In 2025, Queen's researchers worked to advance new discoveries, health innovations, a better future for the planet, impactful research outreach, and significant research funding and awards.
³ÉÈË´óƬ year in research
By Kayla Dettinger, Manager, Strategic Communications Initiatives (University Relations)
From apps wrapping up our favourite tunes to planning resolutions for the new year, December is when we pause to think about the moments that made 2025 the year it was. For Queen’s research, it was a year defined by major milestones: celebrating a decade since Dr. Art McDonald's Nobel Prize in Physics and launching a new Strategic Research Plan. Join us for a look back at some of 2025’s standout moments, from breakthroughs at the nanoscale to discoveries made in some of the world’s most remote regions.
Sparkling results in nanoscience – The transformative idea of using thin organic coatings to protect metals is at the core of Queen’s Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI) where researchers are using the technology to develop an innovative approach to cancer therapy that would help target and destroy tumours without damaging healthy cells.
Queen’s physics researcher recognized for work leading to the next generation of computing – Neuromorphic photonics is inspired by the brain’s ability to process information in parallel. For leading this field in the development of faster, more energy-efficient light-based computing systems, Canada Research Chair Bhavin Shastri (Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy) was awarded a prestigious 2025 Sloan Research Fellowship in Physics.
A career dedicated to Arctic research – The Arctic University of Norway awarded Queen’s researcher John Smol (Biology) the Mohn Prize for his 40 years of leading research in the Arctic advancing the study of climate change and industrial degradation in the North.
Micro Summit Series – Queen’s launched a new TED-Talk style presentation series that brings together researchers whose work helps Canadians better understand the forces shaping the nation’s future. Learn more about how our researchers Ryan Grant (Electrical and Computer Engineering), Nicolas Lamp (Law), and Canada Research Chair Stéfanie von Hlatky (Political Studies) are strengthening Canada’s digital security, deciphering Canada’s global trade viewpoint, or decoding Canada’s international security landscape.
Advancing reconciliation in higher education – Ontario’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Ontario, was awarded to Queen’s researcher Danielle Lussier (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures) in 2025. The inaugural chair in Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives was recognized for her work developing Indigenous pedagogies and exploring new pathways to reconciliation and decolonization through the transformation of post-secondary education and the legal profession.
Canada Research Chairs – Queen’s celebrated a total of 14 new and renewed Canada Research Chair appointments in March and October. These Queen’s researchers were recognized as national leaders in their fields and are breaking new ground from how we understand galaxies to developing new uses for AI to advance healthcare.
Recognizing the research leaders of tomorrow – More than 100 Queen’s students and postdoctoral fellows were awarded competitive national funding to support their research and studies. This included the awarding of nine Vanier Scholarships and Banting Fellowships which are considered among Canada’s most prestigious awards for emerging scholars.
Queen’s researchers awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals – Nineteen Queen’s researchers and faculty members have been recognized with this national honour for exemplifying the spirit of dedication and commitment to both their communities and broader Canadian society. Our researchers have been nominated for their service and contributions by organizations and elected representatives from across the country as they work to advance areas from health to law for all Canadians.