Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Awards
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is a federal agency that promotes and supports research in the social sciences and humanities. Through its funding programs and awards, SSHRC fosters new knowledge and understanding about people, societies and cultures, helping address the challenges of today and tomorrow.
SSHRC Impact Awards
The SSHRC Impact Awards recognize Canada’s most influential researchers in the social sciences and humanities. These awards highlight visionary thinkers whose work expands our understanding of people, culture and human behaviour.
Finalists embody the very best in ideas and discovery, advancing knowledge that informs policy, enriches communities and shapes a more thoughtful, inclusive and sustainable future.
There are five SSHRC Impact Awards: the Gold Medal, the Talent Award, the Insight Award, the Connection Award and the Partnership Award. Together, they honour outstanding achievement in leadership, research excellence, knowledge sharing, collaboration and the next generation of scholars.
Gold Medal Award
The Gold Medal is SSHRC’s highest honour. Valued at $100,000, it recognizes individuals whose sustained leadership, dedication and originality of thought have made a lasting impact on the social sciences and humanities. Recipients inspire students and colleagues alike, advancing knowledge that enriches Canadian society and beyond.
Gold Medal Award 2013
Barry Smit
Department of Geography, Environment & Geomatics
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS)
Dr. Barry Smit is a global leader in research on the human impacts of climate change. His work on climate adaptation, spanning agriculture, economies and communities, informs policy and practice worldwide and emphasizes the social, economic and political dimensions of environmental change.
Talent Award
Valued at $50,000, the SSHRC Talent Award recognizes exceptional research achievement and promising career potential among SSHRC doctoral or postdoctoral fellowship or scholarship holders. Recipients demonstrate excellence in research and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the social sciences and humanities, inspiring the next generation of scholars.
Talent Award 2019
Jake Pyne
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
Jake Pyne researches and advocates for transgender and autistic-transgender communities. Collaborating with community members as co-researchers, his work has influenced policies and practices in health care, shelters and family law, improving support, visibility and agency for trans youth while addressing pressing social challenges.
Partnership Award
Valued at $50,000, the SSHRC Partnership Award recognizes an outstanding formal partnership supported by SSHRC. It honours collaborations that advance research, enhance research training, mobilize knowledge or develop innovative approaches to partnership-based research. Recipients demonstrate excellence in teamwork and the ability to generate impact that benefits both academia and the broader community.
Partnership Award 2016
Ajay Heble
School of Theatre, English and Creative Writing
College of Arts (COA)
Dr. Ajay Heble explores how musical improvisation can drive social change. As founding director of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation, he fosters collaboration, inclusivity and knowledge exchange through partnerships and mentorship. His work helps communities –especially youth and marginalized groups – engage creatively, build resilience and address societal challenges.
