Northern Researchers to be recognized with $50,000 annual Prize announced by
The W. Garfield Weston Foundation

TORONTO, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - The W. Garfield Weston Foundation today announced the creation of a $50,000 annual prize for lifetime achievement in northern science. The Weston Family Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Northern Research is the largest of its kind in recognizing a leading northern researcher in natural science. The prize will be administered by the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) and will be awarded by the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

"By establishing this prize, we continue our mandate to support Canadian scientists in this exciting and strategically important part of our country," says Geordie Dalglish, Chairman of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. "Canadian scientists have been world leaders in northern research for decades and this award will honour them for their contributions and sacrifices over a lifetime."

Since 2007, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has worked with ACUNS to offer awards to Masters and PhD students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership in northern natural science research, awarding over $1.3 million in support of their work, often completed at research stations such as the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

ACUNS has more than 40 member universities, colleges, and research centres across Canada, and represents a collective voice of northern scholarship and scholars. These scientists have increased our understanding of Canada's northern environment and ecosystems. They have also contributed significantly to our ability to predict the effects of climate change.

"Without the support of organizations like The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, many researchers would simply find it unfeasible to conduct field research in the north," says Michael Goodyear, Executive Director, Churchill Northern Studies Centre. "We look forward to seeing the results of this prize in years to come."

"Northern research is a field of huge importance within Canada and globally," says Robert Bailey, President of the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies. "The Weston Family Prize will recognize those who have devoted their careers to northern research and continue to do what they do best: learn and mentor others following their trail."

The Weston Family Prize was created to honour leading northern researchers who have increased our understanding of Canada's northern environment, and have significantly contributed to our ability to predict the effects of climate change, the physical and biological environment, ecosystems and human population of the North. The first award will be presented in 2011 at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre located in Churchill, Manitoba.

Call for Nominations

Nominations for the prize will be accepted from December 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011.  Details of the nomination process can be found at www.acuns.ca  

The successful candidate must have demonstrated leadership, inspiration, and mentorship in research in the Canadian North, and must be presently active in and demonstrate a sustained program of northern scientific research. An esteemed panel of peer researchers will select the recipient and the President of ACUNS will Chair the Adjudication Committee.

Facts

• In 2012, Canada will host the final wrap-up conference, "From Knowledge to Action" for International Polar Year in Montreal Quebec.
• Since 2000, approximately two million square kilometres of sea ice melted. This loss was preceded by two previous decades in which less than a million square kilometres were lost.¹
• Each year, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre provides logistical and financial support for over 50 projects, involving 150 researchers and their students.
• The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is involved in a major program of facility renewal, including the construction of a new 28,000 square foot, LEED (TM) Gold research and education building scheduled for completion in June of 2011.

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¹ The Arctic Report Card: Update for 2010, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna.

The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and Northern Research
The launch of the International Polar Year in 2007 was a response to a widespread concern about the decline of research in the North.  It was at this time that The W. Garfield Weston Foundation entered into the dialogue about our great North.  In response to this growing concern, the Foundation adopted a goal of advancing northern science and research in Canada's North as part of its mandate.

Beyond The Weston Family Prize, the Foundation also offers research scholarships at the graduate level, to encourage and cultivate Canada's next generation of northern scientists.

Through a challenge grant, the Foundation has also enabled the Churchill Northern Studies Centre to leverage matching funds needed for the renewal of the Centre, a key hub for northern research.

The W. Garfield Weston Foundation
The W. Garfield Weston Foundation is a private Canadian family foundation, established in the 1950's by Willard Garfield Weston and his wife Reta.  In 1924 Garfield inherited his father's company and during his life established bakeries and other successful enterprises throughout Canada and in many parts of the world. Today, these businesses include George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies Limited, companies in food retailing, processing and distribution. The founders believed that as the funds are generated through the hard work and success of these Canadian companies, grants should be given in Canada for the benefit of Canadians. For three generations, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has maintained a family tradition of supporting charitable organizations across Canada. Today the Foundation directs the majority of its funds to projects in the fields of land conservation, education, and science in Canada's North. 

About Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Founded in 1976, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is an independent, non-profit research and education facility located 23 km east of the town of Churchill, Manitoba. In addition to research, the Centre facilitates a wide range of educational programming ranging from general interest courses for the visiting public to university credit courses for students.

About ACUNS
For over thirty years the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) has successfully promoted the advancement of northern scholarship through its mandate and programs. Established in 1978, ACUNS is a registered charitable organization operating with an office in Ottawa, and active volunteer representatives at over 40 member institutions across the country.

For further information:

Melody Gaukel, 416-969-2704, [email protected]