Faculty of Science
Society
Once an Olympian, always an Olympian
The Olympics always offer a unique blend of exceptional skill, thrilling competitions, and surprises, and the 2024 Paris Games are certain to do the same. What’s life like for the athletes who take part in the world’s biggest international sporting event? We asked some McGillians with firsthand experience.
Discovery
McGill’s living laboratories
McGill professors and students have access to a unique network of field research stations. These stations, which include the Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados and the Gault Nature Reserve at Mont-Sainte-Hilaire, offer researchers the opportunity to explore the natural world up close.
On Campus
Combatting quackery
Dedicated to promoting science literacy and to pushing back against misinformation, McGill’s Office for Science and Society (OSS) regularly reaches large audiences through a variety of means (podcasts, newspaper columns, YouTube, online courses) to further its mission of “separating sense from nonsense.”
People
From McGill to the Stanley Cup and the Super Bowl
Jean-Philippe Darche and Mathieu Darche were award-winning student athletes at McGill, and both managed to transition from Canadian university sports to careers as pro athletes. Their playing days are over, but they continue to have an impact in the world of pro sports – and they have the championship rings to prove it. (Cet article est disponible en français.)
Webcasts
The magic of a solar eclipse
Don’t miss the latest edition of the McGill News webcast where the focus is on the celestial event of a lifetime.
Society
Determined to give them back their names
Forensic scientist Cristina Cattaneo, BSc’87, heads up an effort in Italy to identify migrants who have perished in their attempts to reach Europe. “It’s important for the living, not just for the dignity of the dead.”
People
Science with ‘a funky, cool vibe’
As an immunologist, Frederic Bertley, BSc’94, PhD’00, once worked on vaccines for HIV/AIDS at Harvard. Now, he shares his passion for discovery as the head of an award-winning science museum in the U.S.
Discovery
This top marine ecologist puts an emphasis on hope
Don’t tell Carlos Duarte, PhD’87, the oceans are dying. He’s heard it before, as one of the world’s most respected marine ecologists, and he has a clear message for those who lament about the state of marine ecosystems: “We’re within reach to achieve a positive future for our oceans but we have to stop focusing on […]
People
Having a Grüvi time without alcohol
At a time when health experts are urging people to dramatically cut down on their alcohol consumption, Anika Sawni, BA&Sc’19, the co-founder of Grüvi, is inviting consumers to give her company's award-winning non-alcoholic beers, wines and sangria a try.
On Campus
McGill summer undergraduate research projects a go despite COVID-19
It's a welcome bit of good news amid the ongoing pandemic: McGill's faculties of Arts, Engineering and Science will all go ahead with this summer's undergraduate research projects.
On Campus
Sharing their passion for science
Noor Al-Sharif is standing in front of a Montreal classroom, asking a group of grade four students to draw a scientist. Most of them sketch an Einstein-like character: a man with wild white hair, a lab coat, perhaps a beaker or two. Soon after, when Al-Sharif reveals that she’s a scientist herself, the reaction in the room falls somewhere between awe and disbelief.
Discovery
The secret to biodegradable plastic is … lobster shells?
Associate professor of chemistry Audrey Moores has co-developed a new biodegradable form of plastic. The key ingredient is chitosan, derived from the chitin in crustacean shells.