The Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience) has chosen Ryerson University’s* SciXchange as the 2021 recipient of the William Edmond Logan Award for outstanding contributions to the public understanding of science by a Canadian organization.
Hide tanning during Science Literacy Week. Photo Credit: SciXchange
SciXchange boasts an impressive range of inclusive and accessible initiatives attracting youth and adults alike, including Soapbox Science, numerous science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) camps and most recently Science Trivia Nights. Since being formed in 2017, the centre has been successful in its mission to foster public engagement with science, teacher education and science communication.
It actively addresses imbalances in STEM disciplines, through targeted initiatives like the Women in Computer Science High School Ambassador Program, and in the creation of the Indigenous Knowledge and Outreach Coordinator post. The Stoodis Future Scientist Program—a free, three-day online program that is open to First Nations, Inuit and Métis high school students—in particular teaches students how their own culture and knowledge can advance their work in STEM fields.
In pivoting to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, SciXchange’s virtual resources, video content and online programs continue to provide caregivers, educators and the general public with fun and educational science content.
Soapbox Science in downtown Toronto
"We are thrilled to be the 2021 recipient of the William Edmond Logan Award. Our team is passionate about making science engaging and accessible to the general public and it is an honour to be recognized by RCIScience for the work that we do," said Dr. Emily Agard, Director of SciXchange.
RCIScience is fortunate to partner with SciXchange in stewarding the SciCommTO Network and to co-host the 2020 SciCommTO Conference for professional and aspiring science communicators. The centre’s commitment to providing science communication training to the University’s research community and opportunities for engagement with the public will help Canadians of all ages recognize, understand and appreciate science in the world around them.
Dr. Suzanne MacDonald, Chair of RCIScience Board remarks, “RCIScience is absolutely delighted to recognize SciXchange as a strong partner in our joint mission to make science engaging and accessible for all Canadians.” This, we believe, is key to fostering a strong science culture in Canada.
The William Edmond Logan Award was created in 2015 as a companion to the Fleming Medal to recognize organizations rather than individuals. Past winners include Celestica, Sanofi Pasteur Canada, IBM Canada and the Science Communication Program at Laurentian University. Together, the Fleming Medal and William Edmond Logan Award are two of a very small number of awards for outstanding science communication efforts in Canada.
William Edmond Logan was RCIScience’s 3rd President, holding office in 1851 when the Canadian Institute received its Royal Charter from Queen Victoria. Further, he founded the Geological Survey of Canada, one of the few Canadian scientific organizations older than RCIScience. A renowned geologist and surveyor, Canada’s tallest peak is named in his honour.
Read more in Ryerson University’s announcement.
*In August 2021, Ryerson University announced that it would begin a renaming process to address the legacy of Egerton Ryerson for a more inclusive future. Help them write the next chapter.