Northern Science Award

About the Northern Science Award

The Northern Science Award is presented annually to an individual or a team who have made a significant contribution to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Canadian North. In the spirit of the last International Polar Year (2007-2008), the award recognizes transformations in the way knowledge is produced and shared, and the impact research has on the North, its communities and people.

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

This award aims to recognize either individuals or teams who have made distinguished contributions to northern science. This recognition is inclusive of the importance and value of Indigenous knowledge systems and the value of collaboration engagement with communities in the North.

Nominations will be assessed based on the significance of the nominee’s contributions, including the recognition and impact of their work, their contributions to advancing northern priorities, opportunities created for Northerners through training and participation, and their role in transforming how northern knowledge is produced and shared.

Northern science

For the purposes of this award, "Science" refers to initiatives that advance our understanding of the natural world and society in all fields of inquiry, using diverse approaches to knowledge production and sharing, including those based upon Indigenous ways and systems of knowing. Please refer to Conducting Research in Canada’s North - Canada.ca for more information.

Nomination requirements

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

• A letter of nomination clearly demonstrating the nominee's accomplishment(s) (in 500 words or less);
• Supporting documentation which can include one or more of the following:
• a curriculum vitae (if an individual nomination) OR summary of achievements in up to 5 page summary (if a group nomination)
• evidence of scientific achievements in northern science, for instance:
  • research briefs, publications, other awards and distinctions;
  • professional and public service activities
  • examples of collaboration with Indigenous and Northern communities, organizations, knowledge holders, or youth;
  • activity descriptions (oral storytelling events or performances) or links to media (e.g., short videos, podcasts) that demonstrate sharing of indigenous knowledge;
• evidence demonstrating the application and impacts of the knowledge created, such as contributions to:
  • policies, programs, planning, or decision-making;
  • new research approaches, infrastructure, networks, or data collection methods;
  • increased participation, training, or capacity-building opportunities for Indigenous and Northern communities.
• Three letters of support highlighting the nominee’s achievements and contributions.

Submission

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

Deadline

The application deadline is on August 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm EDT.

Selection committee

A selection committee reviews all nominations and recommends the recipient for the award. Committee members are chosen for their broad understanding of the North and the impacts of science.

Selection process

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

• Wide recognition of the significance of the knowledge created
• Relevance to advancing Northern priorities, with an emphasis on knowledge impacts
• Training or participation of Northerners in the research, project or initiative
• Significant contribution to transforming the way norther knowledge is produced and shared.