PICKERING, Ontario, October 1, 2026 – Scientists in School Executive Director Cindy Adams is honoured with the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) Trailblazer Award in the category Science & Society for her work leading the science education charity toward sparking an interest in STEM in nearly 12 million children in Canada.
The CSPC selection committee highlighted several innovative and sustainable approaches in Cindy’s tenure as factors for the Science & Society award: the social enterprise funding model that has helped make the work of the organization economically sustainable, the national online delivery platform, the commitment to equitable access, the lasting impact of the hands-on approach to science education, and the innovative response to the pandemic that allowed Scientists in School to preserve that hands-on programming while reaching children across Canada.
“Being recognized as a Trailblazer is especially meaningful because Scientists in School has always been about finding new hands-on ways to bring science to life for young people. Whether developing a sustainable social enterprise model to underpin scaling, reimagining hands-on learning and pre-shipping materials to use in virtual workshops during the pandemic, or continuing to use technology to be inclusive of children in northern and rural communities across Canada, we have embraced change while keeping our mission and vision at the centre. I am proud of the impact we have had on nearly 12 million young scientists, but even more excited about what is still possible. Every time a child becomes curious, asks questions about the scientific world around them, or sees themselves as someone who can understand and participate in STEM, we are helping shape Canada’s future.” – Cindy Adams, Executive Director of Scientists in School
The award recognizes Cindy for more than thirty years of leadership at Scientists in School. Cindy led the organization through the transformation from a regional youth STEM outreach initiative in Pickering, Ontario into a national organization. During her tenure as founding Executive Director, Scientists in School has inspired nearly 12 million children and youth from coast to coast to coast in richly investigative STEM explorations.
One of Cindy’s greatest strengths has been her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose and to create the conditions for staff, presenters, the board of directors, partners in education, and supporters of the organization to do their best work.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the CSPC Trailblazer Award in Science and Society. For more than 35 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team of staff, workshop presenters, volunteers, partners and supporters who believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy and possibility of science, and feel they too can be a part of this. This recognition is a reflection of what we have built together. I am incredibly proud that Scientists in School has grown from a small community initiative into a national organization reaching children in every province and territory, while staying true to the belief that science should be hands-on, engaging and accessible to everyone.” – Cindy Adams, Executive Director of Scientists in School
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award, but I see it as a recognition of what we have built together. Scientists in School is the result of the dedication and creativity of an extraordinary team across our 37-year history.” – Cindy Adams, Executive Director of Scientists in School
“For me, the greatest reward has always been seeing children become curious, ask questions and discover that science is something they can be part of. I’m incredibly proud of the team that makes those moments possible every day.” – Cindy Adams, Executive Director of Scientists in School
Cindy is a recipient of the Order of Ontario and is an active community-builder having served on the Board of the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario, as President of the Canadian Federation of University Women Ajax-Pickering, and on Durham District School Board’s Make-a-Difference Poverty Steering Committee. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters in Applied Ecology from the University of Toronto.
The CSPC Trailblazer Awards recognize individuals who have positively and significantly impacted Science, Technology, Innovation and Society in Canada through leadership, vision, courage, and commitment in a novel and creative way. These individuals have been instrumental in boldly spearheading change via one or more transformative initiatives, while blazing a trail and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
CSPC 2026 is recognizing four Trailblazer Awards, one in each of the categories of Policy for Science, Science for Policy, Innovation Policy, and Science & Society. The Science & Society Award recognizes areas that strengthen public understanding and engagement with science, including the relationship between science and society. This includes but is not limited to science communication, education, journalism, public engagement, citizen science, and more.
About Scientists in School
Scientists in School is a leading national science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education charity. Their mission is to ignite scientific curiosity in young learners so that they question intelligently, learn through discovery, and connect scientific knowledge to their world. Scientists in School programming has put STEM in the hands of over 11 million children and youth across Canada since 1989. To learn more about Scientists in School, visit scientistsinschool.ca.
Scientists in School is seeking alumni stories. Past youth participants, parent volunteers, and STEM expert presenters are invited to share their stories to help the organization celebrate the 12 millionth student scientist milestone coming up in 2027.
MEDIA CONTACT
Tighearnán Walker
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
tighearnan.walker@scientistsinschool.ca
