Dr. Paul Corkum, an attosecond science researcher at the National
Research Council Canada (NRC) and professor in the Department of Physics
at the University of Ottawa, is this year's winner of one of Ontario's most
prestigious science prizes.
The $500,000 Premier's Discovery Award for Natural Sciences and Engineering
is awarded annually to a researcher who demonstrates leading-edge achievements
in the study of physical sciences or engineering.
"The Government of Canada congratulates Dr. Corkum for his groundbreaking
research in the field of attosecond science," said the Honourable Gary
Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). "His important scientific
discoveries inspire Canadian researchers from coast to coast to innovate science-based
solutions in priority areas such as health and wellness, sustainable energy
and the environment."
"NRC is proud of Dr. Corkum, who is widely regarded as one of the world's
premier researchers in the field of attosecond science," said NRC President
Dr. Pierre Coulombe. "This cutting-edge research provides the ultimate
window into what's happening at the molecular level and helps scientists study
the fastest processes in atomic and molecular physics."
An attosecond - the number one to 18 decimal places - equals one billionth
of a billionth of a second. To put this in perspective, one attosecond is to
one second as a second is to the age of the universe.
"It is an honour for the University of Ottawa, one of Canada's top research-intensive
universities, to have Dr. Corkum among its researchers," said Allan Rock,
President of the University of Ottawa. "Dr. Corkum is known as the father
of the attosecond pulse. His work in attosecond science continues to break new
boundaries in science and technology."
Dr. Corkum's research focuses on ways to control the movement of electrons
as they speed along inside molecules, which promises breakthrough applications
in fields ranging from quantum computing to diagnostic medicine.
Meanwhile, his work as an experimental physicist has already garnered several
honours and prizes, including election to the U.S. National Academy of Science,
this year's $1 million Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for Science and Engineering,
a Killam Prize, a Polanyi Award for outstanding achievement in the field of
natural sciences, and the Order of Canada.
About the National Research Council and the University of Ottawa
The National Research Council Canada (NRC) is a leader in the development of
an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology.
The University of Ottawa's commitment to research excellence and interdisciplinary
approach to knowledge creation attract the best academic talent from across
Canada and around the world. The collaborative relationship between NRC and
the University of Ottawa is a shining example of a partnership that leverages
Canada's public research base to maximize our competitive advantage.