The CASCA Executive Award for Outstanding Service is awarded to an individual who has made sustained contributions in service that have strengthened the Canadian astronomical community and enhanced its impact regionally, nationally and/or internationally. This may include, but is not limited to, innovations in education, outreach and support of research facilities or tools used by others.
The award is normally considered every second year, in even-numbered years, and consists of a cash prize of $1000, and a certificate, presented at the CASCA Annual General Meeting.
The Executive Award recipient is selected by the CASCA Board. The nomination procedure is to submit a 1 to 2 page letter of support to the CASCA President indicating the candidate’s qualifications, history of service, and impact of their service activities – both nationally and internationally. Consideration of nominations will begin on January 15, 2024.
2022 Executive Award for Outstanding Service
In alternate years, the CASCA Board has the honour to bestow the Executive Award for Outstanding Service “to an individual who has made sustained contributions in service that have strengthened the Canadian astronomical community and enhanced its impact regionally, nationally and/or internationally.” Professor Christine Wilson, of McMaster University, is the recipient of the 2022 Executive Award.
Dr Wilson’s exceptional commitment to the Canadian astronomy community was obvious early in her career. Following her return to Canada to take-up a faculty position at McMaster University in 1992, she immediately contributed to a number of key committees, including an NRC committee on a new national radio facility, and was appointed to a Directorship of CASCA in 1996. Over the following decades she would serve on multiple CASCA committees, including a Mid-Term review panel, often holding positions simultaneously, as well as the Vice Presidency in 2012-2014, and the Presidency 2014-16. Most recently, Professor Wilson has Chaired the CASCA Long Range Plan Community Recommendations Implementation Committee (LCRIC).
In the field of submm astronomy, her reputation for research excellence as well as widely acknowledged management skills lead to her taking on key leadership roles for Canadian science and software interests in the ALMA project. She served as Canadian Project Scientist for ALMA, 1999- 2011, Chair of the Canadian ALMA Science Steering Committee, 2001 – 2010, as well as on four other key ALMA committees and advisories. While there is no question ALMA was the product of a major team effort, her efforts were central in making ALMA the great success that it is, both from a Canadian and international collaboration perspective.
For three decades, Dr. Christine Wilson has been a role-model and committed ambassador for astronomy in Canada. In bestowing this Executive Award on behalf of the Canadian astronomical community, the CASCA Board recognizes her pivotal contributions to both our and the international professional community and extends our utmost thanks and appreciation.
| 2020 |  Michael Balogh |
For being a committed advocate and international ambassador for astronomy in Canada, in particular his leadership roles in CATAC and other CASCA committees. Full Citation. |
| 2018 |  Greg Fahlman |
For his distinguished career of scientific achievement and outstanding record of service to the astronomical community. Full Citation. |
| 2016 |  Ralph Pudritz |
For his distinguished career of scientific achievement and outstanding record of service to the astronomical community. Full Citation. |
| 2014 |  Peter G. Martin |
For exceptional service to the Canadian astronomical community and his leadership in CITA and the Dunlap Institute. Full Citation. |
| 2013 |  John B. Hutchings |
For sustained scientific achievement, technical contributions, and service to the Canadian astronomical community. Full Citation. |
| 2010 |  James E. Hesser |
For exceptional service, and his leadership and contributions to IYA 2009 |
