Serge Payet, Guy Rocher, and Brenda Milner, the great sages of science

Receiving the award is an exciting moment in the life of academics. But giving an award bearing his name to a rising star is an even more poignant honor, especially when the title of “Great Sages” is attached to him. It is this rare privilege that three prominent figures in Quebec science – Serge Payet of the Université Laval, Brenda Milner of McGill University, and Guy Rocher of the Université de Montréal – were presented with the first Grand Sages. Awards.

The Grands Sages Awards are an initiative of Quebec’s chief scientist, Rémy Quirion, who wanted to honor the work of outstanding scientists in the fields covered by the three Quebec research funds. During a formal evening held in Montreal on November 23, each great sage was invited to present an award bearing his name to a doctoral student whose work relates to his area of ​​expertise.

Grands Sages Awards are awarded to persons who have already been awarded a doctoral scholarship from the Fonds de recherche du Québec and whose portfolio is considered outstanding. A scholarship worth US$40,000, spread over 4 years, is awarded to each winner. Each year, three new Great Sages will present these awards.

Serge Payet graduated from the University of Laval (Agronomy 1965, Geography 1967, Environment 1969) and the University of Montpellier (State Doctorate 1977). He was a professor at Laval University for 52 years. A specialist in plant ecology in boreal environments, he joined the Center for Northern Studies in 1969 and remains a regular member today. He also directed this center twice, from 1979 to 1986 and from 1996 to 2000. His work has contributed significantly to knowledge of treeline dynamics, the role of fire in the ecosystem, and climate evolution in boreal environments. More recently, he devoted himself to managing Louis Marie’s herbarium and published a major work, the… Boreal plants of Quebec and Labrador.

Guy Rocher obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Laval in 1950. He then became a professor of sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Laval, before assuming the position of director of the Faculty of Social Work in 1958. In 1960, he then accepted a professorship at the University of Montreal. He is the only surviving member of the Parents Committee and has led a committed career. He played an important role in the development of Quebec’s linguistic, cultural and scientific policies.

For more details, see press release Presented by the first Grand Elders Awards.