UM researchers honoured by the Royal Society of Canada

Two UM professors were among the newest inductees to be celebrated at the annual general meeting of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) on November 8. Induction into the RSC is the nation’s highest honour for academics in the arts, social sciences and sciences. The RSC’s mission is to recognize scholarly, research and artistic excellence, and to promote a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world.

UM President Michael Benarroch, Juliette Mammel, Lori Wilkinson, Mario Pinto, Vice-President Research and International celebrate at the 2024 RSC Induction and Awards Ceremony on November 8, 2024

“The Royal Society of Canada is proud to welcome these inspiring scholars, artists and creators whose peers have recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture and to the well-being of Canada,” says Alain-G. Gagnon, President of the RSC. “The impact of their work will continue to be felt in the development of public policies for years to come, while contributing to the well-being of our society.”

Lori Wilkinson

Lori Wilkinson, distinguished professor, Sociology and Criminology, Faculty of Arts

Lori Wilkinson is the Canada Research Chair in Migration Futures and is internationally acclaimed for her research and advocacy for immigrant populations. She is director of Immigration Research West, a multidisciplinary group educating Canadians about the contributions of newcomers.

Her applied research in migration and refugee settlement has instigated policy changes in Canada that have facilitated the successful resettlement of refugees over the past twenty-five years. Wilkinson’s pioneering work on youth migration was a catalyst for policy reform that continues to impact how Canadian and international governments provide resettlement assistance.

Juliette Mammei

Juliette Mammei, associate professor, Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science

Juliette Mammei is an international leader in the field of subatomic particles. Her work expands our understanding of nuclear and nucleon structure and tests the Standard Model of Particles and Interactions, which summarizes current knowledge of the basic building blocks of matter.

She is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in nuclear physics education in Canada. Her advocacy is helping to improve First Nations student outcomes in the sciences as part of the Verna J. Kirkness program, hosted Indigenous high school students in her lab every year since her faculty position began.

Melinda Moch and Mario Pinto

The Royal Society has also awarded Faculty of Law alumni Melinda Moch the 2024 Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize, which is presented annually to a graduating law student in each of the law schools in Canada. The award recognizes Moch for her positive influence on equity and social justice as a vocal advocate of Indigenous rights.

As a mentor with the Law Maker’s program graduate Moch helped to inspire greater understanding and interest of post-secondary students in the connections between social justice teachings and current events faced by Indigenous nations. Moch is motivated by the goal of imparting the knowledge of land rights teachings to show young people the many paths after high school that can make a difference in their communities.

The Class of 2024 RSC Fellows, College Members and Award winners will attend the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Vancouver, BC from November 7-9^th at the JW Marriot Park Hotel.

“These UM scholars have demonstrated leadership in the world of science and to the well-being of our society,” said Dr. Mario Pinto, UM Vice-President (Research and International). “I congratulate the honorees on this well-deserved recognition by their peers and the Royal Society for their advancing their respective fields in Canada and around the world.”

UM Today Staff