Polar Knowledge Canada announces 2025 Northern Scientific Training Program Special Award recipients
News release
August 28, 2025 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
Polar Knowledge Canada is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) Special Awards, recognizing four outstanding graduate students for their excellence in Northern and Arctic research. Each year, this prestigious program awards four graduate students with $2,500 each, for a total of $10,000 in funding. The NSTP Special Awards support students conducting research that advances knowledge relevant to the North and contributes to community priorities.
The NSTP Special Awards reflect Polar Knowledge Canada’s mandate to promote polar science and technology that is grounded in collaboration, respectful of Indigenous knowledge systems and responsive to the priorities of Northern communities.
The 2025 award recipients are:
· Alison Schultz, Carleton University, for the project “Combustive Realities of Reproductive Care: The Politics of Emergency and Risk in the Northwest Territories. Alison is receiving the Eric Dewailly (1957-2014) Award commemorating the professor of Environmental Health at the Faculty of Medicine of Laval University, Director of the Public Health Unit of the Laval University Medical Centre and scientific director of the World Health Organization Collaborative Centre in Environmental Health.
· Emilie Perreault, University of Saskatchewan for the project “Groundwater vulnerability to metal contamination in Whitehorse, Yukon.” Emilie is receiving the George Hobson (1923-2015) Award commemorating the Director of the Polar Continental Shelf Program and geophysicist specialising in seismic exploration.
· Danielle Nowosad, University of Guelph for the project “Using DNA barcoding as a tool to assess biodiversity of freshwater invertebrates and risks associated with blackflies in the Canadian Arctic.” Danielle is receiving the Malcolm Ramsay (1949-2000) Award commemorating the world-renowned polar bear expert and biology professor at the University of Saskatchewan.
· Alexis Beltrano, McMaster University for the project “Making Research Work for the People of Nunavut: Understanding Community Experiences with the Research License Review Process.” Alexis is receiving the Robert McGhee Award commemorating the archaeologist whose research is focussed on the history of the Arctic peoples, and who served on the Northern Scientific Training Program Committee for 25 years.
These awards encourage early-career researchers to explore pressing Northern issues—from water security and biodiversity to health systems and Indigenous-led research governance—while fostering respectful and reciprocal partnerships with Northern communities.
Quotes
“Supporting Arctic researchers is an investment in both knowledge and the future of the North. These students are advancing our understanding of the region while building the skills and expertise that will benefit Northern communities for decades to come.”
— The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
“The Northern Scientific Training Program Special Awards highlight the exceptional work of students whose research exemplifies excellence, relevance, and deep respect for Northern community priorities. Congratulations to this year’s recipients, your contributions are shaping the future of Arctic knowledge.”
— Suzanne (Sue) Kerr, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, Polar Knowledge Canada
“Polar Knowledge Canada is dedicated to supporting the next generation of researchers who are working in partnership with Indigenous knowledge holders and Northern communities. These awards reflect our ongoing commitment to early-career researchers and the research that serves the people of the North – rooted in both scientific and Indigenous knowledge.”
— David Hik, Chief Scientist and Vice-President, Research, Polar Knowledge Canada
Quick facts
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Northern Scientific Training Program: Since 1961 the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) supports university students conducting research in the North and aims to foster interest and expertise in Northern studies across a range of disciplines.
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The NSTP Special Awards, administered by Polar Knowledge Canada, provide additional support to four outstanding students whose research aligns with Polar Knowledge Canada’s priorities and values.
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Polar Knowledge Canada: Polar Knowledge Canada is a Government of Canada agency responsible for strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and promoting the development and distribution of knowledge of circumpolar regions. It was created by the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act of 2015.
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The Canadian High Arctic Research Station is a world-class hub for science and technology in Canada’s North and is a major node in the network of national and international research infrastructure across the circumpolar North.
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Polar Knowledge Canada undertakes and supports a wide variety of research across Canada’s Arctic, much of it in collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders as well as Canadian and international partners.
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Examples of research include baseline environmental research; testing the performance of clean energy technologies in the Arctic to help Northern communities reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and understanding emerging diseases affecting wildlife that threaten the sustainability of Northern food species.
Associated links
Contacts
Polar Knowledge Canada
communications@polar-polaire.gc.ca