CBU Invites Nominations for Dr. Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion Award

Cape Breton University is pleased to invite nominations for the Dr. Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion Award. This annual award recognizes an individual, group or collaborative team of community-engaged researchers based at CBU or in the broader community who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, while uplifting communities through research.

The award honours the legacy of the late Dr. Margaret Dechman, an outstanding academic, researcher and community advocate remembered for championing social justice, supporting the socially excluded and recognizing the humanity in everyone. Guided by Dr. Dechman’s motto, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” the award celebrates projects that serve social goals, advance scholarship and build meaningful community partnerships.

A recognition event honouring the recipient(s) will be held in February, coordinated by the Office of Research and Graduate Studies in consultation with the Office of the President, where recipients will receive a commemorative certificate. Nominations remain active for up to three years (the submission year plus two subsequent years).

Eligibility

Nominations may be submitted by CBU students, faculty, staff, community partners and representatives from public, not-for-profit, advocacy or private-sector organizations.

Eligible nominees include:

• Members of community-based organizations serving or representing communities.

• Members of peer-driven advocacy organizations.

• Community-led research participants and champions.

• CBU faculty or staff engaged in community-led research.

• Emerging CBU researchers, students or non-academic practitioners with strong community relationships who have support from an experienced community-based researcher.

Note: Individuals may receive the award only once. Members of senior administration (e.g., Deans, Associate Deans, Vice-Presidents) are ineligible.

Nomination Package & Requirements

CBU’s Senate Research Committee invites nomination packages to be submitted by November 6, 2026. Packages must include:

• Nomination Submission: Can be submitted as a written document (maximum two pages), a video recording (maximum five minutes), or an audio recording (maximum five minutes). Submissions should identify the nominee, detail their community-based involvement, name key community partners and illustrate how they fulfill the selection criteria.

• Letter(s) of Support from CBU: At least one support letter from a CBU faculty member.

• Letter(s) of Support from the Community: Support letter(s) from external community members or partner organizations. Support letters may also be provided in written, video or audio format.

• CV or Accomplishments: The nominee’s curriculum vitae or a summary of major accomplishments, if applicable.

Selection Criteria

Submissions are evaluated by the Senate Research Committee based on the following criteria:

• Research Program: Community-led, culturally safe, participatory, action-oriented and centred on lived and living experience.

• Meaningful Collaborations: Active partnerships with local or global community-based or peer-driven organizations.

• Community Needs: Research attuned to priorities identified by the community, using responsive methodologies.

• Knowledge Mobilization: Evidence that research insights provide direct, positive benefits to the community.

• Social Change: A demonstrable record of inspiring and supporting positive social change.

• Enhanced Capacity: Initiatives that expand the community’s capacity to initiate, engage in and lead research activities.

• Future Impact: Potential for sustained impact and new research directions.

Following adjudication, the Senate Research Committee will submit its recommendation to the President by December 4, 2026, with the President making the final decision.

How to Submit

Completed packages must be sent by email to research@cbu.ca with the subject line “Dr. Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion Award” by Friday, November 6, 2026. For further details or questions regarding the nomination process, please contact research@cbu.ca.