Researchers traded in their lab coats for dresses and jackets for an evening dedicated to celebrating their research at the 22nd annual Discovery Awards last Thursday (Nov. 14).
Presented by the Discovery Centre in Halifax, the event celebrates outstanding innovators whose game changing achievements in science and technology put Nova Scotia at the forefront of global innovation.
The occasion allows the researchers and broader community to put a face behind the new ideas, discoveries, and technologies that are impacting lives worldwide and close to home.
Continue reading to learn more about Dalhousie’s award winners and nominees.
Hall of Fame | video
Dr. Paul Amyotte is internationally renowned for his research in process safety, particularly in risk assessment, risk management, gas and dust explosions, and incident investigation that has set new standards in public and worker safety.
“Westray [a tragic coal mine explosion in Pictou County in 1992] was a game-changer and a personal motivator for me think more broadly about the implications of what I do at the university. It wasn’t just working in a lab or just doing experiments. A lot of our data finds its way into textbooks and standards so that’s why we go to great lengths to ensure that the data we are producing is of the highest quality” —Dr. Amyotte
Professional of Distinction | video
As the chief executive officer and scientific director of the Ocean Frontier Institute, Dr. Anya Waite oversees major initiatives, including the Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier and Transforming Climate Action program.
“The Transforming Climate Action program brings together a group of Canadian universities to tackle one of the biggest problems that we have – the oceans role in climate change. If we don’t understand how the ocean is changing, we can’t make predictions or prepare for the future.” —Dr. Waite
Emerging Professional | video
Dr. Finlay Maguire’s research applies data-intensive methods to tackle critical health challenges, particularly using DNA data to improve infection diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
"We have approximately 2.5 billion infections a year with animal origins. Trying to understand how pathogens jump from animals to humans – and from humans back to animals – is important for trying to protect people’s health worldwide.” —Dr. Maguire
Meghan Martin and Emran Billah were also nominated in this category.
Meghan Martin is a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering whose research offers groundbreaking insights into fetal heart valve development, advancing understanding of cardiovascular health and engineering replacement valves.
Emran Billah is a recent graduate advancing the application of drone technology to the Canadian defence and public sectors and has been instrumental in developing a groundbreaking portable device for detecting water impurities.
Related reading: Meet Emran Billah: A visionary engineer building a better
Innovation Award | video
3DBioFibR is a pioneering spinoff emerging from Dr. John Frampton's Microscale Tissue Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory. Founded in June 2020, the company has developed revolutionary dry-spinning technology to produce collagen fibers commercially.
Related reading: Where Ideas Meet Impact: How Dal researchers spun a bioengineering discovery into a medical industry innovation
Also nominated in this category were NovaResp Technologies and Zen Energy.
NovaResp Technologies, founded by Dr. Hamed Hanafi, is a software that uses AI and machine learning to predict and prevent apnea episodes before they occur.
Zen Energy, founded by Dr. Ravindra Kempaiah, focuses on innovative battery technology for light electric vehicles (LEVs) and offers batteries with four times the lifespan of existing products.
Related reading: Innovator feature in DAL Magazine S22
Public Impact Award | video
Dr. Gabriela Ilie’s pioneering work addresses the critical needs of men diagnosed with prostate cancer and cancer survivors, leading to the development of the globally recognized Patient Empowerment Programs (PEPs) that have transformed patient care and significantly improved quality of life for cancer survivors and individuals with chronic diseases.
“Nova Scotia has some of the highest rates of chronic disease, poor cancer outcomes, and mental health issues in the country. The Cancer PEP does this – improves the lives of Nova Scotians while reducing healthcare costs – with a six-month, home-based daily training led by an oncologist and scientist.” —Dr. Ilie
Also nominated in this category were Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch and Dr. Isabel Smith, featured in this Dal News story: For the public good: Discovery Award finalists on research that makes a difference
Science Champion | video
Nominated in this category, Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) is a knowledge mobilization network on a mission to enhance children's pain management through collaboration and knowledge mobilization, contributing to healthier and more informed Canadians.
Youth Award
The Youth Award, sponsored by Dalhousie’s Faculties of Science and Medicine, is presented annually to students for outstanding science-related research projects presented at the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF).
Joy Akinkunmi, a Grade 11 student at Charles P Allen High School, developed an automatic pill dispenser, designed with adaptive safety features that aims to support dementia patients in adhering to their medication regimens. Watch the video now.
Sarah Murimboh, a grade 11 student at Horton High School, evaluated the toxicity of natural pesticides on springtails underscores her commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues. Watch the video now.