NOTICE – The Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) was established on June 1, 2024, in accordance with the Act to amend the Act respecting the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation with respect to research. The Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT), the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC) have since been regrouped into the new FRQ, which continues their existence. The rights and obligations of the FRQNT, FRQS and FRQSC have become those of the FRQ; activities continue as usual.

Please note that if you come across an old name or logo of one of the Fonds de recherche du Québec in the program rules or on the website, it should now read as follows:

  • The FRQNT becomes the Nature et technologies sector;
  • The FRQS becomes the Santé sector;
  • The FRQSC becomes the Société et culture sector.

Thank you for your understanding.

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2nd prize: Sharon Smith, Université Laval

Sharon Smith has been a research professional at Université Laval since 2011, after working as a research assistant throughout her university studies. Passionate about special education and research, she joined GRIP-UL in 2004 and is now the group’s coordinator. She supports the researchers in a number of scientific and administrative tasks, oversees the student committee and organizes the scientific and social activities that make GRIP-UL such a dynamic group. As the group’s representative at the university’s research centres working table, the Table des centres de recherche, she is called upon to discuss strategic and operational issues and contribute to the status of her profession.

She also played a key role in the development of training programs for teachers, parents and mentors (ACCES and MAXIME programs and Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada). As a member of the Canada Research Chair in Motivation, Perseverance and School Success, Sharon Smith explores topics including teachers’ intercultural sensitivity and mathematical anxiety. She is especially invested in training the next generations of educators. Supporting students at every step in their academic journeys, helping them achieve their goals and sparking their interest in research are among the elements that make her work meaningful and stimulating.