ThermoFisher Award

Value of the Award: $1500 + Complimentary Registration to the CSM Annual Conference & Framed Certificate

Number of Awards: 1

Frequency of the Award: Annual

Eligibility: By the deadline of the award application date, applicants must be members of the CSM/CSM. They must also be EITHER (1) no more than 5 years from their first independent research position or (2) no more than 10 years from their last degree in the field of Microbiology or a related science. Eligible leaves of absence (e.g., parental leave, medical leave, bereavement) taken during the period of eligibility will be credited as twice the amount of time taken. The nominee must have made an outstanding contribution to research or to the development of the discipline for which the award is made and must still be actively engaged in this work.

Award Lecture: The award winner will present a 40 minute talk on the research for which the award was given during the Annual Conference. The award winner has to provide a review of the talk for submission in the Canadian Journal of Microbiology (CJM) which is published by the Canadian Science Publishing. The award consists of a cheque in the amount of $1,500.00 and an inscribed award scroll which will be presented after the lecture presentation. Travel expenses incidental to receiving the award are not reimbursed.

Application Contact: CSM Secretariat at info@csm-scm.org

Nomination Information: Two letters of nomination from qualified microbiologists not closely associated with the nominee are required (letters from thesis supervisors, PDF supervisors, manuscript co-authors and family members will not be accepted). These letters must describe the specific contribution the individual has made. In addition, a curriculum vitae should be supplied. A Tri-Agency CV should also be included (see below for instructions). All materials should be submitted using the online form below.

As the Early career award is the Society’s top honour to early career researchers, as part of the evaluation criteria, the adjudication committee will take into account the nominee’s prior involvement in the CSM, including attendance at prior conferences as a student, PDF or as an ECR, and how these experiences have shaped their career in microbiology. This information, preferably using the Personal Statement section of the CV, should be included within a 5-page narrative-style Tri-Agency CV (https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/53574.html) for the nominee that is included in the nomination package.

Method of Selection: The Award Review Committee will comprise three members of the CSM Council (Past President, Meetings Secretary, Education Committee Chairperson) and two Editors of the Canadian Journal of Microbiology. The Award committee will review the nominations and select the recipient of the award. It is understood that should there be no qualified candidate in any given year, the award will not be granted. Unsuccessful nominations from previous years may be nominated.

Core Principles for Adjudicating Awards:
The Canadian Society of Microbiologists is dedicated to ensuring that all applications and nominations for its awards are evaluated with fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, firmly rooted in the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The Society acknowledges the importance of cultivating an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and acknowledged. To this end, the adjudication process is designed to actively eliminate biases and barriers, uphold impartiality, and guarantee equitable access for all candidates.  Incorporating the principles of EDI, the Society aims to recognize excellence that mirrors the  rich diversity of the microbiology community, fostering representation across genders, ethnicities, linguistic groups, and underrepresented identities. For example, adjudication committees may implement unconscious bias training to ensure an equitable evaluation process. Additionally, the Society may establish systems to monitor and report demographic trends among award recipients, enabling ongoing assessment and enhancement of diversity. This approach not only reinforces the integrity of the awards but also aligns with the Society’s broader mission to support diversity and drive innovation within the field of microbiology in Canada.