In an extraordinary year of achievements, Dr. Anya Waite, CEO and Scientific Director of the Ocean Frontier Institute, led by Dalhousie University, has been honoured with five prestigious national and international awards, highlighting her exceptional contributions to ocean science and public service.
These accolades include the 2024 Japanese Oceanographic Society’s Yoshida Award, the 2024 Frank McKenna Award, the Discovery Awards 2024 Professional of Distinction, the King Charles III Coronation Medal for outstanding service to Canada, and the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques in recognition for her work in the field of ocean research and her commitment to the development of scientific collaborations between Canada and France.
Dr. Waite's visionary leadership at the Ocean Frontier Institute is advancing groundbreaking ocean research and innovation through major initiatives such as the Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier, a $208 million dollar research program, and the $397 million dollar Transforming Climate Action program, both funded in part by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Waite has held prominent roles including Associate Vice-President Research (Ocean) at Dalhousie University, Section Head of Polar Biological Oceanography at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, co-Chair of the Global Ocean Observing System, and Canada’s representative on the World Meteorological Organization’s Greenhouse Gas Study Group. As an international ambassador for Nova Scotia, she has played a pivotal role in bringing ocean science to the global stage, leading delegations to three United Nations COP meetings and advocating for the ocean's critical role in climate regulation.
"I am deeply honoured to receive these awards, which recognize not only my work but also the incredible efforts of my colleagues at the Ocean Frontier Institute,"
says Dr. Waite. "As a team, we are committed to advancing our understanding of the ocean and finding solutions to the complex issues it faces."
