Science comes out on top
SOURCE : IRCM
December 6, 2024
The grand finale of the provincial outreach and science communication competition, Science POP, took place on November 22 at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM). This event received financial support from the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie, through the NovaScience program, and from the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), as well as the IRCM Foundation.
In front of an enthusiastic audience, the event brought together finalists from 12 Quebec research institutions for a spirited competition. At the conclusion of the high-level challenges, nine prizes were awarded to the top performers across three categories.
A trainee from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) won one of the top prizes!
Outreach challenge
- First place winner, Prix du Scientifique en chef: Gabriel Blanco Gomez, doctoral student in neuroscience at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) for the presentation: Unlocking Autism: Finding the Brain's Hidden Keyboard. He is supervised by Mayada Elsabbagh, PhD, in the Child Health and Human Development (CHHD) Program at The Institute.
- Second place winner, Prix Jacques-Genest: Alexis Perreault, doctoral student in immunology at the Institut de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université de Sherbrooke (IRCUS) for the presentation: Craquer des œufs: une recette gagnante contre le cancer?
- Peoples choice winner: Alexis Perreault
Media Challenge
- First place winner, Chief Scientist Award : Hannah Derue, doctoral student in neuroscience, Centre de recherche en biologie structurale (CRBS) for their presentation: Pain and Pleasure: Studying the Intersection of Chronic Pain and Opioids.
- Second place winner, Jacques-Genest Award : Jana Totzek, doctoral student in mental health, Douglas Research Centre for their presentation: The I in Schizophrenia: Technology, the Brain & Personalized Care.
- Winner of the People’s Choice: Perrine Coquelet, doctoral student in neuroscience, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM) for their presentation: Le secret du succès de votre chirurgie du dos est dans votre sang.
Sustainable Health Challenge
- First place winner, Prix du Scientifique en chef: Aurélien Ramos, Master’s student in rehabilitation sciences - Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale (Cirris) for their presentation: Changer de Réalité: une nouvelle vision de l'activité physique
- Second place winner, Prix Jacques-Genest: Myriam Lacoursière, Master’s student in physical education sciences - Regroupement intersectoriel de recherche en santé de l'Université du Québec (RISUQ) for their presentation: Mouvement et intuition: un duo durable
- Winner of the People’s Choice: Aurélien Ramos
Quotes
"With their eloquence and enthusiasm, the students excel at sharing scientific knowledge. In a constantly evolving world, it is essential for the next generation to develop and showcase their scientific communication skills. There is no doubt that Science POP provides a golden opportunity to achieve this. I would also like to congratulate the IRCM team, whose efforts, along with the invaluable support of my colleagues Manon and Michaël, made the second edition of Science POP a true success."
- Carole Jabet, Vice-President Research, Scientific Division, Fonds de recherche du Québec - Health Sector
"Quebec is investing in its next generation of scientists, and this competition is a prime example. By supporting these young talents, we are equipping them with the tools to excel in science and communication. Initiatives like this prepare us for a future where Quebec stands out as a hub of innovation, showcasing its ideas and discoveries. Congratulations to all the winners!"
- Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy
What is Science POP?
Science POP is a pan-Quebec science communication initiative proposed by IRCM and carried out with financial support from the NovaScience program of the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie, the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) and the IRCM Foundation. Aimed at promoting science-society dialogue, Science POP's avowed aim is to work towards awakening scientific curiosity within Quebec society, and to stimulate skills in knowledge transfer. https://www.ircm.qc.ca/en/sciencepop
Information and media
Florence Meney, Communications Director, IRCM
florence.meney@ircm.qc.ca