Two weeks ago, 12 McGill University scholars and researchers were honoured by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC). Eight will be inducted into the RSC as new Fellows, while the remaining four have received awards and medals.
Established in 1882, the RSC is the senior Canadian collegium of distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists. Dedicated to promoting learning and research in the arts, humanities, social, and natural sciences, the RSC also prepares expert assessments on critical issues of public policy.
“It is truly extraordinary for so many McGill researchers to receive medals and fellowships in a single year,” Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations) Rosie Goldstein said in an interview with the McGill Reporter. “We are extremely proud of all the honourees and the immeasurable contributions they make to research, teaching, and learning at McGill. Collectively, they embody the University’s history of excellence, while reaffirming that McGill remains at the forefront of research in Canada.”
Hans and Tamar Oppenheimer Professor in Public International Law François Crépeau is one of the newly-appointed RSC Fellows. Among his many other achievements, Crépeau was appointed the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants in 2011.
“It is humbling to think that people I have been working with think me worthy of such recognition,” Crépeau said, speaking of the colleagues who nominated him.
Dr. Siegfried Hekimi is the recipient of the Flavelle Medal, an honour awarded for “an outstanding contribution to biological science during the preceding ten years or for significant additions to a previous outstanding contribution to biological science,” as described by the RSC website.
Hekimi’s research involves investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging. His findings challenge the widely accepted free radical theory—a theory that states that organisms age because their cells accumulate free radical damage over time. When asked how he felt about receiving the Flavelle Medal, Hekimi, like Crépeau, replied modestly.
“What is humbling is when you see who else got [the award],” Dr. Hekimi said. “The list includes Best and Banting, who discovered insulin, Dr. Penfield . . . and also the last Canadian Nobel Prize winner, Michael Smith.”
Dr. Chao-Jun Li, a professor in the McGill department of chemistry and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Green Chemistry, was also named Fellow of the RSC. Li’s research stems from the search for chemicals and chemical products—like clothing, cosmetics, and paint—that do not lead to harmful health or environmental concerns. Li also explores new chemical reactions in order to discover scientific tools to increase the efficiency of chemical production, thereby decreasing its negative consequences.
“When exploring new scientific frontiers, very often you will encounter many obstacles, frustrations, and uncertainty,” Li said. “We certainly have. Being inducted to RSC gives me an assurance of the importance of our research efforts and encourages us to continue.”
The induction and awards ceremony will be held Saturday Nov. 17, during which the new Fellows will be officially inducted into the RSC, and the awards and medals will be presented.
“I’m greatly indebted to all the students and collaborators who have worked with me over the years,” Crépeau said. “Without [their] unfailing support, keen insight, and challenging questions, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
