Nathalie Nguyen-Quoc Ouellette receives the CASCA Qilak Award

The Canadian Astronomical Society CASCA recently awarded the Qilak 2025 Award to Nathalie Nguyen-Quoc Ouellette, deputy director of IREx, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to astronomy communication, public education and outreach.

Frédérique Baron, interim deputy director of IREx during Nguyen-Quoc Ouellette’s parental leave, praises her essential contribution: “The IREx team is fortunate to be able to count on Nathalie. Her leadership in the field of scientific communication contributes to the advancement of our Institute and to promoting the work of all our members.”

Since the beginning of her career, Dr. Nguyen-Quoc Ouellette has combined her love of astrophysics with a strong passion for science communication, which has enabled her to quickly become a key figure in the landscape of science culture promotion in Canada. Her unwavering commitment and ability to make astronomy understandable to all have left their mark on the field of science communication. She has received numerous other distinctions in this regard, including the Prix du Recteur in the Initiative category in 2021, and nomination as an Emerging Leader by the Women’s Executive Network in 2023 and by The Peak, a network of Canadian professionals in 2024.

The entire team congratulates Ms. Nguyen-Quoc Ouellette on this latest recognition!