NSERC Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering 2025
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
NSERC celebrates exceptional examples of research excellence with a wide range of prizes. Individual awards focus on accomplishments that range from innovative discoveries by young researchers to lifetime achievement and influence.
The Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering is NSERC's highest honour. Up to $1 million (over 5 years) is awarded annually to an individual who has demonstrated sustained excellence and influence in research for a body of work conducted in Canada that has substantially advanced the fields of natural sciences or engineering.
The award may be used for personal university-based research or in some related way, such as establishing research Chairs in his or her name at Canadian universities.
Eligibility
Nominators can be any individual or group.
Nominees must be active researchers in science and/or engineering. The nominee's work must demonstrate a high degree of expertise, creativity, imagination, leadership, perseverance, and dedication.
Nomination Process
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the prize, nominators should consult NSERC's Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Applications in Interdisciplinary Research when preparing the nomination package.
Nominators should also consult NSERC's Guidelines on the Assessment of Contributions to Research, Training and Mentoring.
The Nomination consists of:
- A nomination letter (max 4 pages) with the following headings that clearly describes:
- The nominee's achievements related to contributions to knowledge, the development of solutions to practical problems, knowledge transfer initiatives or activities, training and mentoring of highly qualified personnel, or research impact;
- The significance, benefit or impact of the nominee's achievements on society and industry;
- The role of the nominee in bringing about achievements;
- The nominees most significant contributions - making reference to the CV
- Nominee's NSERC Personal Data Form (Form 100) or Canadian Common CV (over the entire career) or an up-to-date CV in another format;
- The names and email addresses of six important people in the nominee's field from whom NSERC may request objective assessments of the nominee's suitability for the award - provide a one-paragraph description of each individual;
- Terms and Conditions Form for Nominees signed by each nominee;
- Terms and Conditions Form for Nominators signed by each nominator.
The Government of Canada has published its Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern. This funding opportunity is in scope of this new policy. Grant applications that involve conducting research that aims to advance a sensitive technology research area will not be funded if any of the researchers involved in activities supported by the grant are currently affiliated with, or in receipt of funding or in-kind support from, a named research organization. If the prize will support research activities that aim to advance a listed sensitive technology research area, prize recipients will be required to comply with the policy and submit attestation forms to NSERC. Please read the Tri-agency Guidance on the STRAC Policy to understand how this policy may impact your grant.
EDID Resources
Dedicated support and resources for Indigenous research and Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in research are available through the Inclusive Research Excellence and Impact team. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or book a consultation. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research we recommend that you contact the team early for determination and support.
Deadline and Submission
Notice of Intent to Nominate: September 26, 2024 (email rwprizes@uwo.ca if you wish to have Western Research support and coordination of your nomination).
Nominations must be received by NSERC by November 28, 2024 at 8pm (Eastern Time).
Nominations are submitted using the online using the Secure Submissions for NSERC's Innovative Collaborations and Science Promotion Programs.
Contact
Interested parties are encouraged to consult with Awards & Distinctions (rwprizes@uwo.ca) at Research Development & Services regarding this award and the nomination process.
