Concordia celebrates a record year at the Royal Society of Canada
Concordia has had a banner year at the Royal Society of Canada (RSC). The induction of three new fellows, one new college member and the awarding of two prestigious national medals mark an unprecedented achievement.
“My heartfelt congratulations to all our talented faculty who were recognized by the Royal Society of Canada,” says Effrosyni (Faye) Diamantoudi, interim vice-president of research, innovation and impact.
“This landmark year underlines Concordia’s growing research mandate across disciplines and the impact that we are having on society.”
Three new fellows and one new college member
Ann English
Distinguished Professor Emerita
Honorary Concordia University Research Chair in Bioinorganic Chemistry, Chemistry and Biochemistry
A pioneering bioinorganic chemist, Ann English became a fellow of the RSC. She is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking research in mass spectrometry for biomolecule analysis.
English’s work has provided crucial insights into the structure-function relationships in metalloproteins and has shaped the understanding of how protein environments regulate their reactivity, influencing both physiology and disease.
David Howes
Professor, Sociology and Anthropology
Faculty of Arts and Science
David Howes, another new fellow, is celebrated for his interdisciplinary contributions, particularly in the field of sensory studies. Howes, a scholar with deep expertise in anthropology and law, initiated the "sensory turn" in anthropology.
His innovative research has bridged diverse fields, including psychology, cultural history and design, leaving a lasting impact on how sensory experiences are understood across disciplines.
Muthukumaran Packirisamy
Professor, Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering
Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
Concordia Institute of Aerospace Design & Innovation
Muthukumaran Packirisamy, also inducted as a fellow, is a distinguished mechanical engineer known for his cross-disciplinary research and innovative contributions to engineering and life sciences.
He is the holder of numerous patents and a leader in academic inventions. Packirisamy’s work exemplifies the fusion of engineering with practical, real-world applications. His commitment to mentorship and innovation has earned him international recognition.
Xia Li
Associate Professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
Concordia University Research Chair in High Energy Rechargeable Batteries
Xia Li joins the Royal Society’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. An emerging leader in chemical and materials engineering, Li has made significant strides in the development of next-generation energy storage devices.
Her research on high-performance lithium and sodium-based batteries, along with her work on all-solid-state batteries, has been instrumental in advancing energy storage technologies with both high performance and safety.
Strong medal showing
Catherine Mulligan
Professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering
Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
Director, Concordia Institute for Water, Energy and Sustainable Systems
Catherine Mulligan is the recipient of the Miroslaw Romanowski Medal for her pioneering work in sustainable environmental engineering. Mulligan’s research on biosurfactants has revolutionized the field of decontamination science, offering green solutions for the extraction of heavy metals and other pollutants from water and soil.
Steven High
Full Professor, History
Faculty of Arts and Science
Founding Member, Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling
Steven High has been honoured with the J.B. Tyrrell Medal for his outstanding contributions to Canadian history. High’s extensive body of work includes award-winning monographs, multimedia projects and public history initiatives, has significantly enriched the understanding of Canada’s past and given voice to the stories of ordinary Canadians.
Learn more about research at Concordia.
