- Academic Life
Richard Ejinagosi Kistabish and Sophie Malavoy will be honored during the 2026 Convocation Ceremony, a historic event marked by the largest graduating cohort in INRS history.
INRS will highlight the exceptional journeys of two individuals who have dedicated their lives to sharing science and lived experiences to advance society. During the graduation ceremony, INRS will also award the title of emeritus professor to Professor Jean-Pol Dodelet, a distinction granted for the first time since 2022.
Richard Ejinagosi Kistabish, messenger of Indigenous knowledge and lived experiences
Richard Ejinagosi Kistabish’s commitment to advocating for the recognition of Indigenous nations and cultures is rooted in his personal history shaped by residential schools. Throughout his career, his political and community involvement has consistently focused on healing and seeking solutions.
As head of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, Mr. Kistabish played a key role in collecting 800 testimonies from survivors of Indigenous residential schools, which formed the foundation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Today, he continues his awareness work on issues surrounding Indigenous languages. Since 2022, he has chaired the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and represents North America within the global task force for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which runs until 2032.
“We commend the commitment and courage of Richard Ejinagosi Kistabish, an Anicinabe symbol of resilience, a visionary, and an engaged political figure. If Indigenous voices can be heard today, and if their realities are gaining greater recognition in our universities, it is thanks to people like him who have carried their community’s voice, denounced injustices, and promoted genuine dialogue among the peoples of Quebec.”
Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Executive Director of INRS
Today, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue—where Ejinagosi experienced the atrocities of residential schools—researchers from the INRS-UQAT Joint Research Unit in Indigenous Studies are working on the co-construction and mobilization of knowledge on issues important to Indigenous peoples.
Sophie Malavoy, bringing science closer to the public
A chemical engineer by training, Sophie Malavoy has devoted her career to making science accessible, engaging, and inspiring. An author, professor, filmmaker, and journalist, she has launched numerous initiatives to foster dialogue between research and society.
During her 16 years as director of the Coeur des sciences at UQAM, she contributed to organizing more than 1,000 outreach activities, reaching audiences of all ages and promoting a better understanding of scientific issues.
Internationally recognized, she is notably a Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour and a recipient of the Thérèse-Patry Award.
“For Sophie Malavoy, as for us at INRS, democracy, quality of life, and the wisdom of our decisions depend on access to scientific culture. Throughout her career, she has worked to promote the dissemination of knowledge and scientific culture. A great science communicator, she has also inspired others to do the same. Through her achievements and her vision of science, Ms. Malavoy is an inspiration to the INRS community.”
Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Executive Director of INRS
Tribute to Jean-Pol Dodelet, named emeritus professor
For the first time since 2022, INRS will award the honorary title of emeritus professor. Jean-Pol Dodelet will receive this honor after a 34-year career at the Energy Materials and Telecommunications Centre.
A renowned researcher and global leader in fuel cell catalyst research, Jean-Pol Dodelet has distinguished himself through major scientific contributions, leading to numerous publications—particularly in the journal Science—as well as co-authoring several patents. He also held an industrial research chair, a first in INRS and its centre’s history. A Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), he is among the most cited scientists at INRS, with more than 260 publications to his name.
“Professor Dodelet has left a lasting mark on energy research, contributing significantly to the national and international reputation of INRS. Although retired from INRS since 2015, he continues to actively contribute to research and knowledge in the field of fuel cells. For his exceptional contribution to science and the excellence of his still-active research program, INRS awards him the title of emeritus professor.”
Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Executive Director of INRS
A historic convocation ceremony for INRS
The honorary degrees will be presented by the Executive Director of INRS, Luc-Alain Giraldeau, during the ceremony on May 23 at the Palais Montcalm, in front of 201 graduates—the largest cohort in INRS history.
