Science and Engineering Achievers Honoured

February 4, 1999 - (Ottawa, Ontario) - The Hon. Ron Duhamel, Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development), and Tom Brzustowski, President of NSERC, today announced the winners of the 1999 Steacie Fellowships and Doctoral Prizes, two of Canada's most important research prizes.

"Each of these individuals is making contributions to the country that all Canadians should know about," said Duhamel. "Science, research and development are so crucial to our future, and to an improved quality of life for Canadians. Supporting this activity is one of the best investments that the country can make."

"Yet again we have evidence that Canada's up and coming researchers rival the best in the world," said Brzustowski, whose Council manages the award competitions.

Named to the 1999 NSERC Steacie honours list are:

Barbara Sherwood Lollar, University of Toronto
Mark Freeman, University of Alberta
Douglas Bonn, University of British Columbia
Norman C. Beaulieu, Queen's University

Winners of the 1999 NSERC Doctoral Prizes are:

Hong Yang, University of Toronto*
Edward Sargent, University of Toronto*
Hoan Huu Pham, University of Waterloo*
Troy Day, Queen's University*

(* where thesis completed. For current institution see backgrounder)

NSERC Steacie Fellowships are awarded to university researchers who are earning international recognition in their fields. This year marks the 35th year that the awards have been made, with the honours list now topping 100 and including many of the country's most distinguished researchers. The award includes a $180,000 payment over two years to the university for the fellow's salary, thereby freeing him or her to pursue advanced research full-time and to take advantage of an opportunity to obtain increased research funding from NSERC. NSERC Doctoral Prizes carry a $5,000 cash award, and in addition each winner receives a silver medal. Nominations for both prizes are received from universities across Canada.

The NSERC Steacie Fellowships and Doctoral Prizes will be presented at a ceremony in Ottawa in the spring.

NSERC (the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) invests in people, discovery and innovation and is the national instrument for making strategic investments in Canada's capability in science and technology.

Backgrounders available:

• Backgrounder on Steacie Award Winners and list of previous award winners
• Backgrounder on Doctoral Prize Winners and list of previous award winners

Media contact:

Arnet Sheppard, Public Affairs Officer, NSERC
Phone: (613) 995-5997 E-mail: arnet.sheppard@nserc.ca