to the event. They use this day to raise funds for student-run projects and initiatives, and this year the Faculty of Science has the largest ever number of crowdfunding projects.

M87* One Year Later: Proof of a persistent black hole shadow

�鶹�� — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:45:23 +0000

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration, including Professor Daryl Haggard at �鶹��, has released new images of M87*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy Messier 87, using data from observations taken in April 2018.

Read the full article here.

MSSI Social Sciences and Humanities Ideas Fund recipients announced for 2023

�鶹�� — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:42:46 +0000

MSSI has announced the results of its latest Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) Ideas Fund competition. The SSH Ideas Fund awards seed funding to explore bold projects and novel ideas drawn specifically from humanities, arts, and social sciences research with the potential to illuminate or solve sustainability-related challenges.

MSSI Innovation Fund recipients announced for 2023

�鶹�� — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:37:29 +0000

Every year, the MSSI Innovation Fund provides support to �鶹�� faculty members to accelerate the development of an idea or a technology toward widespread societal adoption by funding research that informs policy or moves an innovation toward commercialization. This year’s fund will distribute $100,000 to two projects that have the potential to make electric vehicle batteries and groundwater management more sustainable.

Highlighting women in STEM to engage youth

�鶹�� — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:31:59 +0000

“Les STIM au féminin” is a new campaign geared towards high school and cegep-level youth which highlights the initiatives of women in STEM and raises awareness about pathways and careers in science through a series of informative videos.

New paper explores four nearby fast radio burst sources

�鶹�� — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:59:14 +0000

Fleeting blasts of energy from space, known as fast radio bursts (FRBs), are a cosmic enigma. A Canadian-led international team of researchers has published new findings suggesting that supernovae are the predominant contributors to forming sources that eventually produce FRBs.

�鶹�� research included in Québec Science’s top 10 best of the year

�鶹�� — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:41:53 +0000

Research conducted by �鶹�� researchers ranks among the year’s best, according to Québec Science magazine.

The magazine has published its annual top 10 list of the province’s most groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and three have ties to �鶹�� researchers.

The three studies affiliated with �鶹�� researchers address some of the world’s most pressing challenges: extreme climate change, treatment for cancer patients, and the quality of seawater.

Hanadi Sleiman awarded 2024 E. W. R. Steacie Award

�鶹�� — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:31:51 +0000

Chemistry Professor and Canada Research Chair in DNA Nanoscience Hanadi Sleiman has received the 2024 E. W. R. Steacie Award from the Chemical Institute of Canada. This award is presented annually to a scientist who has made a distinguished contribution to the field of chemistry while working in Canada.

How does one species become many?

�鶹�� — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:55:42 +0000

Evolutionary biologists have long suspected that the diversification of a single species into multiple descendent species – that is, an “adaptive radiation” – is the result of each species adapting to a different environment. Yet formal tests of this hypothesis have been elusive owing to the difficulty of firmly establishing the relationship between species traits and evolutionary “fitness” for a group of related species that recently diverged from a common ancestral species.

�鶹�� launches Collaborative for AI and Society

�鶹�� — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:17:43 +0000

New efforts to mobilize around the challenges and opportunities of AI are taking shape at �鶹��. On December 4, a new �鶹�� Collaborative for AI & Society (McCAIS) held an internal launch event at the �鶹�� Faculty Club, where more than 70 participants from across the �鶹�� campus gathered for an afternoon of collaboration and discussion.

�鶹�� launches Canada Award to offset tuition increase for Canadian undergraduate students

�鶹�� — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:16:41 +0000

�鶹�� is launching a $3,000 Canada Award to offset tuition increases for Canadian undergraduate students from outside Quebec in certain disciplines. Approximately 80% of new Canadian students from outside Quebec coming to �鶹�� will be eligible for the new award.

Details of the award, including the programs eligible for the award, will be available on �鶹��'s Undergraduate �鶹�� website by December 22, 2023.

Interview with Physics Professor Victoria Kaspi in Nature

�鶹�� — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:33:05 +0000

In a new interview with Nature, Physics Professor and Shaw laureate Victoria Kaspi reflects on the inaugural Hong Kong Laureate Forum and how researchers can foster communication across different generations of scientists.

What was the most common question students asked at panel discussions?

Fighting disinformation in Quebec

�鶹�� — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:50:10 +0000

Until now, most disinformation research, datasets, and tools to protect users like bot detectors, have only included English-language social media. This lack of linguistic diversity leaves Francophone internet users in Quebec and beyond more vulnerable to disinformation as the phenomenon becomes increasingly pervasive in online spaces.

Stuck in traffic: Researchers identify cellular traffic jams in a rare disease

�鶹�� — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:19:37 +0000

Researchers zero in on spinocerebellar ataxia type 6, a disease that disrupts brain function

Researchers from �鶹��, led by Professor Alanna Watt of the Department of Biology, have identified previously unknown changes in brain cells affected by a neurological disease. Their research, published in eLife, could pave the way to future treatments for the disease.

What skin piercings can teach us about environmental change

�鶹�� — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:44:57 +0000

In a new study from �鶹��, researchers bring science into an unexpected setting: a tattoo parlor. In this first characterization of the human piercing microbiome, the uniquely human cultural practice of piercing serves as a model system to help us better understand how biological communities (re)assemble after catastrophic environmental disturbances.

A first look inside Li-ion batteries

�鶹�� — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:44:31 +0000

What if you could charge your electric vehicle in the same amount of time it takes to fill a tank of gas?

In a new paper published today in Joule, researchers from �鶹�� and the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) announced the development of a novel method that enables researchers to peer inside Li-ion batteries and, for the first time, track the physical processes that take place in both the liquid and solid parts of the battery cells as they happen.

Rustum Choksi: Winner, Principal’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching (Full Professor)

�鶹�� — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:32:06 +0000

Students coming from high school often arrive with specific – and mistaken – expectations of the mathematics classroom. In Rustum Choksi’s courses he emphasizes a pedagogical paradigm shift, whereby mathematics is not about memorization nor symbolic manipulations and calculations but rather a beautiful and diverse discipline which is often a means to understanding our complex world.

Martin Grant earns Morty Yalovsky Lifetime Achievement Award

�鶹�� — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:22:29 +0000

Early in his career in physics, Martin Grant thought he had it all figured out.

“When I started, I said to myself ‘well, this is good. Nobody’s going to tell me what to do,” said Grant, Emeritus James �鶹�� Professor and former Dean of the Faculty of Science. “I’ve got the world’s greatest postdoc – me – and I’ll be able to do all the projects that I want to do pretty much by myself.”

“But I quickly realized that if I followed that route, I would be doing a disservice to the students.”

The Hackathon returns to �鶹�� campus

�鶹�� — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:17:31 +0000

On November 3-5^th, the �鶹�� Physics Hackathon held its eighth annual event in person at the Rutherford Physics Building. The event attracted around 150 hackers, from CEGEP and undergraduate backgrounds, who joined forces to produce spectacular projects.

Congratulations to all those who participated!

Q&A with Jason Hessels, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Transient Astrophysics

�鶹�� — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:30:05 +0000

In a ceremony today at Simon Fraser University, the Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, announced that Professor Jason Hessels has been named the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Transient Astrophysics at �鶹��.

�鶹�� receives three Canada Excellence Research Chairs

�鶹�� — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:25:50 +0000

The results of the 2022 Canada Excellence Research Chairs competition were announced this morning at Simon Fraser University by the Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Ted Hewitt, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Chair of the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat Steering Committee.

Sixteen �鶹�� researchers among the world’s most cited

�鶹�� — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:42:58 +0000

Sixteen �鶹�� researchers have been included on the Highly Cited Researchers™ (HCRs) list, as published by Clarivate. To be included in the prestigious list, researchers must rank in the top 1 per cent worldwide for their fields and publications in the Web of Science index. In being named to this list, these investigators join a cohort of 6,849 individuals around the world who have been recognized for their academic contributions.

�鶹�� Physics Hackathon attracts students from high schools, CEGEPs, and universities

�鶹�� — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:20:04 +0000

On November 3, the �鶹�� Physics Hackathon kicked off its eighth annual event. Over the course of 24 hours, spread over three days, participants formed teams and took over the Rutherford Physics Building in a friendly computer programming competition. The goal? Use any programming language to demonstrate a concept or phenomenon in the physical sciences. At the end of the weekend, projects were judged based on their technical execution, ability to clearly communicate what was accomplished, and aesthetics.

Lessons learned from the inaugural Inclusive Teaching Initiative

�鶹�� — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:27:24 +0000

From December 2022 to May 2023, a group comprising seven Faculty of Science instructors from six different departments met monthly to discuss ways of making their courses more inclusive. The Inclusive Teaching Initiative is part of the Faculty’s response to the �鶹�� Provost’s Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism (ABR) 2020-2025 and the Strategic Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Plan 2020-2025.

FSCI 198: Climate Crisis and Climate Actions featured in Le Devoir

�鶹�� — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:31:48 +0000

A recent article in Le Devoir highlighted FSCI 198, a three-credit course for undergraduates focused on building skills for individual and collective actions to address climate change:

Devant les changements climatiques et leurs effets de plus en plus visibles, nombreux sont les jeunes paralysés par l’écoanxiété. À �鶹��, un cours veut susciter l’espoir et outiller les étudiants pour faire face aux changements climatiques.

Promoting student mental health through assessment practices, with Kira Smith

�鶹�� — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:58:14 +0000

Reposted from the Teaching for Learning blog from �鶹��’s Teaching and Learning Services.

BY MARGO ECHENBERG

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between well-being, wellness, and mental health? Or how students’ learning and well-being are linked? Have you considered what the connections might be among assessment, student performance, and heightened emotions?

With community outreach, science is for everyone

�鶹�� — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:01:14 +0000

The latest article by Made by �鶹�� explores the mission, diversity, and impact of �鶹��’s many science outreach initiatives. The collective efforts of outreach groups and departments not only expand the scope of the University itself, but also engage members of the public with accessible science. This fosters a sense of curiosity and opens a new world of possibilities to all.

Learn more about these science outreach initiatives.

Russell T. Shinohara, former �鶹�� student, receives 2023 Mortimer Spiegelman Award

�鶹�� — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 21:03:19 +0000

Former �鶹�� student Russell T. Shinohara has been named the recipient of the 2023 Mortimer Spiegelman Award for "his important contributions to biostatistics and imaging, as well as his proven track record of leadership and mentorship."

Dr. Shinohara was an undergraduate and master's student in the �鶹�� Department of Mathematics and Statistics and completed his Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University. He is now a Professor of Biostatistics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Paul Wiseman named 2024 Fellow of the Biophysical Society of Canada

�鶹�� — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:30:39 +0000

Paul Wiseman, Professor of Physics and Chemistry at �鶹��, has been named the 2024 Fellow of the Biophysical Society of Canada for his major contributions to the development of new quantitative microscopy tools to reveal hidden properties of biomolecules.

Travelling seeds: a free lesson plan for schools

�鶹�� — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:50:49 +0000

To celebrate Science Literacy Week, the Office of Science Outreach released a free lesson plan for elementary school teachers. The lesson, titled “Travelling seeds” explores how seeds are dispersed. The activities and discussions center inquiry-based learning, to encourage nature discovery through hands-on experiences and observations.

The lesson was shared with science consultants across English and French school boards in the Greater Montreal area and has already received over 40 downloads.

Seeing inside the heart at an unprecedented scale

�鶹�� — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:18:50 +0000

A team of researchers in Canada and India has developed a novel method to image the whole mouse heart wall at a spatial resolution that is three orders of magnitude finer than that seen till now, revealing entirely new, previously unknown cardiac fiber systems within it.

Living between two worlds

�鶹�� — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:41:18 +0000

First year med student Madeline Yaaka is on track to become Nunavik’s first Inuk physician. We caught up with her while she was visiting her hometown of Kangiqsujuaq just before UGME orientation. She shares her hopes and fears for med school and beyond, as well as her perspectives on Indigenous health and education.

Ubisoft, Mila and �鶹�� join forces to create new research chair on responsible AI in video games

�鶹�� — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:15:24 +0000

Alongside ALL IN 2023 happening in Montreal, global video game leader Ubisoft, Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, the world’s largest academic deep learning (DL) research institute, and �鶹�� are proud to announce the creation of Ubisoft-Mila's new research Chair, Scaling Game Worlds with Responsible AI. This five-year Chair will be led by �鶹��’s Associate Professor, Dr. Derek Nowrouzezahrai, and will explore the ethical use of AI in the large-scale game development content creation pipeline.

Celebrating Science Literacy Week for the 9th year

�鶹�� — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:16:35 +0000

On September 23rd, the Office of Science Outreach, STEMM Diversity @ �鶹�� and TSI Outreach hosted interactive family workshops for Science Literacy Week. Over 150 people participated, learning about tree growth, the diversity of science and scientists, the survival of extremophiles and more!

Natalya Gomez named recipient of 2023 AGU James B. Macelwane Medal

�鶹�� — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:02:42 +0000

Professor Natalya Gomez of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has been selected to receive the American Geophysical Union’s 2023 James B. Macelwane Medal, awarded annually to three to five early career scientists in recognition of their significant contributions to Earth and space science.

Major renovation project will transform the Redpath into a more accessible museum

�鶹�� — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:17:58 +0000

If you’ve been meaning to visit �鶹��’s Redpath Museum, now is the time.

The historical building will undergo major renovations to bring it up to modern standards thanks to Ministry of Education grants, operating and accessibility funds, and the support of generous donors. The public can visit until the end of this year but will find doors closed at the start of 2024 when the work to pack and safely store the collections will begin. The construction part of the renovations will begin once that is completed, likely in the summer.

Faculty of Science welcomes five new Schulich Leaders

�鶹�� — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:00:14 +0000

When you learn you’ve been awarded Canada’s largest scholarship for STEM studies, it’s a pretty heady moment. Just ask some of �鶹��’s new Schulich Leaders. These new �鶹�� students hail from New Brunswick to Vancouver and are among the 100 recipients in Canada this year of Schulich Leader Scholarships, valued at up to $120,000.

Read the full article.

Matt Dobbs, Galen Halverson, Joelle Pineau, and Simon Caron-Huot honoured by the Royal Society of Canada

�鶹�� — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:28:28 +0000

Congratulations to �鶹�� Science's new Royal Society of Canada inductees, the Fellows Matt Dobbs, Galen Halverson, Joelle Pineau, and College Member Simon Caron-Huot! The four professors join 15 other scholars in �鶹��'s 2023 cohort.

Exploring Potential Signatures of Life on Ocean Moons

�鶹�� — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 17:50:19 +0000

A New Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration for Upcoming NASA Missions and Mission Concepts

Scientists have long been captivated by the possibility of discovering evidence for extraterrestrial life in the universe. While many of the world’s largest telescopes are pointed toward distant galaxies and star systems, some think there’s a strong possibility that life could be detected much closer to home.

Claude Crépeau awarded 2023 Edsger W. Dijkstra Prize

�鶹�� — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:10:39 +0000

Claude Crépeau, Professor in the School of Computer Science at �鶹��, has been named a co-recipient of the 2023 Edsger W. Dijkstra Prize in Distributed Computing. This award recognizes papers in the area of distributed computing that have made a significant and lasting impact in the field.

Carole Verdone-Smith, Sandra Lalli, and Dr. Kim Metera named Faculty of Science Excellence Awards winners

�鶹�� — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:32:49 +0000

Carole Verdone-Smith (Management Staff), Sandra Lalli (Technical Staff), and Dr. Kim Metera (Administrative Staff) have been named recipients of the Faculty of Science Excellence Awards for their contributions to the management and success of the Faculty during the 2022-2023 academic year. The awards were announced on May 23. Read below the citations prepared by the Faculty of Science Excellence Awards Committee.

An Inspiring Event in Science Engagement

�鶹�� — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:38:46 +0000

May 15^th and 16^th, Falling Walls Engage Hub Canada hosted 30 science outreach practitioners, from across the country, for a bilingual event titled “The Power of the Pitch: A Funding and Skills-building Workshop for Canadian Science Engagers”.

In a series of workshops, participants learned first-hand from funders what they are looking for in successful proposals and created quick pitches for new science engagement projects.

Alanna Watt awarded Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching

�鶹�� — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:51:32 +0000

Congratulations to Alanna Watt, Department of Biology, for being awarded the 2023 Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching!

Exploring Space and Science in Chisasibi

�鶹�� — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:37:01 +0000

The outreach branch of �鶹��’s Trottier Space Institute and Branches joined forces to offer a new science program called Outbound Explore. The groups collaborated with the Cree community of Chisasibi in Northern Quebec, to share experiences and knowledge with youth on science and post-secondary education at �鶹��, with the hopes of inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Ph.D. Student Matt Bowen awarded 2023 Carl Herz Prize

�鶹�� — Wed, 31 May 2023 19:49:57 +0000

Matt Bowen, a doctoral student in mathematics at �鶹��, has been awarded the 2023 Carl Herz Prize by the Institut des sciences mathématiques for his preprint Monochromatic products and sums in 2-colorings of ℕ, a new proof of the special case of Hindman’s conjecture when there are two colours.

Jamie Kirkpatrick awarded 2023 W.W. Hutchison Medal

�鶹�� — Wed, 31 May 2023 19:40:13 +0000

Jamie Kirkpatrick, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, has been awarded the 2023 W.W. Hutchison Medal from the Geological Association of Canada. The medal is awarded annually for recent exceptional advances in Canadian earth science research.

“Everyone wins” in this education research with a TEACH Mentor

�鶹�� — Thu, 25 May 2023 19:53:50 +0000

By Adele Lopes

It’s a sunny afternoon at the Office of Science Education office, and I’ve just sat down with Dr. Jasmin Chahal and Alex Wang to talk about the education research they undertook when they teamed up to assess how self-reflection and pre-lab activities affect students’ confidence levels and success in a Microbiology and Immunology 384 Lab course. So, how did this project get started?

Graham Bell’s Exit Seminar

�鶹�� — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:56:11 +0000

Just shy of 100 faculty, students, and friends packed the Redpath Auditorium on May 12th to celebrate the retirement of Graham Bell, James �鶹�� Professor in the Department of Biology at �鶹��. For the occasion, Bell delivered a “final “seminar to the audience, which included his wife and three sons, surveying his career as an evolutionary biologist.

�鶹�� and Royal Norwegian Embassy Co-Host Arctic Frontiers Conference

�鶹�� — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:54:29 +0000

On May 12, �鶹�� co-hosted the last day of the Arctic Frontiers Summit alongside the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Arctic Frontiers. Over 60 participants, comprising representatives from the governments of Canada, Norway, and Quebec, as well as �鶹�� faculty, researchers, and students gathered in the �鶹�� Faculty Club Ballroom to discuss science, policy, infrastructure, and business in the Arctic.

�鶹�� Takes Part in 24 Hours of Science

�鶹�� — Tue, 16 May 2023 18:08:43 +0000

24 Hours of Science—Quebec’s biggest science and technology festival—took place May 5 and 6. �鶹��’s many science outreach programs joined in on the annual event again this year, with the Chemistry, Physics, Trottier Space Institute, Earth and Planetary Sciences, STEMM Diversity, Science Outreach, and Gault Nature Reserve teams contributing to the fun.

Researchers Develop Nanosponges Using ‘Hairy’ Nanocellulose As Sustainable Alternative For Drug Delivery

�鶹�� — Thu, 11 May 2023 14:00:49 +0000

Chemists from �鶹�� have discovered the possibility of creating biopolymer-based “nanosponges” using milled softwood pulp, a sustainable and less toxic alternative to current drug delivery systems. Although the structures developed by the researchers are too big for anti-cancer drug delivery by injection or oral intake, they could potentially be used in dressing wounds, for medical implants, and to capture unwanted materials in wastewater.

Hanadi Sleiman elected Fellow of the Royal Society

�鶹�� — Wed, 10 May 2023 14:37:38 +0000

�鶹�� Chemistry professor recognized for her development of new approaches to DNA nanotechnology

Hanadi Sleiman, Professor of Chemistry at �鶹�� and Canada Research Chair in DNA Nanoscience, has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society for her ground-breaking work producing DNA nanostructures for precision drug delivery.

2023 Spring Convocation Honorary Doctorate recipients announced

�鶹�� — Tue, 02 May 2023 18:41:53 +0000

Meet the 2023 Spring Convocation Honorary Doctorate recipients for the Faculty of Science ceremonies!

Daniel Simberloff, Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
A.B. (Harvard College), Ph.D. (Harvard University) 

Redpath Museum Celebrates Earth Day

�鶹�� — Mon, 01 May 2023 15:07:38 +0000

March 21 might be the first official day of spring, but Earth Day, a month later, can feel like the beginning of the warmer seasons – at least in Montreal. The Redpath Museum, which recently reopened to the public, commemorated Earth Day this year through a series of themed activities over several days.

Meet the 2023 Faculty of Science cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars

�鶹�� — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:49:47 +0000

The McCall MacBain Foundation has announced the thirty students from 10 countries who will form its first cohort of global scholars at �鶹��, arriving in September 2023. Among them are four students who will be pursuing degrees in the Faculty of Science.

Le professeur Andrew Gonzalez (Biology) dans Le Devoir

�鶹�� — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:32:00 +0000

On le sait désormais : la préservation de l’environnement ne s’arrête pas à la simple réduction des émissions de carbone dans l’atmosphère. Grâce, notamment, à la tenue de la Conférence de l’ONU sur la biodiversité (COP15) à Montréal en décembre 2022, l’importance de la protection de la biodiversité est aujourd’hui bien présente dans l’actualité. Pour des chercheurs comme Andrew Gonzalez, professeur de biologie à l’Université �鶹��, il était plus que temps.

What areas should Canada protect to save species at risk of extinction?

�鶹�� — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:14:40 +0000

At the recent COP 15 conference in Montreal, Canada committed to protecting 30% of its land by 2030, but which areas are most crucial to protect for at-risk species such as the spotted turtles?

In a new study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, �鶹�� researchers overlayed maps of species at risk to find hotspots where many species live together. They found that hotspots often overlap.

Cutting down on social media to improve teens and young adults’ body image

�鶹�� — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:13:17 +0000

Teens in North America are spending several hours per day on screens, and there’s growing concern over how social media may affect their mental health.

SciLearn mis en vedette sur Radio-Canada

�鶹�� — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 14:59:35 +0000

Le programme SciLearn du Bureau de l’enseignement des sciences (Office of Science Education) à l’université �鶹�� a été mis en vedette lors du dernier épisode de Les années lumière sur Radio-Canada:

Depuis quelques années, les nouveaux étudiants en science de l'université �鶹�� se voient offrir des stratégies d'apprentissage tirées directement de la recherche en neuroscience.

Major advance in research on melanin, the pigment that colours skin, eyes, and hair

�鶹�� — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:08:37 +0000

For the first time, scientists produce an organic molecule that mimics melanin’s essential properties

Congratulations to STEMM Diversity@�鶹��!

�鶹�� — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:06:13 +0000

The results are in for the 2023 Principal’s Prize for Public Engagement through Media and STEMM Diversity@�鶹�� is among the runners-up recognized in the Group category.

Johanna Nešlehová receives 2023 Krieger-Nelson Prize

�鶹�� — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:10:29 +0000

The Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) has selected Professor Johanna Nešlehová as the 28^th recipient of the Krieger-Nelson Prize. This award, established in 1995, recognizes outstanding contributions to research by a woman or female-identifying mathematician working in Canada.

Hundreds Gather for Undergraduate Poster Showcase

�鶹�� — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:17:43 +0000

�鶹�� community comes together to celebrate the research of over 100 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Science and beyond in an annual event organized by the Office of Science Education.

School of Religious Studies to host conversations on Science and Faith

�鶹�� — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 23:23:47 +0000

The ongoing dialogue between science and faith will be the focus of two upcoming events hosted by the School of Religious Studies. Set to take place on March 26th and 27th, the events will include a lecture from Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J., Director of the Vatican Observatory, and a panel discussion featuring scholars from diverse academic and faith backgrounds.

MSSI announces 2023 Ideas Fund recipients

�鶹�� — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:04:24 +0000

The �鶹�� Sustainability Systems Initiative (MSSI) has announced the results of its latest Ideas Fund competition. The Ideas Fund awards seed funding to projects led by �鶹�� researchers, enabling them to pursue high-risk, high-reward projects in sustainability research.

Story on new Climate Action course featured on �鶹�� homepage

�鶹�� — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:41:20 +0000

Worried about the climate crisis? Want to learn about climate change from experts and explore what you can do about it?

�鶹�� has a course for you.

The primary goal of FSCI198: Climate Crisis and Climate Actions is to enable students to find enough hope to want to engage with the climate crisis.

Faculty of Science father-son duo help team win coveted intramurals ice hockey championship mug

�鶹�� — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 20:46:52 +0000

When Professor Sebastien Breau of the Department of Geography (far left) first joined the 50s hockey team back in 2010, Vincent (second from left) was only seven years old. Now a first-year Statistics and Computer Science student at �鶹��, Vincent and his dad helped their team win the coveted intramurals ice hockey championship mug.

Connecting Students with Researchers through Soup

�鶹�� — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 18:01:42 +0000

Although approaching professors to discuss research opportunities might seem daunting for undergraduate students, there’s an ingredient for success: soup!

�鶹�� Department of Chemistry signs the Green Chemistry Commitment

�鶹�� — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:05:52 +0000

The �鶹�� Department of Chemistry has signed the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) from Beyond Benign, an organization that develops and disseminates green chemistry and sustainable science educational resources that empower educators, students, and the community at large to practice sustainability through chemistry.

Professor Marcin Sabok and PhD student Matt Bowen featured in Quanta Magazine

�鶹�� — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 21:23:32 +0000

Last year, Professor Marcin Sabok and PhD student Matt Bowen of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics published an important advance in what's known as Ramsey Theory.

In a new article for Quanta Magazine, the math writer Dr. Leila Sloman reports on Sabok and Bowen's proof.

The Science (Students) of Course Change #4 – Universal Design for Learning in Biochemistry

�鶹�� — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:06:54 +0000

For instructors and course designers, the optimal way to structure a course is a critical question. With many pedagogical perspectives and a diverse array of student needs, it is challenging to find instructional methods that work for everyone. A framework that seeks to remediate some current challenges in teaching and learning is known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an approach to education that emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility.

RI-MUHC and �鶹�� researchers make a breakthrough in understanding brain nanoarchitecture, using computer vision

�鶹�� — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 20:57:57 +0000

A new study published in Current Biology reveals the nanostructure of brain cells at an unprecedented level of resolution.

In Memoriam: Douglas Grant Stairs

�鶹�� — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:57:21 +0000

Dr. Douglas Grant Stairs, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics at �鶹��, passed away on February 19, 2023. He was 89 years old.

The Science (Students) of Course Change #3 – Two-Stage Exams in Organic Chemistry

�鶹�� — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 17:20:40 +0000

Two-stage exams are a form of assessment that bring student collaborative learning into the testing process. While a typical two-stage exam gathers students to re-do the exam as a group after completing it individually, this project investigates the use of “group first” two-stage exams. In this format, piloted in Organic Chemistry I midterm exams, students complete the group component before the individual component, and each part has related, but discrete questions.

Antoine Labelle awarded 2022 William Moser Memorial Prize

�鶹�� — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 21:50:53 +0000

Antoine Labelle has been named the recipient of the 2022 William Moser Memorial Prize, an award given to �鶹�� students who achieve outstanding results in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition.

The Science (Students) of Course Change #2 – Research Transmission Through Infographics

�鶹�� — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:32:36 +0000

In our fast-paced world, where information is propagated at high speeds from one end of the globe to the other, it is undeniable that rapid communication has rendered information highly diffusible. A problem arises, however, when false or inaccurate information regarding scientific theories and research spreads. For this reason, it is essential to find new and innovative ways to effectively transmit information that is comprehensible to the general public.

Teaching hope during the climate crisis

�鶹�� — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:02:38 +0000

Forty-five undergraduate students at �鶹�� participated in new Climate Crisis and Climate Actions course

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down almost everything. For Diane Dechief, PhD, and Marcy Slapcoff of the Office of Science Education (OSE), the two leads of the new Faculty of Science course FSCI198: Climate Crisis and Climate Actions, there was a positive aspect to the delays.

Dr. Eve J. Lee awarded 2022 Vainu Bappu Gold Medal

�鶹�� — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:52:23 +0000

Professor Eve Lee of the �鶹�� Department of Physics and the Trottier Space Institute has been awarded the 2022 Vainu Bappu Gold Medal by the Astronomical Society of India. This medal is awarded once every two years to honour exceptional contributions to Astronomy & Astrophysics by young scientists anywhere in the world.

Energy poverty: an overlooked determinant of health and climate resilience in Canada

�鶹�� — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:08:11 +0000

Despite Canada being an important energy producer, not all Canadians can access or afford adequate levels of energy services at home to meet their needs, maintain healthy indoor temperatures, and live a decent life—a situation known as energy poverty. Depending on the measure, 6–19% of Canadian households face energy poverty. Health risks associated with energy poverty are documented in countries with milder climates.

CDSI announces 2023 Convergent Research Themes awards

�鶹�� — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:01:36 +0000

Five multidisciplinary teams to collaborate on computational approaches to complex problems

Students: Participate in the How to Change the World bootcamp

�鶹�� — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:42:53 +0000

This reading week the Faculty of Science is partnering with How to Change the World to offer 10 undergraduate students a unique experiential learning and professional development opportunity.

This is a chance for you to tackle real-world sustainability and innovation challenges using the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You will be supported by a world-class global teaching team, and receive guidance from a diverse range of sustainability and innovation experts and local stakeholders from around the world.

Karine Auclair receives 2023 Clara Benson Award

�鶹�� — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 16:06:14 +0000

Karine Auclair, professor in the Department of Chemistry, is the 2023 recipient for the Clara Benson Award from the Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC).

Sponsored by the Canadian Council of University Chemistry Chairs (CCUCC), the Clara Benson Award is presented to recognize a woman who has made a distinguished contribution to chemistry while working in Canada.

Here is what the CIC had to say about Auclair's work:

Christian Genest awarded the 2023 CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize

�鶹�� — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 20:34:30 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Christian Genest on being awarded the 2023 CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize! The CRM-Fields-PIMS prize is the premier Canadian award for research achievements in the mathematical sciences.

�鶹�� scholars respond to COP15 Biodiversity Conference

�鶹�� — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 15:40:15 +0000

The 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP15) was held in Montreal on December 7-19, 2022. The conference’s outcome agreement, known as “30×30” means the protection of 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030.

Setting Targets for Wetland Restoration to Mitigate Climate Change Effects on Watershed Hydrology

�鶹�� — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:46:20 +0000

How much wetland we should protect or restore is not a simple question, such that conservation targets are often set according to political agendas, then standardized globally. However, given their key regulating hydrological functions, wetlands represent nature-based solutions to the anticipated, exacerbating effect of climate change on drought and flood events, which will vary at the regional scale.

Autobiographical event memory and aging: older adults get the gist

�鶹�� — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:37:06 +0000

According to new research co-authored by �鶹��'s Associate Professor Signy Sheldon (Psychology), older adults’ ability to retrieve episodic autobiographical events, although often viewed through a lens of decline, reveals much about what is preserved and prioritized in cognitive aging.

SciLearn: Helping first-year science students learn better

�鶹�� — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:10:59 +0000

Each year, around 1,000 new students begin an undergraduate science degree at �鶹��. For many of them, their first year at university represents a dramatic change from the world of high school or CEGEP.

“The workload, the amount of new content you get, and a different style of testing” are three of the challenges Marie Walker recalls from her first semester as a science undergrad.

The three dimensions of a flower

�鶹�� — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:08:58 +0000

To better understand the evolution of flowers, a research team in biology from Université de Montréal , the Montréal Botanical Garden, and �鶹�� (Daniel Schoen, Biology) have succeeded in using photogrammetry to quickly and precisely build, in three dimensions, a model of a flower from two-dimensional images.

Photogrammetry is commonly used by geographers to reconstruct the topography of a landscape. However, this is the first time that scientists have used the technique to design 3D models of flowers in order to better study them.

‘Cities are becoming the fulcrum for how we manage biodiversity’

�鶹�� — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:23:12 +0000

As Montreal prepares to host UN Biodiversity Conference, �鶹�� professor Andrew Gonzalez discusses how cities can help protect nature and human health.

Global urban populations are projected to increase to nearly five billion by 2030. This ever-expanding urbanization threatens our world’s plant and animal biodiversity and degrades ecosystems through the loss of habitat, biomass and carbon storage. As noted during the recent COP27 climate conference, biodiversity loss is as critical to our planet’s health as the climate crisis.

Freshwater biodiversity loss has been out of sight, out of mind

�鶹�� — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:19:40 +0000

A silent mass extinction is occurring in lakes, rivers and wetlands. Freshwater species are rapidly disappearing in North America and throughout the world. Conservation-minded people might be unaware of this, because of the media’s longstanding focus on land-based ecosystems and charismatic animals.

Pursuing an Arctic research dream

�鶹�� — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:14:04 +0000

Lizz Webb, a PhD student in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences here at �鶹��, spent a week in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago barely 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole, as part of her studies.

Join visiting Artist in Residence Jan van Esch for two talks on sustainability

�鶹�� — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 19:54:27 +0000

TUESDAY November 22. GHABH - The poison in the gift, Part I: Giving and receiving - considering commercial determinants of health.

How do the actions of not-for-profit and commercial second-hand clothing recycling determine relations within and between countries? How does the promotional imagery used by these companies and their actions reinstate cliché images of the other and have an impact the (mental) health through the psychological powerplay between the giver and receiver.

Combining Art with Science

�鶹�� — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 19:40:58 +0000

Using real geochemical data from the archaeological site of Itzan, Guatemala, and computer-generated artwork, PhD candidate Benjamin Keenan (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences) has produced a video that brings the ancient Mayan civilization to life. Funded by a FRQ DIALOGUE grant (the first for the Faculty of Science), his video has been shown at over 10 exhibitions and conferences, both locally and internationally. Learn more about Benjamin's project.

What's it like to be a Biology student at �鶹��?

�鶹�� — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:07:44 +0000

Join five current Biology students as they share their stories of finding their place and pursuing diverse paths within the discipline in this new video: A Glimpse Into Biology at �鶹��. To learn more about the inspiration for this video, read Video marks launch of Department of Biology outreach campaign.

Science Outreach is hiring!

�鶹�� — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:18:03 +0000

We're looking for a Science Outreach Educator to join our team. They will assist the Faculty’s Science Outreach unit in promoting and enhancing the visibility of outreach, provide training opportunities to �鶹�� students and staff using evidence-based best practices and assist with the communications and evaluation components of the Outreach program. Find out more.

Alfonso Mucci elected Fellow of the American Geophysical Union

�鶹�� — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 12:53:11 +0000

Alfonso Mucci, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, has been elected an American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fellow. He joins 53 other individuals in the 2022 Class of Fellows. AGU, a nonprofit organization that supports 130,000 enthusiasts to experts worldwide in Earth and space sciences, annually recognizes a select number of individuals as part of its Honours and Recognition program. Since 1962, the AGU Fellows Committee has selected less than 0.1% of members as new Fellows.

Undergraduate students celebrated for summer research

�鶹�� — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 17:24:00 +0000

On August 10, thirty or so undergraduate students gathered in Leacock 232 to share their experiences as researchers in the Faculty of Science over the summer.

The Redpath Museum moves outdoors this summer

�鶹�� — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 13:25:45 +0000

Enjoy the beautiful summer weather and join the Redpath Museum outdoors to see and touch specimens from their natural history and world cultures collections. Fossils, skulls, minerals, ancient pottery... you never know what you'll find!

Every Wednesday and Thursday through August 18th: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Different themes each day. Cancelled if it rains.

Sherbrooke St. West and �鶹�� College, east side, inside the Roddick Gates. Look for the white pop-up awning.

Outreach skills and entrepreneurship

�鶹�� — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:31:46 +0000

Wondering how the skills you develop doing science outreach can help with your future endeavours? Read about Dr. Allie Huerta (PhD in Chemistry and former star member of the Chemistry Outreach Group) and her new startup, AIM Colours — combining cosmetics and technology.

Faculty of Science Excellence Award winners announced

�鶹�� — Fri, 27 May 2022 19:08:57 +0000

2022 award winners

The Faculty of Science Excellence Awards recognize outstanding performance and contributions made by members of the Faculty’s administrative and support staff classified in four categories: Academic Associate, Clerical, Management, and Technical. The committee, comprised of staff members from each department, received nominations for three of these categories.

Gabriel Venne wins Leo Yaffe Award

�鶹�� — Wed, 25 May 2022 17:05:11 +0000

The recipient of the Leo Yaffe Award for 2022 is Gabriel Venne, assistant professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. The award is given each year to recognize a faculty member for superior teaching at the undergraduate level in the Faculty of Science.

Making data science accessible to all

�鶹�� — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:24:06 +0000

The Faculty of Science’s new Computational and Data Systems Initiative will help researchers unlock the power of data-intensive research methods

If you follow science news, you will almost certainly have encountered the term ‘modelling’. From understanding climate change, to predicting the course of a pandemic, to developing the pharmaceuticals to fight one, scientists seem to have a ‘model’ for everything. But have you ever wondered just what the term means and how scientists go about creating models?

Science students share their passion with school students across Québec

�鶹�� — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 15:39:56 +0000

�鶹�� students participated for the first time this year in École en réseau and Cœur des sciences, two programs that provide programming for elementary and secondary school students across Quebec. Read about �鶹�� students Jeremy Dawkins and Kirsten Crandall's engaging collaborations with École en réseau and Cœur des sciences in �鶹�� dans la ville's article

�鶹�� Chemistry Outreach Group founders describe the group's work in new tribute

�鶹�� — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 19:08:16 +0000

Founding members of the award-winning �鶹�� Chemistry Outreach program have documented the inception and work of the group in Beyond exploding balloons- bringing the science of chemistry to the public, a new piece in the Canadian Journal of Chemistry.

Get to know a scientist: Herpetologist Jessica Ford

�鶹�� — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:47:38 +0000

Watch herpetologist Jessica Ford explain the work she does with the easily overlooked, yet massively important tadpoles.

Office of Science Outreach launches online inquiry-based training

�鶹�� — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:45:41 +0000

The Office of Science Outreach is excited to take its inquiry-based theory training completely online and asynchronous. Intro to �鶹�� Science Outreach and Inquiry-Based Learning is now available on myCourses, �鶹��’s learning platform, for anyone interested in participating in the training. The Office created this course specifically to meet the needs of �鶹�� outreach students but it is available to all students, faculty, and staff across the University and in other institutions.

Promoting diversity in science

�鶹�� — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 13:21:14 +0000

STEMM Diversity @ �鶹�� co-founders Jessica Ford and Charles Xu detail their paths as scientists and what led them to come together to form STEMM Diversity @ �鶹�� in the new article Promoting diversity in science.

�鶹�� researchers tackle rare disease first identified in Quebec

�鶹�� — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:28:54 +0000

Researchers at �鶹�� have made an important step forward in understanding the cause of a rare neurodegenerative disease noted for its occurrence in the Charlevoix and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regions of Quebec.

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a genetic condition that affects coordination and balance from early childhood. Most ARSACS patients require a wheelchair by the time they reach their 30s or 40s. There is no cure and current treatments provide only limited symptomatic relief.

Real-time alert system heralds new era in fast radio burst research

�鶹�� — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:10:21 +0000

�鶹�� scientists have developed a new system for sharing the enormous amount of data being generated by the CHIME radio telescope in its search for fast radio bursts (FRBs), the puzzling extragalactic phenomenon that is one of the hottest topics in modern-day astronomy.

�鶹�� tackles systemic underrepresentation

�鶹�� — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:57:24 +0000

Improving representation is one of the key goals behind �鶹��’s current drive to recruit a greater number of Black faculty members. The Faculty of Science is proud to be a part of this effort, with applications now open for tenure-track positions in the School of Computer Science and the Department of Geography.

Learn about unEarth , one of �鶹��'s impact200 finalists

�鶹�� — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:01:56 +0000

unEarth is one of the impact200 Bicentennial Student Sustainability Challenge finalists' and their platform and supplemental educator's manual are designed to reach out and teach youth about sustainability through environmental systems thinking.

Stress affects our motivation – but not necessarily our ability – to do difficult tasks

�鶹�� — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 19:27:50 +0000

Stress increases people’s tendency to avoid cognitively demanding tasks, without necessarily altering their ability to perform those tasks, according to new research from �鶹��.

“Generally speaking, people are demand-averse,” says Ross Otto, an assistant professor of psychology at �鶹�� and the senior author of a recent paper in Psychological Science. “[Our study showed] stress increases that aversion.”

STEMM Diversity publishes paper and blog post

�鶹�� — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:46:35 +0000

STEMM Diversity group members have recently published a blog post with Cell Mentor, and a paper in Trends in Ecology.

Science literacy for everyone: Science Literacy Week and Chemistry Walk and Talk

�鶹�� — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:59:26 +0000

Science Literacy week is happening across Canada from September 20th to September 26th, and there many activities to participate in right in Montreal. For the seventh consecutive year, �鶹�� Library is planning a range of activities.

Climate change artist-in-residence to curate bicentennial art show

�鶹�� — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:51:55 +0000

Milton Riaño, �鶹��’s Climate Change Artist-in-Residence, will curate the Faculty of Science’s Bicentennial Science/Art Exposition, billed as a “celebration of science in all its forms”.

The art show organizers are calling on all members of the �鶹�� community to submit works in any medium, expressing what science means to them.

The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2021.

CRISPR for kids

�鶹�� — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:24:39 +0000

What is CRISPR? Science writer and masters student Ada McVean explains CRISPR for kids in a TikTok as part of an internship with �鶹��'s Office of Science Outreach for the NSERC PROMOTE program! Ada is currently doing her masters in the Damha Research Group at �鶹�� making anti-CRISPR oligonucleotides.

CRISPR for kids

Jeffrey McKenzie elected Fellow of the Geological Society of America

�鶹�� — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 19:30:59 +0000

Jeffrey McKenzie, Chair of �鶹��'s Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, has been elected a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA). In its citation, the GSA noted:

Virtual Eurêka Festival launches

�鶹�� — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 13:28:12 +0000

The 2021 Eurêka Festival launched on June 30th, 2021, and �鶹�� Outreach is participating! L'Archipel Virtuel is the first digital edition of the festival.

Principal's Prize for Public Engagement through Media: BrainReach is runner-up

�鶹�� — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 14:05:10 +0000

The 2021 Principal's Prize for Public Engagement through Media winners and runners-up were named in April, including Faculty of Science outreach group BrainReach.

Family Science Day continues �鶹��’s community outreach tradition

�鶹�� — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 13:51:41 +0000

�鶹��'s science outreach groups celebrated �鶹��'s Bicentennial with an all day event that drew in over 200 participants to 16 activities and talks.

Celebrating Science Odyssey with Some SMOrES

�鶹�� — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:10:31 +0000

The SMORES (Students at �鶹�� Outreach in Earth Sciences) club joined in on the 2021 Science odyssey campaign with a series of exciting one hour online workshops for kids, captivating over 65 participants.

Faculty of Science Excellence Award winners announced

�鶹�� — Mon, 31 May 2021 18:25:35 +0000

The Faculty of Science Excellence Awards recognize outstanding performance and contributions made by members of the Faculty’s administrative and support staff.

2021 award winners

Jean-Marc Gauthier, Director of Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories & Building Director, Chemistry.
“A” class recipient (Academic Associate)

This year’s winner in the inaugural Academic Associate category is Jean-Marc Gauthier, from the Department of Chemistry.

Rustum Choksi wins Leo Yaffe Award

�鶹�� — Mon, 31 May 2021 18:22:07 +0000

The Leo Yaffe Award is given each year to recognize a faculty member for superior teaching at the undergraduate level in the Faculty of Science.

The recipient for 2021 is Dr. Rustum Choksi from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, an outstanding educator, who communicates the beauty and relevance of mathematics to students from all backgrounds.

Study of promising photovoltaic material leads to discovery of a new state of matter

�鶹�� — Wed, 26 May 2021 15:40:34 +0000

Researchers at �鶹�� have gained new insight into the workings of perovskites, a semiconductor material that shows great promise for making high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells and a range of other optical and electronic devices.

Hidden magma pools pose volcanic eruption risks we can’t yet detect

�鶹�� — Tue, 11 May 2021 18:59:27 +0000

New research co-authored by �鶹�� Earth and Planetary Science professor John Stix challenges conventional views about scientists' ability to reliably predict volcanic eruptions.

Record numbers connect, learn and have fun at �鶹�� Physics Hackathon

�鶹�� — Wed, 05 May 2021 18:15:09 +0000

The 5th edition of �鶹�� Physics Hackathon brought together a record breaking number of participants in this 2020 online event.

Bicentennial Family Science Day

�鶹�� — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:48:13 +0000

We're celebrating 24h de science and �鶹��'s Bicentennial as we move into another century of community outreach! The Science Outreach groups have all kinds of fun in store in this Faculty of Science Signature Event. Join in the celebration! For more details, please visit the full schedule found here.

Family Science Day: What is neuroscience? History of neuroscience at �鶹��

�鶹�� — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:14:49 +0000

As part of �鶹��’s Bicentennial and 24h de science, join BrainReach on a virtual tour of the brain and its fascinating neurons followed by a brief history of neuroscience. Young minds will discover how scientists at �鶹�� set on a journey to understand the human brain.

Topic: What is neuroscience? History of neuroscience at �鶹��

Time: May 8, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Greater need to talk about equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM

�鶹�� — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 19:47:35 +0000

| ANALYSIS |

Lucia Wang, master’s student in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at �鶹��, shares her perspective on the role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM education.

Student art exhibition to highlight �鶹�� Bicentennial

�鶹�� — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 18:45:09 +0000

The Faculty of Science is celebrating �鶹��’s 200^th anniversary with a student art exhibition on the theme of “Science!”. �鶹�� students at all levels and all faculties are invited to submit works in any medium, expressing what science means to them.

Faculty of Science bicentennial committee member, Torsten Bernhard, says the aim of the exhibition is to celebrate science in all its forms.

Network science study of Montreal bilinguals could deepen understanding of real-world language use

�鶹�� — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 17:57:37 +0000

Psychology researchers at �鶹�� have used network science – a mathematical technique for revealing connections and patterns – to gain novel insights into Montrealers’ experience of using French and English.

The unique approach has brought to light subtle differences as to which social settings Montreal bilinguals discuss certain topics and whether they use French, English or both languages to discuss those topics.

A more sustainable way to make DNA-based medications

�鶹�� — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:40:16 +0000

Scientists at �鶹�� have developed a solvent-free method for making oligonucleotides, short strands of DNA of growing significance in research and the pharmaceutical industry.

Cause-and-effect approach could help machines become better learners

�鶹�� — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 19:38:11 +0000

For human beings, the ability to generalize – to extract broad principles from our experiences of the world and use these principles to help us make decisions in new situations – is an essential skill for navigating everyday life. But for those working in the field of artificial intelligence, getting machines to generalize in this way has been a notoriously difficult challenge.

Innovative simulations and analysis accelerate search for COVID-19 treatment

�鶹�� — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 13:50:52 +0000

�鶹�� researchers are using cutting-edge computer simulations and analytical techniques to identify and validate promising compounds in the search for a treatment for COVID-19.

Nicolas Moitessier, a professor in the Department of Chemistry, is using computer simulation software that he has developed over the past 15 years to predict the properties of molecules that have yet to be made.

�鶹��-made instrument reveals previously unseen quantum mechanical behaviour

�鶹�� — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:05:22 +0000

In a step forward for the field of quantum mechanics, �鶹�� researchers have achieved a breakthrough in sensitive measurements of the wave-like properties of electrons.

Faculty of Science – Statement on racism and injustice

�鶹�� — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:28:31 +0000

The events of the past weeks have brought into sharp focus, yet again, the systemic racism and pervasive inequalities that are so deeply entrenched in our societies.

The magnitude of the worldwide public response reflects pain in the face of violence, anger and frustration in the face of persistent injustice, and recognition of the urgent and overdue need for change.

Debbie Moskowitz wins Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Lifetime Contributions to Canadian Psychology

�鶹�� — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 15:25:43 +0000

Debbie Moskowitz of �鶹�� is the 2020 recipient of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Lifetime Contributions to Canadian Psychology. This award is presented to recognize CPA Members or Fellows who have given exceptional and enduring lifetime contributions to Canadian Psychology during their career.

Smash hit food chemistry course to run in summer 2020

�鶹�� — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 19:48:13 +0000

For the first time ever, �鶹�� will run a summer-semester version of CHEM 181, its enormously popular course on the chemistry of food.

Enrolments are now open for a June 2020 edition of the course that has been taken by tens of thousands of students over its nearly 40-year history.

Making sense of food

Potential energy saving solution for making vital chemicals

�鶹�� — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:49:43 +0000

Researchers at �鶹�� have discovered a new, energy-efficient way to make key ingredients for the production of pharmaceuticals, polymers and fine chemicals.

�鶹��'s Chemistry Outreach Group wins Principal's Prize

�鶹�� — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:55:55 +0000

The Chemistry Outreach Group has taken home the Principal’s Prize for Public Engagement through Media, winning the inaugural 'Collaboration' category for groups of undergraduate or graduate students that engage with the external community and/or the media.

The Prize recognizes the vital role outreach groups play in supporting the University’s commitment to being of service to society and engaging with the broader community.

New technique for measuring greenhouse gas production from thawing permafrost

�鶹�� — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:20:49 +0000

A research team led by �鶹�� geochemist Peter Douglas has used a new method for measuring the rate at which methane is produced by microbes breaking down thawing permafrost. The breakthrough could lead to an improvement in our ability to predict future releases of the potent greenhouse gas as long‑frozen layers of soil begin to thaw.

Making straws that don’t suck for the environment

�鶹�� — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 20:13:08 +0000

With the federal ban of single-use plastics planned for this year, the demand for alternatives to everyday plastic products, such as straws, is set to increase. TreeMaTech, a startup company born through a collaboration between chemistry professors from �鶹�� and Lakehead University, is betting on cellulose for making drinking straws that don’t suck for the environment.

› Read more

The Faculty of Science celebrates its generous donors

�鶹�� — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:39:46 +0000

In November this year, around 400 people gathered at the �鶹�� Faculty Club for the Faculty of Science’s annual scholarship reception. The evening’s celebration was an opportunity for donors to the Faculty to meet the students who have benefitted from their generous support.

Confidence-building opportunities

Addressing the guests, Joëlle Begin Miolan, recipient of a �鶹�� Alumni & Friends Undergraduate Research Award, described the opportunity to do research as a defining moment for her self-belief as an undergraduate physics student.

Undergraduate research celebrated

�鶹�� — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 14:49:50 +0000

Around 75 students joined faculty and staff from the Faculty of Science at Thomson House last week to celebrate their experience as undergraduate researchers over the summer.

In his welcoming remarks, Bruce Lennox, Dean of the Faculty of Science, acknowledged the students’ contributions in �鶹��’s “intense research environments”.

The passing of Prof. Laurie Hendren

�鶹�� — Mon, 27 May 2019 21:43:00 +0000

Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I share with members of the Faculty and entire University community news of Professor Laurie Hendren’s passing, on May 27, 2019.

As a member of the School of Computer Science, Laurie was an exceptional teacher, researcher, colleague, and above all, friend.

ComSciConCAN 2019 Communicating Science Workshop

�鶹�� — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 18:51:19 +0000

ComSciConCAN is Canada’s first national science communication workshop for current or recently-graduated graduate students. This unique professional development program aims to help the next generation of leaders in STEM fields develop the skills needed to communicate their research and ideas to their peers, experts in other fields, policy makers, and the general public.

Textiles from trees: what's old is new again

�鶹�� — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Two �鶹�� chemistry professors, Theo van de Ven and Jean-Philip Lumb, have developed a new way to make textiles from cellulose, the basic building block of plants, in a breakthrough that has the potential to revitalize Canada’s forestry industry.

Hairy nanotechnology provides green anti-scaling solution

�鶹�� — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:44:02 +0000

A new type of cellulose nanoparticle, invented by �鶹�� researchers, is at the heart of a more effective and less environmentally damaging solution to one of the biggest challenges facing water-based industries: preventing the buildup of scale.

Using DNA technology to track marine life

�鶹�� — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 14:27:50 +0000

�鶹�� marine ecologist Jennifer Sunday is bringing cutting-edge DNA analysis to the formidable task of tracking ocean species along Canada’s Pacific coast.

New cities may make millions more vulnerable to climate change

�鶹�� — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 12:51:14 +0000

A forthcoming study of over a hundred new cities being built around the world suggests developers and planning authorities are doing very little to make their projects resilient to climate change. On the contrary, a boom in new city projects in coastal areas – including some on reclaimed land in the sea – appears to fly in the face of the danger of rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events.

Better plastic recycling with enzymes

�鶹�� — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 20:07:49 +0000

�鶹�� chemistry professors Karine Auclair and Tomislav Friščić are following a promising lead on using enzymes to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the world’s most widely used plastics.

Greener alternative to lithium-ion batteries

�鶹�� — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 18:36:21 +0000

The runaway popularity of personal electronic devices has led to a huge global demand for compact yet powerful rechargeable batteries. Since hitting the market in the 1990s, lithium-ion technology has taken the lead in meeting this need.

But concerns over the relative scarcity of lithium and the toxicity of other common lithium-ion battery ingredients such as cobalt are driving the search for an alternative. Sodium, around 1000 times more abundant than lithium, could be the answer.

Potential huge energy savings through nanocatalysts for nitrogen fixation

�鶹�� — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 15:32:03 +0000

A fundamental component of protein, nitrogen is the most common pure element on Earth, making up nearly 80 percent of our atmosphere. Yet despite its abundance, atmospheric nitrogen cannot enter the food chain without first being converted into a form that can be used by plants.

Green polymers inspired by biology

�鶹�� — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:00:27 +0000

�鶹�� chemistry professor Matthew Harrington is aiming to develop a renewable alternative to petrochemical plastics by mimicking the astonishing chemistry of the velvet worm – a creature that has made a name for itself through its projectile slime.

Inhabiting the forest floors of Australia and South America, velvet worms catch their prey by shooting out a jet of liquid that rapidly thickens to a sticky gel before hardening into polymer fibres comparable in stiffness to nylon.

Artists Among Us

�鶹�� — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:47:03 +0000

Gault Nature Reserve special edition

Calling all scientist-artists:

Does the FOREST inspire you? In honour of the 60th anniversary of the Gault Nature Reserve in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, a special edition of the Artists Among Us art exhibition will take place during the months of July and August 2018 at the Alice Johannsen Pavilion of the Reserve.

Artists Among Us is a �鶹�� event in which students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees display their artwork, reminding the campus community how many of our members have parallel creative pursuits.

June 2016 Convocation Kudos and Prizes

�鶹�� — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 21:39:47 +0000

On behalf of the Faculty of Science and on the occasion of the recent Science Convocation ceremonies (June 6, 2016), Dean of Science Bruce Lennox offers congratulations to all graduating students, who received B.Sc., B.A. & Sc., Diploma, M.Sc., or Ph.D. degrees. In addition, the Faculty of Science is very proud to recognize the recipients of the Faculty’s and University’s most prestigious awards. These include:

Convocation congratulations, and Principal’s Prizes for Excellence in Teaching

�鶹�� — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 21:01:45 +0000

On behalf of the Faculty of Science and on the occasion of Science Convocation ceremonies (November 10, 2015), Dean of Science Bruce Lennox offers congratulations to all graduating students, from B.Sc. to Ph.D., and also to the following prizewinners.

Prof. Brigitte Vachon, YWCA Woman of Distinction Award

�鶹�� — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 20:18:33 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Brigitte Vachon in the Department of Physics, who was awarded a Woman of Distinction Award yesterday from the YWCA of Montreal, in the Science and Technology Category. The Women of Distinction Awards highlight the accomplishments, commitment, determination and leadership of thirteen women who have helped generate positive and lasting change in their community.

Faculty of Science members of the Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

�鶹�� — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 18:14:02 +0000

Prof. Bruce Lennox, Dean of Science, congratulates Professors Mathieu Blanchette (School of Computer Science), Matt Dobbs (Department of Physics), and Hans Larsson (Redpath Museum) from the Faculty of Science. They are three of forty-eight new members of The Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

2015 Royal Society of Canada Fellows and Prizewinner from the Faculty of Science

�鶹�� — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 22:20:18 +0000

Dr. Bruce Lennox, Dean of Science, extends congratulations to Professors Robert Brandenberger (Physics), Christian Genest (Mathematics and Statistics), and Catherine Potvin (Biology) on being named Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada. Election to fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) is the highest distinction for scientists, artists, and scholars in Canada.

New B.Sc. Global Designation

�鶹�� — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:00:31 +0000

The Faculty of Science B.Sc. Global Designation recognizes Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) students who have gone beyond a typical B.Sc. experience and broadened their horizons by

participating in language classes,
performing independent research, and
including the "real-world" in their program: field studies, a science internship, exchange or independent study away, or global coursework.

Convocation congratulations

�鶹�� — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 12:00:00 +0000

On behalf of the Faculty of Science and on the occasion of Science Convocation ceremonies (June 2, 2015), Dean of Science Martin Grant offer congratulations to all graduating students, from bachelor's to doctoral, and also to the following prizewinners.

New Dean of Science

�鶹�� — Fri, 22 May 2015 20:41:48 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Bruce Lennox who will become the new Dean of the Faculty of Science, effective July 1, 2015. He is currently Tomlinson Professor of Chemistry, a former chair of the Department of Chemistry, and a leading nanoscientist. He will succeed Professor Martin Grant, who is finishing his second term as Dean of Science. More information.

Prof. Victoria Kaspi, 2015 Killam Prize for the Natural Sciences

�鶹�� — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 01:45:31 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Victoria Kaspi in the Department of Physics, who was awarded the Killam Prize today. Valued at $100,000, this is one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for academic-career achievement. Vicky Kaspi is a world-renowned astrophysicist known for her cutting-edge work on neutron stars and pulsars.

Acting on climate change: Solutions from scholars

�鶹�� — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 18:17:00 +0000

Professor Catherine Potvin, a Canada Research Chair in Climate Change Mitigation and Tropical Forests, has convened colleagues from 30 Canadian universities to join her in a collective initiative called Sustainable Canada Dialogues. The resulting group, that mobilizes over 60 researchers from every province, has built a consensus around a plan of sustainability solutions to help Canada successfully achieve transition to a low-carbon society. Potvin spoke with the �鶹�� Reporter about what government officials and ordinary citizens can do to mitigate climate change.

Mathematica software now free for students too

�鶹�� — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:30:12 +0000

Mathematica, from Wolfram Research, is a powerful computational software used for mathematical modeling and data visualization. �鶹�� IT Services has been providing Mathematica to faculty and staff, and in computer labs across the University for the past few years. Now it is also available to students via the �鶹�� Software site (www.mcgill.ca/software).

MS Office 365 ProPlus now available for faculty, staff, and students

�鶹�� — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:49:37 +0000

�鶹�� faculty and staff members now have FREE access to Office 365 ProPlus on personal devices, including computers (PCs and Macs), tablets (iPad and Windows), and smartphones (iPhone, Android, and Windows). This includes the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other Office apps. For faculty and staff, this service replaces the Office portion of the Microsoft Work at Home program. Students already (and still!) have free access to Office 365 ProPlus.

Prof. Charles Gale, Humboldt Research Award

�鶹�� — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:54:39 +0000

Congratulations to Dr. Charles Gale, James �鶹�� Professor in the Department of Physics, for winning a Humboldt Research Award!

Valued at 60,000 EUR, this award is granted by Germany's Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung/Foundation in recognition of a researcher's entire achievements to date. The award recognizes scholars whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline and who are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements in the future.

Prof. Victoria Kaspi, Fellow of the American Physical Society

�鶹�� — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:56:20 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Victoria Kaspi in the Department of Physics! She has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society for advancing our understanding of the astrophysics of neutron stars by elucidating the relationship between anomalous X-ray pulsars, soft gamma-ray repeaters, and magnetars.

TV Broadcasts: Trottier Symposium and Mini-Science

�鶹�� — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:01:04 +0000

Got an itch for knowledge? The Canal Savoir network will be broadcasting features from several �鶹�� outreach and public lecture series, including the 2014 Lorne Trottier Public Science Symposium: Are we alone? Searching for life out there and Mini-Science 2014: The Science of Music. Refer to those schedules to find out when to tune in, and to find out more about each episode.

Congratulations to alumnus John O'Keefe, our newest Nobel laureate!

�鶹�� — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 15:53:13 +0000

The Faculty of Science extends congratulations to alumnus John O'Keefe who was named co-winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, for his contribution to the discovery of cells that constitute the brain’s ‘inner GPS,’ which makes it possible to orient ourselves in space. Dr. O’Keefe worked under the supervision of Professor Ron Melzack (Department of Psychology) and received his PhD from �鶹�� in 1967. Read more:

�鶹�� grad John O’Keefe wins Nobel Prize in medicine (�鶹�� news release)
Nobel winner has very fond memories of �鶹�� (�鶹�� Reporter article)

Free Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus software for students

�鶹�� — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 19:06:39 +0000

Starting today, August 19, �鶹�� students have free access to the latest version of Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other Office apps. You may download and install it on up to five compatible personal devices, including PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones and tablets.

As long as you’re a student at �鶹��, you’ll be able to continue to use Office 365 ProPlus at no charge, and will receive automatic software updates.

Heartbleed: reset your �鶹�� Password

�鶹�� — Wed, 14 May 2014 18:32:31 +0000

All of �鶹��’s central IT systems have been evaluated for vulnerability to Heartbleed and updates were applied where needed. If you are a �鶹�� staff member, you are required to change your password. For others, we strongly encourage you to change your �鶹�� Password without delay.

To reset your �鶹�� Password:

Faculty, staff, & students: log into Minerva, and go to the Personal Menu > Password for �鶹�� Username.
Affiliates: go to Reggie and click on Change Account Information, then select �鶹�� Password.

Notes:

Prof. Matt Dobbs, inaugural Dunlap Award from the Canadian Astronomical Society

�鶹�� — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 20:51:46 +0000

Congratulations to Prof. Matt Dobbs in the Department of Physics for winning the inaugural Dunlap Award from the Canadian Astronomical Society. He received this award in recognition of his international leadership on the design and implementation of systems using Superconducting Transition-Edge Sensor bolometers. The prize citation states in part:

Grinding chemistry, greening chemistry

�鶹�� — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 21:05:04 +0000

What if you could re-engineer chemical processes so that instead of using toxic solvents or expensive catalysts, you could incite molecules to bind simply by grinding them together? �鶹�� Chemistry Professor Tomislav Friscic is a leader in the field of mechanochemistry. Read more about his work in "Grinding chemistry" from the Chemical Institute of Canada.

Prof. Bruce A. Reed, Humboldt Research Award

�鶹�� — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:52:39 +0000

Congratulations to Prof. Bruce A. Reed, FRSC, Canada Research Chair in Graph Theory in the School of Computer Science for receiving a prestigious Humboldt Research Award. This award recognizes researchers at the peak of their careers whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline, and who are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements in the future.

Prof. Isztar Zawadzki, Luis Federico Leloir Award for International Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation

�鶹�� — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 17:26:03 +0000

Congratulations to Dr. Isztar Zawadzki, FRSC, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences for receiving a 2013 Luis Federico Leloir Award from the Argentinian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Productive Innovation. This award recognizes non-Argentinian scientists who have contributed significantly to scientific, technological, and innovation cooperation with Argentina.

Prof. Fred Genesee, CPA Gold Medal Award

�鶹�� — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:44:26 +0000

Congratulations to Prof. Fred Genesee (Department of Psychology) for winning the 2014 Gold Medal Award from the Canadian Psychological Association. This award recognizes distinguished and enduring lifetime contributions to Canadian Psychology, and is fitting, as Professor Genesee's research on immersion education, bilingualism, and language acquisition has had enormous impact on science and public policy over the course of several decades.

Prof. Ehab Abouheif and Prof. Aashish Clerk, NSERC E.W.R Steacie Memorial Fellowships; Michael Lifshitz, NSERC André Hamer Postgraduate Prize

�鶹�� — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 16:03:24 +0000

Three �鶹�� researchers among the recipients of NSERC national prizes

Two �鶹�� researchers—Prof. Ehab Abouheif, of the Department of Biology, and Prof. Aashish Clerk, Department of Physics—have been named as 2014 recipients of E.W.R Steacie Memorial Fellowships, awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC). In addition, doctoral candidate Michael Lifshitz, working in the cognitive neuroscience lab of Prof. Amir Raz, has won NSERC’s 2013 André Hamer Postgraduate Prize.

Prof. Derek Gray, CIC Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award 2014

�鶹�� — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 21:00:38 +0000

Congratulations to Dr. Derek Gray, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Chemistry, for winning the 2014 Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award from the Chemical Institute of Canada. This award is presented to an individual who, while residing in Canada, has made a distinguished contribution to macromolecular science or engineering. Professor Gray’s research interests have focussed on the structural polymers in wood, and in particular on cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

�鶹�� astronomers earn spot on list of 2013 Top 10 breakthroughs

�鶹�� — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 23:41:04 +0000

Physics World cites work by South Pole Telescope team

Scientists in �鶹��’s Astrophysics group have been honoured in Physics World magazine’s list of top 10 breakthroughs in physics for 2013.

Deep-sea study reveals cause of 2011 tsunami

�鶹�� — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 20:56:30 +0000

Drilling in Japan Trench by international scientific team finds unusually thin, slippery geological fault

The devastating tsunami that struck Japan’s Tohoku region in March 2011 was touched off by a submarine earthquake far more massive than anything geologists had expected in that zone.

Prof. Niky Kamran, 2014 CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize

�鶹�� — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 19:06:12 +0000

Congratulations to Prof. Niky Kamran (Department of Mathematics and Statistics) for receiving the 2014 CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize, Canada's premier prize in mathematics. Professor Kamran's achievements lie in the areas of analysis and differential geometry. The prize citation highlights both his work on the topic of exterior differential systems and his contributions to the mathematical analysis of the Einstein equations of general relativity.

Profs. Ariel Fenster and Kenneth Ragan, Principal’s Prizes for Excellence in Teaching

�鶹�� — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:34:44 +0000

Congratulations to the Faculty of Science's two most recent winners of the Principal’s Prizes for Excellence in Teaching! At Fall Convocation on November 25, 2013, Prof. Ariel Fenster, Department of Chemistry, received this prize in the Faculty Lecturer category, as did Prof. Kenneth J. Ragan, William C. Macdonald Chair in Physics, in the Full Professor Category.

New Canada Research Chairs in the Faculty of Science

�鶹�� — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 20:17:06 +0000

The Faculty of Science congratulates the following four new Canada Research Chairs:

Prof. Peter Russell, 2014 Fellow of the American Mathematical Society

�鶹�� — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 21:03:17 +0000

Congratulations to K. Peter Russell, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics! He was recently named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society "for contributions to algebraic geometry, for mentoring the next generation of mathematicians, and for professional leadership at the highest levels."

Profs. Catherine Potvin and Suzanne Fortier, Women Pioneers

�鶹�� — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 20:23:07 +0000

Congratulations to Professor Catherine Potvin (Department of Biology) and to our Principal, Dr. Suzanne Fortier! They were recently named as Women Pioneers by Status of Women Canada on the occasion of Women's History Month.

Visit their website for profiles on Professor Potvin, Dr. Fortier, and 27 other distinguished Canadian women.

Visit the Redpath Museum via videoconference

�鶹�� — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 19:54:06 +0000

The Redpath Museum now offers videoconferences to school groups of any grade or age level. Visit the Museum without having to take a field trip!

Choose from three presentations: Meet the Triceratops, Egyptian Life, or Quebec Biodiversity.

The sessions are streamed live, last one hour, and feature a museum educator in the Redpath Museum galleries.

Webcasts, Mini-Science 2013

�鶹�� — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 20:56:49 +0000

Selected lectures from Mini-Science 2013: Science, Sex, and Gender are now available as webcasts and podcasts. Listen or watch, when you want, where you want, at no charge!

TV broadcasts: Science outreach on Canal Savoir, July 11 to December 15

�鶹�� — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:45:35 +0000

Got an itch for knowledge? From July 11 to December 15, 2013, the Canal Savoir network will be broadcasting features from several series, including the Cutting Edge Lectures in Science; Mini-Science; the Women in Science, Engineering and Medicine Symposium; and more. Refer to the schedule to find out when to tune in, and to find out more about each episode.

Canal Savoir is a non-profit, Quebec-based television network that strives to make higher learning accessible to everyone.

Miranda Wang: Improving the world one project at a time

�鶹�� — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:02:54 +0000

Talented �鶹�� student wins international acclaim and attention for trail-blazing research.

Talented �鶹�� student rolls up sleeves to help save the environment.

Talented �鶹�� student uses downtime to help people in need.

All three of these storylines have been seen on these pages more than once, but this time, they all have to do with the same person; U0 Science undergrad, Miranda Wang.

Researchers concerned about lower levels of oxygen in the waters of the St. Lawrence River

�鶹�� — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:49:30 +0000

The level of oxygen in the St. Lawrence estuary has fallen significantly in recent decades. The causes and long-term effects of this phenomenon are poorly understood and worry researchers. ... The affected underwater region is located near Tadoussac and off Rimouski. The oxygen that marine life depends upon has fallen by roughly half since the 1930s, according to Alfonso Mucci, a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at �鶹��. ...

Why we age but our cells don't: The discovery of stem cells at �鶹��

�鶹�� — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Over 60 years ago, �鶹�� Professors Yves Clermont and Charles Leblond published a paper that revolutionized our understanding of cell biology. Their stem cell renewal theory marks the first use of the term "stem cells" in this biological context.

Read more about these pioneering scientists and their contributions on the website of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.

New Royal Society of Canada inductees from the Faculty of Science

�鶹�� — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The Faculty of Science offers congratulations to Professors Laurie Hendren (Computer Science), Bruce Lennox (Chemistry), Chao-Jun Li (Chemistry), and Timothy Moore (Geography), on being named Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada!

Kudos also to the following Professors who are RSC Medal recipients: The Flavelle Medal, Siegfried Hekimi (Biology); the Rutherford Memorial Medal in Physics, Guy Moore (Physics); and the Miroslaw Romanowski Medal, Catherine Potvin (Biology).

Faculty of Science - Faculty of Science news

�鶹��’s Computer Science Camp brings learners and mentors together

Restored wetlands aren’t clear-cut wins against climate change, �鶹�� study suggests

Adrian Liu appointed Associate Dean, Graduate Education and Equity

CHIME collaboration helps identify location of "missing" matter in the universe

�鶹�� researchers receive $14 million in SSHRC funding for 62 projects focusing on societal challenges

New Research from Prof. Rose Bagot's Lab uncovers how GABAergic neurons encode experienced rewards

AeroCellutions wins second place at the 2026 Biodesign Challenge Summit

Unusual calcite formation discovered at the site of �鶹�� Sustainability Park

�鶹��’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is now studying it as part of research about the Island of Montreal

2025 Patterson Distinguished Service Medal

Novel marine monitoring network could help improve environmental protections, shipping regulations in the Lower St. Lawrence

36 Faculty of Science professors receive NSERC Discovery Grants funding

122 �鶹�� research projects awarded $30 million in NSERC Discovery Grants funding

Training Canada’s next generation of radio astronomers

Inaugural session of CRASIES gives students hands-on experience and a broader view of a rapidly growing field

Andrew Gonzalez receives 2026 NOMIS Distinguished Scientist and Scholar Award

NASA should build a biocontainment facility on the moon to protect Earth, researchers advise

Outstanding TA Award Winners (2025-2026)

Derek G. Gray (1941-2026)

A leap of faith: how Astrid found her path

Faculty of Science announces appointment of four department chairs

Adrian Liu receives the 2026 Carrie M. Derick Award for Graduate Teaching and Supervision

Jasmin Chahal receives the 2026 Leo Yaffe Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Bridget Andersen awarded the 2026 Yablonovitch Research Prize

Three scholars receive President’s Prize for Outstanding Emerging Researchers

What an illusion involving a fake hand can tell us about our mind-body connection

Adrian Liu awarded 2026 CAP Medal for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Physics Award

2026 Faculty of Science Excellence Award winners announced

Research findings challenge long-held assumptions about how we learn or regain speech

Historic plant collections offer a window into genetic change

Explosions, colour changes, and hands-on science: the �鶹�� Chemistry Outreach Group’s 24 Hours of Science Event

�鶹��’s Bravo Gala shines a spotlight on research excellence

Provost honours 31 �鶹�� professors for exceptional research achievements

�鶹�� awarded 16 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs

$1.25 million for �鶹�� research from the New Frontiers in Research Fund

Six Faculty of Science Professors celebrated for outstanding research achievements

�鶹�� awarded 16 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs

From fundamental physics to child well-being, �鶹�� researchers advance discovery across disciplines

ATOC 183 poster session turns 500-student class into climate symposium

Geography Professor Mallik Mahmud receives MEOPAR 2026 Early Career Researcher Award

�鶹�� researchers’ novel device could boost the development of sound-based lasers

Appointment of Alanna Watt as Dean of the Faculty of Science

The science that changed how we study pain

Researchers identify new jellyfish species in fossils near Quebec City

2026 Fessenden Professorship Awards and Tomlinson Science Awards winners announced

Researchers turn to mussels and mistletoe to design sustainable materials

Professor Henri Darmon recipient of the Jeffery‑Williams Prize (2026)

Science showcase celebrates the curiosity driving undergraduate research

More than 200 undergraduate students presented their work at the 7th edition of the annual Faculty of Science event

Researchers warn of risks posed by ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ found in crops, agricultural soil

Professor Keita Christophe Named APS Rising Star!

Big congratulations to Professor Keita Christophe, newly named an APS Rising Star—a well‑deserved recognition of outstanding research and impact in psychological science!

Professor Marcin Sabok awarded the Ryll-Nardzewski Prize (2026)

Humans share acoustic preferences with other animals, study shows

Study shows how tree cover shapes freshwater ecosystems over millennia

Findings of �鶹�� study could lead to new longevity therapies and improved fall prevention

David Harpp (1937-2026)

Siva Reddy (Computer Science and Linguistics) and Katelin Schutz (Physics) awarded 2026 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowships

Plants retain a ‘genetic memory’ of past population crashes, study shows

People can learn to reject unfair advantages, even when it costs them

Dr. Bridget Andersen awarded the Dr. Allie Vibert Douglas Astrophysics PhD Thesis Prize

Two funding opportunities available for students participating in a Field Study Semester

Professor Audrey Moores (Chemistry) awarded the Canadian Pacific Chair in Biotechnology

�鶹��’s Bachelor of Arts and Science program celebrates 20 years of interdisciplinary scholarship

Happy 20th birthday, B.A. & Sc.!

Redpath Museum and Physics Outreach bring science to life at �鶹��'s Bellairs Research Institute

How a �鶹�� undergrad’s summer research project became a paper in a prestigious journal

Homecoming 2025: Water, Climate Change, and the Future

Fast Radio Burst Conference hosted at �鶹�� for the first time

Physics researchers Amanda Cook and Alice Curtin organize FRB2025, celebrating the 10th anniversary of a major finding in the field

Doris Hua, Faculty of Science Communications Assistant

Nineteen new or renewed Canada Research Chairs awarded to �鶹��

Biology’s Mahnaz Mansoori wins President’s Award for Administrative and Support Staff

Schulich Leaders pursue passion for STEM

The Science of Studying: How Understanding Your Brain Can Boost Academic Success

by Jasmine El-Sawaf

Appointment of Alanna Watt as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Science

2025 Faculty of Science Excellence Award winners announced

Eight Faculty of Science professors honoured by Provost for exceptional research achievements

Professor Henri Darmon recipient of the Jeffery‑Williams Prize (2026)

Generative AI in the classroom