About the Global Excellence Initiative

Canada has a strong record of research excellence, deserving of recognition and celebration. Canadians excel in every field, producing world-class research that is addressing some of the greatest challenges of our time and improving the lives of people everywhere. Despite distinguishing itself in international research circles, Canada has traditionally been under-represented among award winners of prestigious international prizes.

About GEI

Enhance Canada’s research profile on the global stage

Launched in 2012 by Canada’s 28th governor general, David Johnston, the goal of the Global Excellence Initiative is to markedly enhance Canada’s research profile on the global stage while celebrating researchers in Canada who have received globally benchmarked prizes.

Recognizing and celebrating both early-career and well-established researchers in Canada contributes to a culture of innovation and enhances the pride we have in our country, spurring Canadians toward excellence.

Universities Canada encourages institutions to identify meritorious candidates for prestigious national and international awards and to submit nominations on their behalf.

Our purpose

The Global Excellence Initiative aims to:

1.

Increase the number of national and international research prizes won by Canadian researchers and promote a culture of excellence.

2.

Increase Canadians’ awareness of the contributions of leading Canadian researchers and inspiring young Canadians to pursue academic studies and careers in research, whether in industry, academia or government laboratories.

3.

Increase global awareness of Canadian research excellence augmenting Canada’s visibility as a top location for study and research.

The Global Excellence Initiative offers the following support to researchers and research institutions: