Paul Davidson — Foreword for Canadian Excellence, Global Recognition
Canada produces world-class research that is addressing some of the greatest challenges of our time and improving the lives of people everywhere. And the world is taking note.
An impressive 25 Canadians earned major international awards in 2022 for their ideas, innovations, discoveries, creativity and hard work.
This success is far from happenstance; It is the outcome of years of effort to increase Canada’s capacity for leading research, discovery and creativity on the world stage.
In 2012, Canada’s 28th Governor General, the Rt. Hon. David Johnston launched the Global Excellence Initiative to promote the recognition of Canadian research talent by identifying meritorious candidates for prestigious international awards. Working with Canada’s Granting Councils, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, National Research Council, the Rideau Hall Foundation and a network of champions across Canada, the GEI plays an important role in drawing attention to outstanding Canadians and their work.
In the decade since, Canadians have earned more than 150 major international awards worth more than $36 million in prizes – and the momentum and impact continue to grow. Support from the Rideau Hall Foundation has enabled us to broaden our work to identify promising Canadians for national awards – putting them on the ladder to international acclaim.
Universities Canada is proud to steward the Global Excellence Initiative and extends a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Johnston for having spearheaded this important program. We also express our gratitude to Dr. Howard Alper, the chair of GEI’s Canvassing Committee for his tireless efforts in supporting GEI, which is helping Canada’s brightest minds pursue their passions and drive breakthroughs in a wide range of fields.
The 25 individuals profiled in the 2022 edition of this publication represent the pinnacle of achievement in their respective fields and their stories serve as an inspiration to all those who seek to push the boundaries of knowledge and understanding. The impact of their work is felt not just in Canada, but around the world. They are a testament to the strength of our universities and a reminder of the power of collaboration and investment in research.
I am honoured to introduce these remarkable people and I hope that their accomplishments will encourage others to pursue their own passions and make their own contributions to the world for decades to come.
– Paul Davidson, President and CEO of Universities Canada
