- Awards and Distinctions
Philippe Constant, Carolyne Hébert, and the team responsible for implementing the joint research units are being honored by the Université du Québec.
The Université du Québec’s Excellence 2026 ceremony recognizes the contributions of three INRS members or teams. Professor Philippe Constant receives the Partnership Excellence Award, Carolyne Hébert is inducted into the Circle of Excellence, and the team responsible for implementing joint research units receives the Excellence in Management Award, Innovation category.
Philippe Constant: Recognized Leadership in Collaborative Research
Professor at INRS since 2011, Philippe Constant specializes in applied microbiology and environmental genomics. His work focuses in particular on the role of microorganisms in regulating greenhouse gases, environmental health, and the sustainable development of urban and peri-urban communities.
In recent years, he has developed a significant collaborative research ecosystem centered on the bioeconomy, the agro-environment, and the circular economy, notably with the City of Laval and in the Laurentians region.
His efforts have notably led to the creation, in collaboration with the City of Laval, of the Chaire de recherche en partenariat INRS-Ville de Laval en ingénierie du microbiome pour des applications environnementales et agroalimentaires
Among the key projects to which he contributes is an initiative aimed at developing genomic and agronomic indicators to optimize nitrogen fertilization for corn. Bringing together about 100 producers from seven regions of Quebec, this project aims to reduce nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining crop yields.
“Philippe Constant’s career path remarkably illustrates the power of research when it is conducted with and for the communities it serves. His ability to forge lasting collaborations and mobilize a diverse range of partners directly contributes to the INRS’s influence and to our mission of supporting Quebec’s development”
Luc-Alain Giraldeau, INRS Chief Executive officer.
Carolyne Hébert: An Essential Contribution to the University’s Mission
Carolyne Hébert, research officer at the Graduate Studies and Student Success Service (SESRE), has been inducted into the University of Quebec’s Circle of Excellence in recognition of her commitment and contribution to the university community.
As part of her duties, she contributes to several aspects of the university’s mission, including periodic evaluation, the development and revision of academic programs, and the management of numerous initiatives related to education, student success, and academic support.
Over the years, she has also developed expertise that helps shape practices, preserve institutional memory, and support the evolution of the academic offerings.
Isabelle Delisle, Carolyne Hébert and Alexandre Cloutier. Photo : Simon Clark
“Through her commitment and expertise, Carolyne makes a remarkable contribution to academic life at INRS. This award recognizes a contribution that, over the years, has made a real difference for our community”
Philippe-Edwin Bélanger, Director of the Graduate Studies and Student Success Service at INRS.
An Innovation in Research and Education Methods
The team responsible for implementing the Joint Research Units (UMR), led by Isabelle Delisle, Scientific Director of the INRS, has received the Award for Excellence in Management, Innovation Category.
This award recognizes the successful implementation of the UMRs, a unique model of inter-institutional collaboration that is transforming the way research and education are conducted. Conceived by Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Executive Director of the INRS, to bring together expertise and institutions, the UMRs are based on shared governance, genuine interdisciplinarity, and strong regional roots. They thus foster new forms of collaboration within the university network.
Isabelle Delisle and Alexandre Cloutier. Photo : Simon Clark
“I am truly delighted that our teams are receiving this award. This award is truly a shared honor between the INRS and its partner institutions: UQO, UQAT, UQAR, UQAC, and UQTR,”
Isabelle Delisle, Scientific Director of the INRS
About the Université du Québec Awards of Excellence
The Université du Québec Awards of Excellence aim to recognize the competence and commitment of faculty members and administrators at institutions within the network, as well as their exceptional contribution to fulfilling the university’s mission.