Prof. Brigitte Vachon, YWCA Woman of Distinction Award

Congratulations to Professor Brigitte Vachon in the Department of Physics, who was awarded a Woman of Distinction Award yesterday from the YWCA of Montreal, in the Science and Technology Category. The Women of Distinction Awards highlight the accomplishments, commitment, determination and leadership of thirteen women who have helped generate positive and lasting change in their community.

Professor Vachon holds the Canada Research Chair in Particle Physics. Her work is leading to an improved understanding of the properties and interactions of the fundamental constituents of matter. Notably, she is part of the international research team that recently discovered the Higgs Boson. Professor Vachon regularly participates in workshops to explain the importance of her area of expertise, and advocates for more women to consider scientific careers. The citation for her award reads, in part: “Mother of two, she took a 12-month maternity leave for each of her pregnancies to spend quality time with her young children, despite the demands of a high-level scientific career. As such, she is a model for young women who are concerned about balancing a scientific career with raising a family.”

For more information, please refer to the Women of Distinction Awards programme (English and French) or watch a video feature and interview with Brigitte Vachon (French).