Jean-Claude Kieffer and François Légaré honoured by the Royal Society of Canada

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“This peer recognition is a real sign of appreciation of the quality of an academic researcher’s work. We are delighted about the well-deserved recognition that professors Kieffer and Légaré have received and we are honoured to have these two brilliant researchers, who help advance laser science and raise  INRS’s profile,” said Yves Bégin, Vice Rector of Research and Academic Affairs.

 

 

Professor Kieffer was inducted into the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Division of the Royal society of Canada in recognition of his academic and scientific accomplishments. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an academic working in the field of arts, humanities, and sciences. Kieffer is regarded as a leader in Canada and is internationally known in the field of science and ultra rapid laser technology. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated visionary leadership, as evidenced by the creation of the Femtosecond Science Laboratory (ALLS). He has made impressive contributions in the fields of plasma physics, the generation of new X-Ray sources for the health sciences, material, chemical, and organic imaging, and early cancer detection. He is also holds the Canada Research Chair in Ultra Rapid Photonics.

 

 

Professor Légaré was awarded the 2016 Rutherford Memorial Medal in Physics by the RSC for his outstanding research in physics. He is the first researcher from INRS to receive this award. He has gained a reputation that extends well beyond our borders for ultrafast molecular imaging, the development of high-power lasers, and  tissue imaging with linear optical microscopy. Among his contributions, he has developed a new approach to laser amplification that is revolutionizing ultrashort pulse lasers and has led to the creation of a spin-off company. Professor Légaré is the recipient of the 2015 Herzberg medal and director of the Femtosecond Science Laboratory (ALLS). 

 

Légaré was doubly honoured, as he also became a member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. He is part of the 2016 cohort, comprised of 80 researchers and artists representing the emerging generation of scholarly, scientific, and artistic leaders in Canada.

 

 

 

Founded in 1883 by the Canadian government, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) brings together the country’s most eminent scientists, researchers, and scholars. Regarded as the National Academy of Canada, the RSC is made up of the Academy of the Arts and Humanities, the Academy of Social Sciences, and the Academy of Science. Its mission is to promote research and scholarly achievements in Canada, recognize academic and artistic excellence, and advise governments, organizations, and all Canadians about matters of public interest. ♦