The Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame is a permanent exhibition at the Canada Science and Technology Museum that honours individuals whose outstanding scientific or technological achievements have had long term implications for Canadians.
There are currently 28 Canadian scientists and innovators recognized in the Hall of Fame, including Maude Abbot, Wilder Penfield, Sir Sandford Fleming and Hugh Le Caine. The achievements of these and the other members of the Hall of Fame have been so remarkable and their contributions to society so great that the Canada Science and Technology Museum hopes one day all Canadians will be aware of their accomplishments.
Exhibition and Web Site
A permanent, interactive exhibition at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa highlights the achievements of the members of the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame. The museum has also incorporated a virtual Hall of Fame into its web site, which ensures that the information is available to all Canadians with access to the internet.
History
The Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame was originally created in 1991 through a joint project of the Canada Science and Technology Museum and the National Research Council of Canada. Since then, it has evolved to become a key part of the Canada Science and Technology Museum, and was expanded and incorporated into the museum's new Innovation Canada exhibition earlier this year. The annual induction of new members into the Hall of Fame has also grown from a simple announcement in the early days to a major event at the museum, newly augmented this year with a full weekend of public programming.
To find out more about the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame, visit the website at www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca
Selection Criteria
The objectives of the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame are twofold.
To honour Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to society in developing science and engineering.
To promote role models that will help attract young Canadians to careers in science, engineering and technology.
Nominees should meet the following prioritized criteria:
They must have contributed in an exceptional way to the advancement of science and engineering in Canada.
Their work must have brought great benefits to society and their communities as a whole.
They must possess leadership qualities that can serve as an inspiration to young Canadians to pursue careers in science, engineering or technology.
Nomination Procedure
Nominations for inductees to the Hall of Fame may be submitted by any one at any time.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals or on behalf of a society or any other organization.
The Selection Committee normally considers the nominations annually. Not all individuals who meet the criteria will be selected, but they may be reconsidered during subsequent deliberations of the Selection Committee.
School classes may submit up to three nominations per class.
To submit a nomination, follow these steps:
- Check that the person you wish to nominate is not already a member of the Hall of Fame.
- Ensure that the person meets the nomination criteria. Do some research. For instance, check the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame or the Great Canadian Scientists web pages.
- Prepare supporting arguments outlining why you think the person should be inducted. This should address each of the nomination criteria but should not exceed 500 words. Please include the sources or references you have consulted. Copies of documentary evidence supporting your nomination may also be submitted.
- Forward your nomination to:
Secretary, Selection Committee
Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame
Canada Science and Technology Museum
P.O. Box 9724, Terminal T
Ottawa, ON
K1G 5A3
Selection Committee
Nominations received for new inductees to the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame are considered by a group of distinguished Canadians who represent a diversity of science and engineering institutions.
They currently include:
- Dr. Virender Handa, Chair of the Committee
Chair, Board of Trustees, Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation
- Dr. James J. Beaudoin
Group Leader
Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council of Canada
- Dr. Monique Frize
Chairholder, NSERC/Nortel Networks Joint Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (Ontario)
Professor, Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University
Professor, School of Information Technology and Engineering, University of Ottawa
- Professor Jean Goulet
Dean of the Faculty of Science
Université de Sherbrooke
- Dr. John McDonald
Professor, Department of Physics
University of Alberta
- Dr. P. (Sundar) Sundararajan
NSERC - Xerox Chair
President, Canadian Society for Chemistry
Professor, Department of Chemistry, Carleton University
- Dr. Richard White
Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association
- Dr. Suzanne Zeller
President, Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association
Professor, Department of History
Wilfrid Laurier University
