Canadian scientists have made significant contributions during the pandemic response, including vital roles in developing COVID-19 vaccines. But underfunding puts the future of science in Canada at risk.
Science fields are improving at being more inclusive. But explicit and implicit barriers still hold women back from advancing in the same numbers as men to the upper reaches of STEM academia.
The 2020 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science have recognised momentous achievements in astrophysics, sustainability innovation, epigenetics and primary and secondary teaching excellence.
Many prizes that aim to spur innovation are winner-take-all.
VCG for 2019 RoboMaster Robotics Competition Final Tournament via Getty Images
Luciano Kay, University of California, Santa Barbara
Society has never faced more pressing challenges. Researchers are investigating how monetary prizes can help focus innovators’ attention, creativity and investment on finding solutions.
Cheryl Praeger was awarded the 2019 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. She has spent more than four decades inspiring a love for maths in others, and has created a vast body of academic work in the process.
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The 2018 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science were awarded at Canberra’s Parliament House on October 17. Along with the top prize, life science, physics, innovation and teaching were recognised.