Announcing the 2025 Weston Family Awards in Northern Research Scholars

Advancing knowledge to help protect and restore northern biodiversity

TORONTO, ON – July 17, 2025, We are honoured to share the recipients of the 2025 Weston Family Awards in Northern Research. Now in its 18th year, this program continues to support early-career researchers whose work deepens our understanding of Northern Canada and safeguards its unique biodiversity.

Following a competitive, arms-length review of over 90 applications from across the country, 30 scholars have been selected to receive funding:

15 Master’s students ($20,000 over one year)
11 PhD students ($120,000 over three years)
4 Postdoctoral Fellows ($110,000 over two years, with up to $10,000/year for travel and conference expenses)

Since 2007, the Weston Family Foundation has supported more than 400 researchers through this program—one of the most substantial and prestigious awards for northern natural sciences in Canada.

The 2025 cohort will lead innovative research in fields ranging from glaciology and oceanography to species ecology and climate change. Funded projects include:

Exploring Arctic marine species’ responses to shifting sea ice patterns.

Studying post-fire recovery of boreal forests and implications for forest ecosystems.

Working with Indigenous communities and braiding Indigenous Knowledge with science.

And more!

As part of the program, Northern Scholars are encouraged to work in partnership with northern and Indigenous communities—an approach reflected in the design and implementation of many 2025 projects.

We extend our sincere thanks to the reviewers, research institutions, and communities that continue to support and guide these scholars.

Meet the 2025 Weston Family Northern Scholars and learn more about their research here.