Nineteen Canada Research Chairs awarded to McGill
The Government of Canada has awarded McGill $19 million in funding to support 19 researchers through the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program – 11 new and eight renewed appointments.
In-cloud motions shape warm-rain production in marine clouds
K. Lamer, P. Kollias, J. Kim, Z. Zhu, F, Yang, A. Battaglia, and E. Luke Katia Lamer is an AOS M.Sc. alumnus Pavlos Kollias is an Adjunct Professor in the AOS department Jiseob Kim is a postdoctoral researcher in the AOS department
Biodiversity in action: looking back on the 2026 Biodiversity Festival at the Gault Nature Reserve
by Mabel Dunham, Faculty of Science Communications AssistantThe 2026 Gault Nature Reserve Biodiversity Festival on Saturday, September 26 provided visitors with a unique opportunity to learn on the go. Kiosks were stationed along Gault’s trails, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in Mont Saint-Hilaire's early-autumn scenery while learning about the biodiversity research initiatives operating in and out of the Gault’s research station.
Fossils reveal a previously unknown pattern of evolutionary transition
A remarkably diverse fossil ecosystem in central Colombia that preserves an unusual overlap between survivors of older Jurassic groups and newer Cretaceous lineages has led researchers at McGill University and the Centro de Investigaciones Paleontológicas (CIP) to recognize a new pattern of large-scale evolutionary transition, one that does not include mass extinctions.
McGill researchers produce detailed maps of global threats to freshwater biodiversity
Farming, dams and agricultural runoff are the biggest threats to freshwater biodiversity globally, with Europe and Northwest Africa the hardest-hit regions, McGill researchers have found.
Applying a mapping methodology previously used to study terrestrial species, the researchers identified where freshwater species are under threat, and which human activity seems to be responsible.
Birds and humans share fundamental song and speech patterns, McGill study finds
McGill University researchers have identified "universal" vocal patterns across hundreds of bird species and found that many of the same patterns also appear in human song and speech from cultures around the world. The patterns include small pitch intervals, regular and predictable rhythms, and phrase-final elongation, in which the last utterance in a phrase tends to be longer than the others.
Study finds air quality warnings had only a modest impact on Montrealers’ movements
When Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) urged Montrealers to limit outdoor activity during Canada’s worst wildfire smoke episodes, the city’s travel patterns shifted – but far less than public health officials might have hoped, according to a new McGill University study.
Jérôme Fortier and Katelin Schutz receive the President’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching
Congratulations to Jérôme Fortier (Mathematics and Statistics), who received the President’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching in the Faculty Lecturer category, and Katelin Schutz (Physics), who received the award in the Assistant Professor category.
Established in 2000, the award celebrates educators who inspire, challenge and empower students.
Caroline De Roy receives the President’s Award for Administrative and Support Staff
Congratulations to Caroline De Roy (Redpath Museum), who received the President’s Award for Administrative and Support Staff in the Technical, Library Assistants and Nurses category.
The annual awards honour staff members who have made exceptional contributions to the University; this year, eight individuals were recognized.
The gas around Milky Way's central black hole is rich in metals, study finds
The gas orbiting Sagittarius A (Sgr A*), the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way galaxy, is rich in metals, researchers at McGill University’s Trottier Space Institute have found. The metal enrichment probably resulted from stars that exploded and released material into the black hole's surroundings over time, they said.
Bettina Kemme appointed Assistant Dean, Global Engagement
The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Bettina Kemme (School of Computer Science) as the inaugural Assistant Dean, Global Engagement. She began her five-year term on October 1.
Upgraded trail and new observation pier now open to the public at the Gault Nature Reserve
The Gault Nature Reserve of McGill University has completed work aimed at protecting and enhancing the shoreline of Lake Hertel.
This project, with an estimated value of $67,520, received financial support of $49,300 from the Fondation pour la biodiversité et la faune du Québec and its financial partner, Hydro-Québec, through the Programme Hydro-Québec pour la mise en valeur des milieux naturels.
Urbanization takes a bigger toll on bird diversity in the tropics than it does at other latitudes, McGill study finds
Researchers at McGill University have found that urbanization is weakening one of Earth's most enduring ecological patterns: the tendency for biodiversity to increase toward the tropics, a pattern known as the latitudinal diversity gradient.
Nagissa Mahmoudi appointed Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs and Development
The Faculty of Science is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Nagissa Mahmoudi (Earth and Planetary Sciences) as the inaugural Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs and Development. She began her five-year term on October 1.
Homecoming 2026: Faculty of Science events
Homecoming is a time to reconnect, celebrate and rediscover what makes our community special. Taking place October 22–24, this year’s festivities include three Faculty of Science events on Friday, October 23, offering opportunities to reconnect with old friends and discover what’s new across the Faculty.
Explore the three Faculty of Science events: