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A record-breaking number of Western researchers across eight different faculties have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), with another three scholars elected to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. The RSC is Canada’s national academy, recognizing distinguished scholars, scientists, researchers and artists to promote academic and research excellence. Membership in the RSC is one of the country’s highest honours. “Western’s record recognition by the Royal Society of Canada reflects the tremendous depth, creativity and impact of researchers across disciplines,” said Penny Pexman, Western’s vice-president (research). “Having nine Fellows and three College members honoured in a single year is a powerful testament to the talent, ambition and global influence of our research community.”  Western’s long-standing connection to the RSC includes more than 100 all-time scholars elected as Fellows and members of the College, beginning in 1958.  RSC president Françoise Baylis, MA’84, PhD’89, an internationally renowned bioethicist, is a Western alum. “Today, we are pleased to welcome the newest Fellows and College Members of the Royal Society of Canada. Their work spans breakthroughs in medicine, technology and climate research, contributions in the arts and literature, leadership in reconciliation, and efforts to build a more inclusive future,” Baylis said during the announcement of the RSC’s 2026 cohort on Sept. 9.  “These individuals are shaping Canadian society through their scholarship, creativity, and impact – today and into the years ahead.” 

 

Nine new Western RSC Fellows in 2026 cohort

RSC Fellows are distinguished Canadians who have made significant contributions to Canadian society. Fellows are elected to one of three academies: The Academy of the Arts and Humanities, The Academy of Social Sciences or The Academy of Science.   Nine Western scholars – June Cotte, Corey Dyck, Hesham El Naggar, Ingrid Johnsrude, Lorelei Lingard, Valerie Oosterveld, Sharon Sliwinski, Shannon Stewart and Xianbin Wang – were elected by the RSC’s existing Fellows.    

June Cotte | Ivey Business School

Ivey Business School professor June Cotte is an expert on consumer behavior in Canada. She introduced important research on how time influences behavior, the role of family in consumption and behaviors like ethical and sustainable consumption.   With a global teaching career spanning multiple countries, Cotte’s work has been featured in publications such as the Journal of Consumer Research, MIT Sloan Management Review, and The Wall Street Journal.   

Corey Dyck | Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Corey Dyck is a leading authority on eighteenth-century German philosophy whose groundbreaking work has redefined understanding of Kant and the German Enlightenment.   He pioneered the recovery of historical items made by women and other equity-deserving groups. His work is shaping how scholars and audiences view the Enlightenment.   

Hesham El Naggar | Faculty of Engineering 

An internationally recognized scholar in geotechnical engineering, Hesham El Naggar has helped shape the design of resilient and sustainable infrastructure worldwide.   His work on soil dynamics, foundations and earthquake engineering has led to new analysis and design tools in the field. His research is incorporated into guidelines used globally.   

Ingrid Johnsrude | Faculties of Social Science and Health Sciences

Ingrid Johnsrude, professor of neuroscience and head of the department of psychology, is a leading researcher in knowledge-guided perception of speech and sound.   Her area of focus is on how the brain is organized to support perception. She is a highly awarded member of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.    

Lorelei Lingard | Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

Lorelei Lingard is a leading researcher in health professions education whose work has helped reshape how communication and teamwork are taught in medical training.   Her findings have informed medical education policies, curriculum and assessment across Canada. Her work on research methods and scientific writing has strengthened knowledge sharing in the field internationally.   

Valerie Oosterveld | Faculty of Law

Valerie Oosterveld is a global expert on gender-based crimes in armed conflict and the conceptualization of gender in international criminal law.   Her scholarship has made crucial contributions to addressing gendered forms of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Her research is widely cited by courts, directly influencing international prosecutorial policy and practice.   

Sharon Sliwinski | Faculty of Information and Media Studies 

Sharon Sliwinski is celebrated internationally for her expansive and interdisciplinary research bridging visual studies, cultural history, human rights and psychosocial studies.   Chair of the creative arts and production program in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, her work spans photography, human rights and the social imaginary. She is the creator of the Museum of Dreams, a research hub dedicated to exploring the social and political significance of dream life.   

Shannon Stewart | Faculty of Education

Shannon Stewart is a professor and psychologist within the Faculty of Education. She is a Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Fellow and associate scientist at the Children’s Health Research Institute.   Stewart is known for her global contributions related to the development of the interRAI Child and Youth assessment-to-intervention system – designed to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and youth in ongoing psychological care.   

Xianbin Wang | Faculty of Engineering 

Xianbin Wang is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair who has transformed wireless communications. With 700 publications and 35 patents, his pioneering work established new foundations for secure communications across interconnected consumer, defence and mission-critical industrial systems.   

Western earns three new RSC College members 

The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists elects mid-career leaders in their fields with interdisciplinary scholarship and diverse perspectives to benefit Canadian society. Scholars are elected to a seven-year term where they will attend and host RSC events, serve on committees, work with other scholars across the country, participate in programming and provide advice to government and the public. Western scholars Jackson Leween, Yanping Li and Ryan Stevenson have been recognized for their work advancing societies and navigating new realities; a major honour for Canadian researchers.   

Jackson Leween, 2bears (Tékeniyáhsen Ohkwá:ri) | Faculty of Arts and Humanities 

Jackson Leween, 2bears, professor of visual arts and Indigenous studies, is the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Arts Research & Technology and director of the Otekhnòtshera Ratirihwisaks Etho:onhwentsyáke (OTEKH) Lab. Two Bears is recognized globally for research-creation work connecting Haudenosaunee knowledge with emerging technologies grounded in place, responsibility and community governance.   

Yanping Li | Faculty of Science

Yanping Li, professor of Earth sciences, is a leading emerging scholar in climate dynamics and climate-risk science.   She developed an innovative crop-wetland-climate framework that informs national adaptation strategies. Her interdisciplinary work, national climate-assessment contributions and partnerships spanning agriculture, conservation and Indigenous communities have enhanced Canada’s capacity for climate-resilience planning.  

Ryan Stevenson | Faculty of Social Science 

Ryan Stevenson, professor of psychology and recipient of a Dorothy Killam Fellowship, has established himself as a world leader in neurodevelopmental cognitive neuroscience.   Stevenson’s internationally funded research program pioneered work with important mpacts on understanding sense perception in brain development, particularly in neurodiverse brains.