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The Steacie Prize for Natural Sciences 2026
The Steacie Prize, administered by the Trustees of the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fund, valued at $10,000, is awarded annually to a young scientist or engineer for outstanding scientific research in Canada.
Each year the Trustees appoint a panel of distinguished scientists and engineers representative of the natural sciences and engineering to select the best candidate.
Eligibility
The Prize is awarded to scientists 40 years of age or younger who have made notable contributions to research in Canada. Extensions beyond the 40-year age requirement are permitted for official leaves, including parental and sick leave, and must be specified in the nomination letter.
Nomination Process
A colleague in their field nominates candidates for the prize.
The Memorial Fund is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the selection process; an EDI statement may be included in the nomination letter or curriculum vitae.
A complete nomination will consist of:
- a nomination letter explaining why the candidate should be considered for the prize and giving the candidate's year of birth;
- a CV with publication list; and
- letters of support from independent referees (minimum of three, maximum of 5) (two pages max.)
- Referees are requested to explain their knowledge of the research area and nominee and are encouraged to focus on the significance, originality and impact of the science without repeating information from the nomination letter and curriculum vitae.
Nomination files should be no longer than 25 pages in total.
Institutional Coordination & Support
Nominations supported by Awards & Distinctions will receive the following:
- Assistance with identifying suitable referees.
- Support for developing all written materials, and providing feedback and review (including access to templates, frameworks, and other resources).
- Assistance with navigating and completing required forms and documents.
- Document management: collecting and compiling all letters, forms, and written documents for submission to The E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fund.
EDID Supports
Western Research offers support and resources for knowledge mobilization, Indigenous Research, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or request additional support. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact Western Research early for determination and support.
Submission
The final nomination, including the reference letters and CV must be compiled into one PDF file.
Completed nomination packages are submitted via email (PrixSteaciePrize.SIMS@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca).
Deadline(s)
| Date | Required Steps |
|---|---|
|
June 30, 2026 |
For instutional coordination and support of your nomination please contact rwprizes@uwo.ca. |
|
August 17, 2026 |
If you are receiving institutional coordination and support on your nomination, submit drafts (Word version) of all of your required nomination documents noted above to rwprizes@uwo.ca. |
|
August 31, 2026 |
Nomination submission deadline |
Contact Us
Potential nominators and nominees are encouraged to contact Research Awards & Distinctions at rwprizes@uwo.ca regarding Western Research support and coordination of your nomination.