Christian Genest, Distinguished James McGill Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, is the 2025 recipient of the Acfas Urgel-Archambault Prize. The award, sponsored by the Quebec government, is presented annually to a researcher in the field of physical sciences, mathematics, computer science or engineering.
Genest specializes in statistics. Through his career, he has repeatedly demonstrated how methodological breakthroughs can have important societal impacts.
His work has influenced how we perceive and model complex dependence relationships between numerous variables, leading, among other things, to a more realistic estimation of the intensity and frequency of natural disasters. For example, he helped develop a flood risk endorsement for a major Canadian insurance company and he designed tools to forecast heavy rainfall that support Environment and Climate Change Canada’s mission. He has also advised Statistics Canada and the Quebec Department of Finance and has helped Hydro-Québec refine its climate forecasting models.
Genest held a Canada Research Chair in Stochastic Dependence Modelling until last May. Recognized worldwide for his work in multivariate analysis, nonparametric statistics and extreme-value theory, he is the author or co-author of more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, and some of his writings are among the most cited in his field of expertise.
Has transformed mathematical knowledge into operational tools
“McGill celebrates Professor Genest’s recognition by Acfas, a testament to his leadership in and commitment to advancing research excellence,” said Dominique Bérubé, Vice-President, Research and Innovation. “His work has transformed mathematical knowledge into operational tools for preventing and managing risks. It also illustrates the power of collaboration between universities, government and the private sector in serving the people of Quebec.”
In addition to his contributions to the advancement of knowledge, Genest is dedicated to training the next generation of researchers. Over the past 40 years, including 25 as a professor at McGill, he has supervised more than 70 graduate students and over 15 postdoctoral fellows who are involved in knowledge acquisition and dissemination. He has also been heavily involved in science outreach activities.
Alanna Watt, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Science, called Genest “the embodiment of the link between academic rigour and community service.
“His work helps decision-makers better understand and anticipate climate risks. This award underscores the importance of supporting teams that transform research into concrete solutions,” she said.
Recognizing the importance of statistics
Genest expressed delight that, through him, Acfas is explicitly recognizing, for the first time, the importance of statistics, whose methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation, he noted, are at the heart of the scientific process.
“At a time when so many people harbour or spread doubts about science, this is a testament to the principles and values of our society. We must strive to foster this difference,” Genest said.
This honour for Genest is the latest of many. He received the Statistical Society of Canada’s Gold Medal (2011), the John L. Synge Award from the Royal Society of Canada (2020), the CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize (2023) and the Emanuel and Carol Parzen Prize (2024). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2015.
The awards ceremony took place Nov. 20 at the 81st Acfas gala in Montreal. Originally the Association canadienne-française pour l’avancement des sciences, the academic NGO is now simply known as Acfas.