The INRS Foundation team is proud to present its 2023-2024 Impact Report, a retrospective of its major achievements made possible by the generosity of our donors, volunteers and partners. Once again this year, your unfailing support has enabled the INRS community to increase its impact on crucial scientific issues, contributing to the training of a qualified next generation of scientists and the advancement of research that matters to our society. Here's a look back at the highlights and spin-offs of this fourth year of activity.
In 2023-2024, the Foundation raised over $423,000, with more than $312,000 going directly to the INRS student and scientific community. Thanks to these funds, more than 50 students and researchers were able to benefit from crucial financial support to pursue their work and develop innovative projects. The student prizes and scholarships, totalling $174,500, rewarded the perseverance, academic excellence and innovation of the next generation of scientists trained at INRS's four research centers.
Among these scholarships, two were new this year: the Rio Tinto scholarships for diversity in science, awarded to two female students tackling sustainable development projects, and the J.A. DeSève Foundation scholarships, awarded to ten students in recognition of their perseverance and determination to complete their master's or doctoral programs.
This year, the Foundation supported several major projects that embody the vitality of the student community and the spirit of innovation and commitment at INRS. Among these is the Creative Student Lab at the Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie. This project, initiated by a group of students led by Alex Paré, a PhD student in protein engineering and integrative biophysics, aims to offer a multimedia content production studio. It will enable students to create educational resources and facilitate the popularization of science, thus contributing to the dissemination of scientific knowledge to a wider audience.
Another notable project is the creation of a directory of fermentable residues in Quebec. This other project, again supported by the Foundation, aims to accelerate the local valorization of residual materials into bioproducts, promoting a circular and sustainable economy. Led by Professor Kokou Adjallé, an expert in environmental biotechnologies, this project received new funding of $80,000 over two years.
The Foundation has also highlighted the inspiring careers of graduates and students by awarding prizes such as the Prix Lumières and scholarships to INRS students. These awards recognize the hard work and passion of these students and researchers, who contribute to the development of science in Quebec and on the international stage.
In addition, a number of events organized by the Foundation have served to strengthen solidarity and the sense of belonging within the INRS community. One of the highlights of the year was the Mardi je donne event, a worldwide campaign of generosity and solidarity during which the Foundation exceeded its initial target by raising $30,847 for student aid and initiatives.
Beyond the figures, this impact report highlights the major influence of donations on research and the next generation of scientists. Thanks to your commitment, the INRS Foundation continues to support cutting-edge projects, promote equal opportunity and respond to the environmental, technological and social challenges of today and tomorrow.
We invite you to consult our 2023-2024 impact report to discover all the initiatives we support and the concrete benefits of your generosity. Together, let's continue to shape the future of research and science in Quebec!