CBU Invites Nominations for Margaret Dechman Community Research Award

Cape Breton University is pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 Dr. Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion Award. This annual award is presented to an individual, group or collaborative team of community-engaged researchers, based at CBU and/or the broader community, who demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the community through their research.

The award honours the legacy of the late Dr. Margaret Dechman, an outstanding academic, community member and researcher. Dr. Dechman was well-known as a champion for social justice, a tireless advocate for the socially excluded and a compassionate neighbour who recognized people’s humanity.

This award recognizes community-engaged scholars and community representatives who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and who work within meaningful community partnerships to initiate, develop and support research that serves social goals while advancing scholarship.

Previous Winners

Since its inception, the award has celebrated both community leaders and CBU faculty:

•       2022 – Janet Bickerton, Registered Nurse and Co-Director of the Ally Centre of Cape Breton. Honoured for her harm reduction and outreach work supporting some of Cape Breton’s most vulnerable citizens.
•       2024 – Dr. Rod Beresford, recognized for his collaborative marine biology research into oyster recovery in the Bras d’Or Lakes, working with Mi’kmaq communities to address a parasite outbreak that threatened the ecosystem and local sustainability.
•       2025 (tie) – Dr. Marcia Ostashewski, Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology and founding director of the Centre for Sound Communities. Celebrated for her inclusive, arts-led research, she has led projects such as Building Sound Communities in Unama’ki.
•       2025 (tie) – Dr. Jason Loxton, Associate Professor in the School of Science and Technology. Recognized for his volunteer work with the Cape Breton Fossil Centre and Sydney Mines Heritage Museum.

Celebration

A recognition event will be held during Research Month (March 2026) and will be organized by the Office of Research & Graduate Studies in consultation with the Office of the President. The award winner(s) will be presented with a certificate, and their name(s) will be added to a plaque prominently displayed within the University.

Eligibility

Nominations for this award can be submitted by CBU students, faculty, staff, community representatives and partners. Community partners are defined as any partner that is not another post-secondary institution. Eligible nominees may include:

•       Members of community-based organizations serving or representing communities
•       Members of peer-driven advocacy organizations
•       Community-led research participants or champions
•       CBU faculty or staff engaged in community-led research
•       Emerging CBU researchers, students and/or non-academic practitioners who have strong community relationships and are supported by an experienced researcher familiar with community-based research

Individuals may receive the award only once. Members of senior administration (e.g., Associate Deans, Deans and Vice-Presidents) are not eligible.

Nomination Procedures

CBU’s Research Committee of Senate invites nominators to submit a nomination package by November 26, 2025. Submissions may take the form of a written document (maximum 2 pages), a video (maximum 5 minutes) or audio (maximum 5 minutes). Submissions should clearly state the nominee’s name, describe their community-based involvement, identify their community partners, and illustrate how they meet the selection criteria.

Nomination packages must also include:

•       Letter(s) of support from a CBU faculty member
•       Letter(s) of support from community members or organizations
•       A CV or list of accomplishments, if applicable

All materials should be sent to research@cbu.ca (Subject: Dr. Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion Award) by November 26, 2025.

Selection Criteria

The Senate Research Committee adjudicates the award. The recipient will demonstrate:

•       A community-led, participatory and culturally safe research program
•       Meaningful collaborations with community-based or peer-driven organizations
•       Responsiveness to community-identified needs and priorities
•       Evidence of positive community impact through knowledge mobilization
•       A record of supporting positive social change through partnerships
•       Enhanced community capacity to engage in and lead research
•       Potential for new directions and future impact

The Senate Research Committee will make its recommendation to the President by December 1, 2025, with the President making the final decision.