Carole-Anne Gillis
Ph.D. in Water Sciences, 2017
Research Director at the Gespe'gewa'gi Institute of Natural Understanding
Recipient of the 2026 Firestarter Award
“The best research is often the kind that addresses a specific need, a concern within the community, or an issue faced by local communities.”
For Carole-Anne Gillis, research has never been an end in itself. From the very beginning of her career, she has been guided by a desire to address concrete challenges and to put science at the service of communities. This vision, further strengthened at INRS, has led her to become a recognized leader in applied water sciences research, where she now works to protect aquatic ecosystems and conserve Atlantic salmon in close collaboration with the Mi’gmaq communities.
Her decision to study at INRS came naturally. Eager to specialize in the study of rivers and Atlantic salmon, she found an environment there that perfectly aligned with her aspirations, thanks to the excellence of the water sciences program and its ties to the Interuniversity Research Center on Atlantic Salmon (CIRSA). Her doctoral project, which focuses on the factors influencing the proliferation of the invasive algae Didymosphenia geminata and its impacts on young salmon, is already part of this commitment to generating knowledge that is directly beneficial to the region.
At INRS, she discovered an environment that nourished both her curiosity and her commitment. “It was a deeply enriching experience. I discovered a multidisciplinary, stimulating environment at the forefront of innovative approaches.” Beyond the quality of the education, it was the people she met who left a lasting mark on her journey. “The personal connections, friendships, mentors, and colleagues have shaped my time there far beyond the campus walls.”
Her time at INRS also shaped her approach to research. “There, I learned that research can and must be grounded in reality. The best research is often that which addresses a concrete need, a concern within the community, or an issue faced by local communities.” This philosophy would become the guiding principle of her entire career and is still reflected today in the projects she leads.
After earning her Ph.D., Carole-Anne Gillis chose to return to her native region to put her expertise to work for the area where she grew up. Following a stint with the Restigouche River Watershed Management Council, she became director of research at the Gespe'gewa'gi Institute of Natural Understanding (GINU). Leading a multidisciplinary team, she develops applied research programs in partnership with Mi’gmaq communities, academia, and management organizations. Her approach, based on the co-creation of knowledge and dialogue between scientific knowledge and traditional ecological knowledge, helps shape aquatic conservation practices in Canada today.
Her leadership is also evident through her many commitments. As co-director of CIRSA, chair of the scientific committee of the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation, and associate professor at the University of New Brunswick, she actively contributes to advancing research, training the next generation of scientists, and promoting the transfer of knowledge to the field. Since 2018, she has secured more than $10 million in research funding and has mentored numerous students and interns in their professional development.
For Carole-Anne Gillis, INRS gave her much more than a solid scientific education. “Field internships, the diversity of courses, innovative projects, and numerous collaborations” provided her with practical tools that she still puts to use today. She also encourages students to step outside the labs and engage with communities: “There’s nothing more rewarding than learning, unlearning, and growing together.”
As the winner of the 2026 Firestarter Award, she accepted this honor with great emotion. “The INRS has played a significant role in my journey, both professionally and personally. To be recognized here today as a source of inspiration is an immense honor.” Looking ahead, she hopes to see the emergence of “scientific research […] guided by communities, for communities,” in keeping with the vision that has inspired every step of her journey.
[Interviewed in April 2026.]