UdeM’s Eclipse Team Wins Rector’s Award for Collaboration

The Eclipse Team, co-led by iREx members, has been awarded the Université de Montréal’s Rector’s Award in the Collaboration category.

The Eclipse team, formed in 2022 at the initiative of members of our institute, was recognised for the extraordinary collaborative work it deployed during the solar eclipse of April 8.

The team at the award ceremony. From left to right : the hostess Sophie Fouron, Benjamin Augereau, Nathalie N.-Q. Ouellette, Jean-Philippe Provost, Marie-Eve Naud, Alexandre Riccio, Véronique Boyer, Geneviève O’Meara, Catherine Charbonneau, the recteur Daniel Jutras, and the vice-recteur aux ressources humaines et aux affaires professorales François Courchesne. Missing from the photo : Heidi White, Frédérique Baron, Langis Michaud et Manoue Rajotte-Lafortune. Credit : Amélie Philibert, Université de Montréal.

Made up of staff members from several university entities, the team, including Dr. Marie-Eve Naud, Dr. Nathalie Ouellette, Dr. Frédérique Baron, and Dr. Heidi White from iREx, distributed 70,000 pairs of protective glasses, created a dedicated website, coordinated multiple eclipse day events on UdeM campuses, and produced engaging social media content. Furthermore, 120 student ambassadors, trained by iREx, were deployed to UdeM campuses and various locations throughout Quebec to provide live explanations and lead educational activities in schools, community centres, and libraries. Finally, numerous media appearances were made by the team’s specialists.

The team also comprised Benjamin Augereau, Catherine Charbonneau, and Geneviève O’Meara from the Communications and Public Relations Office; Véronique Boyer from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Benjamin Constantineau from the Libraries; Langis Michaud from the School of Optometry; Jean-Philippe Provost from the Faculty of Arts and Science; Alexandre Riccio from the Librairies; and Manoue Rajotte-Lafortune from the Alumni and Donor Network.

The award ceremony, held on May 16, was broadcast online. Watch Marie-Eve and Benjamin accept the award on behalf of the Eclipse UdeM team at around 1h 11min!

This award not only recognises the team’s dedication and hard work but also underscores the significant impact of iREx’s leadership in promoting scientific culture and community engagement. iREx is immensely proud of Marie-Eve, Nathalie, Heidi, Frédérique, and the entire Eclipse Team for their remarkable achievements!

About the Prix du recteur

The Prix du recteur recognize the outstanding achievements and commitment of university staff members who exemplify the values of Université de Montréal. Six prizes are awarded according to the following categories: Leadership, Innovation, Community Engagement, Diversity, Collaboration and Promotion of the French language.

The Collaboration Award highlights the cohesion of a team and its efforts in achieving a common objective or the success of a project.