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The celebration brought together more than 250 guests, including students, researchers, community members, and representatives from government, to honour the legacy of research excellence that continues to shape physics at Queen’s and nationwide.

Guests were welcomed by a performance of Oscillations, a piano piece composed by Queen’s professor John Burge (DAN School of Drama and Music) in 2016 to commemorate Dr. McDonald’s Nobel win, before Vice-Principal (Research) Dr. Nancy Ross opened the formal program.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane spoke about the global significance of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics, which recognized Dr. McDonald and the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) team for revealing that neutrinos change form as they travel through space. The discovery proved that these tiny particles have mass and reshaped our understanding of the universe.

Dr. McDonald shared insights into the international collaboration that led to the groundbreaking discovery. He recalled the journey that united scientists across borders and disciplines, and the unforgettable experience of receiving the Nobel Prize in Stockholm. The moment captured the spirit of curiosity and teamwork that continues to define Canada’s leadership in particle astrophysics.

Dr. Tony Noble, Scientific Director of the McDonald Institute, spoke about how that same spirit of collaboration continues to drive innovation in the field today. He described how the Institute’s researchers are advancing neutrino and dark matter studies through experiments at SNOLAB in Sudbury and at partner sites around the world. His remarks emphasized how Canadian scientists remain at the forefront of exploring some of the universe’s most profound mysteries.

The event also recognized $45.5 million in federal support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the McDonald Institute, which was announced by Dr. Alejandro Adem, President of NSERC. This investment will strengthen Canada’s capacity for world-class research in particle astrophysics and support collaboration, training, and outreach initiatives across the country.

The program concluded with remarks by PhD student Zoe Brisson-Tsavoussis and undergraduate student Julia Brachman, who shared their perspectives on how the McDonald Institute’s community supports the next generation of researchers.

Following the formal program, guests gathered in the Isabel atrium for a reception featuring a replica of Dr. McDonald’s Nobel medal, research exhibits, and opportunities to connect with colleagues and collaborators.

Learn more about the research that led to the Nobel Prize.