October 18, 2005 Source: University of Toronto:
http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/051018-1712.asp NSERC creates John C. Polanyi Award Oct 18/05
by Althea Blackburn-Evans The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council announced Oct. 18 the creation of the John C. Polanyi Award, a $250,000 prize that will recognize a recent outstanding advance made by a Canadian researcher or team of researchers in any field of science or engineering. Polanyi, a U of T University Professor of chemistry, won the Nobel Prize in 1986 for groundbreaking work in documenting the energy states and the movements of molecules during the moment of reaction. His discoveries dramatically advanced understanding of the physics of chemical reactions and led to the development of powerful new lasers. In recent years, he has been involved in landmark research in nanotechnology. "John Polanyi has for decades been one of the most outstanding researchers in Canada, an individual whose name is synonymous with the excellence of Canadian science, both at home and abroad," said Joanne Keselman, acting chair of the NSERC council, who made the announcement in the University of Toronto’s Council Chamber. Addressing Polanyi, Keselman continued, "We at NSERC are extremely proud of our association with and support of your research over the years." In expressing his gratitude for the honour, Polanyi observed, "This new award is distinguished by the fact that it avoids attempting to manage the process of discovery. Where the green shoots of important new science emerge, NSERC, through this new award, will fertilize them. …Nowhere in the country do we have a greater concentration of experience in cultivating the garden of science than in NSERC." Hosting the announcement on behalf of the University of Toronto, Professor John Challis, vice-president (research) and associate provost, said, "This award is another sign of NSERC’s incredible commitment to furthering the pace of science and engineering research in Canada. Professor Polanyi is a brilliant example of the scientific excellence and innovation that the award will recognize." The first competition for the NSERC Polanyi Award begins immediately, with a closing date of March 1, 2006. Nomination information is available at http://www.nserc.gc.ca/polanyi/e/index.htm.
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