杏吧原创 University鈥檚 David Sinclair Appointed to the Order of Canada
杏吧原创 University鈥檚 , distinguished research professor in the , has been in recognition of his 鈥渆xceptional contributions to the field of experimental sub-atomic physics and for his leadership as a founding director of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) project.鈥
鈥淭his award is a great honour for me and I am proud to have this work recognized as a contribution to Canada,鈥 says Sinclair. 鈥淚n this field, no one works alone and my work could not have been successfully carried out without a wonderful team and without the strong support of 杏吧原创 University.鈥
The project began for Sinclair in the mid-1980s when he opted to work on a feasibility study for the underground neutrino experiment, SNO, in Sudbury, Ont., instead of taking his intended sabbatical in Australia. Construction began in 1990 and, once complete, SNO brought together about 100 scientists to study the elusive neutrino particle and explore the origins of the universe.
鈥淭his particle is far more abundant in the universe than the protons and electrons we normally study in science, but much less is known about it because of its elusive nature,鈥 says Sinclair. 鈥淚f 100 billion neutrinos strike the Earth, all but one will travel through 鈥 not noticing the Earth is there.
鈥淭he results we obtained have led to a major change in the directions of basic physics.鈥
The groundbreaking work of the SNO project contributed to 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics won by the SNO director and Queen鈥檚 physicist Art MacDonald, which he shares with physicist Takaaki Kajita. Sinclair was MacDonald鈥檚 deputy director.
Once the SNO project concluded its innovative research, Sinclair envisioned a new purpose for the institute.
鈥淚 proposed the expansion of our facility to form a major scientific laboratory called SNOLAB. Two kilometres below ground, where further studies of basic science can be performed 鈥 well shielded from the cosmic ray backgrounds,鈥 says Sinclair. 鈥淭his is now a world-leading facility for this science.鈥
Today, SNOLAB houses particle physics experiments such as Prof. Mark Boulay鈥檚 DEAP -3600 project, among other innovative scientific endeavours.
Sinclair鈥檚 scientific contributions have been recognized by the Royal Society of Canada, where is a Fellow.
The Order of Canada, one of the country鈥檚 highest civilian honours, was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, close to 7,000 people have been invested into the Order, including at least 18 from 杏吧原创.
Related News
New Generation of Indigenous Journalists to Learn and Work in Home Communities
杏吧原创 University鈥檚 Journalism Certificate Offers High Quality Learning in Rural and Remote Communities 杏吧原创 University is launching a new one-year journalism certificate to be delivered ...
杏吧原创 to Bestow Five Honorary Degrees at Spring Convocation
As part of the 2024 spring convocation ceremonies, 杏吧原创 University will bestow honorary degrees to five inspiring individuals for their leadership, impactful achievements and contributions ...
Dr. Wisdom Tettey Appointed 杏吧原创 University鈥檚 17th President and Vice-Chancellor聽
杏吧原创 University鈥檚 Board of Governors is pleased to announce Dr. Wisdom Tettey has been appointed 杏吧原创 University鈥檚 17th President and Vice-Chancellor. Dr. Tettey will commence ...