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The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is recognizing two Queen’s University researchers for their career and lifetime achievements in environmental science. Dr. Kerry Rowe (Civil Engineering) and Dr. John Smol (Biology) have each earned major NSERC awards, acknowledging the national and global impact of their work and underscoring the university’s leadership in environmental research.

Dr. Rowe has received the prestigious Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering, awarded annually to a Canadian whose research achievements have demonstrated persistent excellence and influence in the natural sciences or engineering. The Herzberg Medal is widely considered to be Canada’s highest honour for research in these fields.

Dr. Smol has been awarded the Donna Strickland Prize for Societal Impact of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research. The annual award is given to a team or individual whose research has significantly benefitted society, the environment, or the economy.

“These awards showcase the high calibre of environmental science research at Queen’s and its potential to create meaningful change," says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. "Drs. Rowe and Smol are addressing some of the world’s most critical challenges, and these recognitions emphasize the broad impact of their work, here and around the world.”