Public Impact Award

The Public Impact Award recognizes a researcher whose work has benefitted Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society.

About the Award

The Public Impact Award, presented by Research Nova Scotia, recognizes a researcher whose work has benefitted Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society.

The recipient is someone who has dedicated their research to respond to the needs of society. They are solving a problem, managing a risk, or creating an opportunity for Nova Scotians.

Nominees can come from academia, a public research institution, government, or the private sector and do not have to have held Research Nova Scotia funding.

The nomination form consists of four main questions. Preview them.

The 2025 Public Impact Award will be presented at the 23^rd Annual Discovery Awards.

Discovery Awards, in support of Discovery Centre, celebrates outstanding innovators whose game changing achievements in science and technology put Nova Scotia at the forefront of global innovation.

nomination details/ how to nominate

This competition is	CLOSED
Important Dates
Nominations Open	March 5, 2025
Nominations Close	May 31, 2025 at 1p.m. (AST)

ELIGIBILITY

• Nominee is a Nova Scotian researcher in academia, a public research institution, government, or the private sector
• Must be able to clearly demonstrate how their research has directly and intentionally benefitted Nova Scotians. From the original objective of the work, to the partnerships formed to conduct the research, to the impact it has had in the province.
• The Nominee should clearly articulate the implementation mechanisms (i.e., policy implementation and/or industry, health system, or not-for-profit uptake)
• NOTE: Previous or current Research Nova Scotia funding is not required.

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Nominate

Nominations for the Public Impact Award will be managed through Research Nova Scotia’s grant management platform, JURA.

New to the system? Create an account or login.

Once logged in, Nominate a Candidate by clicking “Funding Opportunities” in the top left and select “Public Impact Award Nomination Form.”

Nominations close May 31, 2025 at 1 p.m. (AST).

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Selection Process

Eligible nominations will be sent to the Discovery Award’s selection committee.

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JURA Technical Information and Support

Please review the following information prior to beginning your nomination in JURA.

• Nomination information entered in JURA is NOT automatically saved. Click the ‘Save Draft’ button frequently to ensure that you do not lose any information.
• Once started, nomination forms can be found under the ‘In Progress Applications’ section of the Jura homepage. You may continue to work on your submission until the nomination deadline.
• When your application is complete, select ‘submit’. Confirmation of successful submission will be available on your Jura homepage under ‘Submitted Applications’ and a copy of your submission will be sent to the email address used during registration.
• If you require technical support while creating your application, please contact the RNS Jura helpdesk at helpdesk@researchns.ca.  
• Jura Helpdesk hours are 8am-4pm ADT Monday to Friday. Responses will be provided as soon as possible but please allow up to 24 hours for a response.

All submissions to Research Nova Scotia must be accompanied by an EDIA Self-Declaration for the Primary Applicant.

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Application Details/Questions

Details:

• Nominator Details (Name, Position, Organization, Address, Phone Number, Email Address)
• Nominee Details (Name, Position, Organization, Address, Phone Number, Email Address)
• I have notified this person that I am nominating them Yes / No 
• Is the nominee a Nova Scotian researcher in: Academia, Public Research Institution, Government, Private Sector

NOTE: Nominees may be contacted to answer additional questions following your nomination.

Questions:

• With the award criteria in mind, please explain why this researcher deserves to be nominated for the Public Impact Award. (250 words)
• Clearly demonstrate how the Nominee’s research has directly and intentionally benefitted Nova Scotians by improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society. (250 words)
• Tell us how the Nominee’s research has benefitted Nova Scotians. Take us through the original objective of the work, to the partnerships formed to conduct the research, to the impact it has had in the province. (300 words)
• Provide any additional information about the Nominee and their achievements that should be considered with respect to the award. (250 words)

Additional Information: Supporting attachments are welcome (i.e. links, media, past awards, feature stories, testimonials, etc.)

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“Receiving the 2024 Public Impact Award from Research Nova Scotia – who also funded my establishment grant in 2019 – was a full-circle moment. It reinforced my dedication to translating research into real-world change. It validated our commitment to empowering patients with cancer and chronic disease and strengthened our resolve to expand access internationally. Since then, we have opened new PEP centers, established new partnerships, and are working to secure long-term accessibility of these programs for patients who need them.”

“Winning the Public Impact Award was a highlight of my career. I have always been incredibly proud of the research done by my team, but to have it recognized specifically for the positive impact it has had on Nova Scotians was an incredible honour.”

About the Discovery Awards

The Discovery Awards are all about celebrating outstanding innovators whose game-changing achievements have helped to make Nova Scotia a leader on the world stage. As the marquee fundraiser, all proceeds directly support the Discovery Centre’s not-for-profit mission, enabling us to provide the very best in hands-on STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) for youth from one end of the province to the other.

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