The University will also confer honoris causa degrees (“for the sake of honour”), the highest tribute a university may bestow upon someone for their substantial contributions to their own profession or to society at large. They celebrate the recipients’ dedication to serving their community and helping make the world a better place, whether that be through their advocacy, philanthropy, research, or public service.
The Honorary Doctorates will be conferred throughout the various ceremonies. This year’s recipients are:
- Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier - 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate and inventor of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology.
- Elder Joan Commanda Tenasco - From Kitigàn Zìbì Anishinàbeg First Nation in Quebec, Elder Commanda Tenasco is an Anishinàbekwe, respected Algonquin language keeper, translator and educator.
- Louis Gagnon - A business visionary and the CEO of Intact Financial Corporation’s Canadian operations who championed the creation of the Intact Health Resilience Initiative.
- The Honourable Nicholas Kasirer – Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, Justice Kasirer has made substantial contributions to research and teaching across Canada’s common and civil law traditions.
- Dr. Denis Mukwege - 2018 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and advocate for the rights of survivors of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
- Joelle Pineau - Distinguished scholar and an influential voice on reproducibility, open science and ethical frameworks in AI.
- Rémi Quirion - Since being appointed Québec’s first chief scientist in 2011, Dr. Rémi Quirion has been a tireless advocate for interdisciplinary research, international collaboration and public engagement with science.
- Kim St-Pierre – An Olympian who has built a career that combines high-level performance, leadership and a lasting contribution to the growth of women’s hockey.
- Normand Voyer – Renowned chemistry professor recognized as an outstanding science communicator, in addition to his research into potential new therapeutics in the Arctic, he inspires young people to take up careers in chemistry.
You may find their Full biographies and the Directory of past honorary doctorates.
Details
WHAT: uOttawa Spring Convocation
WHEN: June 8-12, 2026
WHO:
- Honorary doctorate recipients
- Marie-Eve Sylvestre, president and vice-chancellor
- Claudette Commanda, chancellor
- Deans from all faculties
- 2026 Graduating Class
WHERE: Rogers Centre Ottawa
There will be a ceremony live stream for family and friends who wish to watch remotely.
The media is invited to RSVP if they want to attend in person or connect via the live feed.
To RSVP: [email protected]