Polar Knowledge Canada announces 2025 Northern Science Award recipient
News release
December 19, 2025 - Calgary AB
Polar Knowledge Canada is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Northern Science Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to an individual or team who have made a significant contribution to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Canadian North. Dr. Homa Kheyrollah Pour, Ph.D. was presented with the award and Centenary Medal at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting gala in Calgary, Alberta, on December 18, 2025.
Dr. Kheyrollah Pour was selected as the 2025 Northern Science Award and Centenary Medal winner in recognition of her exceptional scientific leadership and community-partnered scholarship in freshwater lake monitoring in Canada’s Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
Dr. Kheyrollah Pour is an Associate Professor in Geography and Environmental Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, Executive Director of the Cold Regions Research Centre and Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing of Environmental Change. Her research focuses on climate-driven changes to lake ice, winter road safety and water quality in the Northwest Territories.
In collaboration with local Indigenous communities, Dr. Kheyrollah Pour has established an ice thickness monitoring network across the territory that integrates in situ sensor technology, remote sensing and Indigenous knowledge. The network makes ice condition data available in real-time to Northern residents, helping communities adapt and respond to increasingly unpredictable ice road conditions.
Quotes
“The Northern Science Award celebrates the vision and dedication of those advancing knowledge critical to the future of the North. Dr. Kheyrollah Pour’s leadership in community-engaged northern science exemplifies collaborative research that strengthens resilience and ensures northern voices remain central to solutions shaping their future.”
— The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
“Polar Knowledge Canada supports research that makes a difference for Northern communities. Dr. Kheyrollah Pour’s innovative work reminds us why collaboration matters. Her commitment to northern science that empowers local voices is exactly what this award is all about. We are proud to celebrate her achievements.”
— Sue Kerr, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, Polar Knowledge Canada
Quick facts
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The Northern Science Award, presented annually by Polar Knowledge Canada, recognizes individuals or teams who have made distinguished contributions to northern science.
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Northern Science Award laureates receive the Centenary Medal and a $10,000 prize.
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Polar Knowledge Canada is a Government of Canada agency responsible for advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic, strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology and promoting the development and distribution of knowledge of circumpolar regions. Polar Knowledge Canada operates the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, a world-class hub for science and technology in Canada’s North and a major node in the network of national and international research infrastructure across the circumpolar North.
Associated links
Contacts
Polar Knowledge Canada
communications@polar-polaire.gc.ca