2025 – Year of Research Impact | ��˴�Ƭ Gazette

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.

New frontiers

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.
Unlocking the power of AI for legal applications – Queen’s Conflict Analytics Lab (CAL) is seeking to make legal support more accessible with OpenJustice, a no-code AI platform that has received $1.3 million in funding to make high-quality AI assistance available for small practices and pro-bono lawyers in Canada and around the world.
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.

Dr. Samuel Dahan (centre), Law, with OpenJustice co-founders Dr. Xiaodan Zhu (right), Smith Engineering, and David Liang (left), Law’21, Smith School of Business.

Advancing health and wellbeing

Landmark clinical trial shows exercise improves colon cancer survival – In a world-first clinical trial, researchers working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) and Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and led by Chris Booth (Oncology; Medicine), demonstrated that a structured exercise program significantly improves survival for colon cancer patients.
Supporting those who serve – Based at Queen’s, in partnership with the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) marked its 15th anniversary this year as a leader in strengthening Canada’s capacity for research addressing the physical, psychological, and social challenges that can accompany service life.
Pushing boundaries in immunology – In 2024, Paul Kubes joined Queen’s as the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Immunophysiology and Immunotherapy. Since his arrival, he's made significant research advancements and furthered his goal of building the best imaging centre in Canada.

A new study by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) shows that a structured exercise program improves survival for colon cancer patients by reducing the risk of disease recurrence and new primary cancers.

A better future for the planet

Turning pollution into potential – A new study led by Canada Research Chair Cao Thang Dinh (Chemical Engineering) paved the way to practical applications of carbon conversion technologies and may reshape how we design future carbon conversion systems through a focus on catalyst stability.
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.
Queen’s researcher wins provincial recognition for sustainable chemical innovations – Rachel Baker (Chemical Engineering) was awarded the Polanyi Prize in Chemistry for pioneering greener approaches in chemical manufacturing – an achievement modeled after the five Nobel Prize categories to recognize outstanding early-career researchers whose innovations drive progress in fields vital to Ontario’s economic growth.

Dr. Cao Thang Dinh, Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals

Dr. Rachel Baker, Robins Family Professorship of Engineering Chemistry

Research outreach

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.
Moments of wonder – Science Rendezvous Kingston welcomed 4,700 visitors this year to the annual Queen’s-led event with 60 interactive booths focused on bringing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life through engaging exhibits and live demonstrations from Queen’s researchers, students, and community partners.
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.

Science show on stage at Science Rendezvous

Foam flies through the air during a live demonstration at the Chemistry Magic Show at Science Rendezvous Kingston, presented by faculty member Dr. Graeme Howe and students from the Department of Chemistry.

Research funding and awards

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.