Our Research Awards honor outstanding contributions to the field of university continuing education. These awards recognize the achievements of graduate students, mid-career professionals, and distinguished researchers who have advanced knowledge and innovation through their research. By celebrating excellence in research, we aim to inspire ongoing scholarly contributions that enhance the practice and understanding of continuing education in Canada.
Nominations open in mid-December and the deadline is February 15 of each year.
Distinguished Researcher Award
The purpose of the award is to recognize an individual who has made a long-term, sustained contribution to research into university continuing education and/or adult education in Canada.
Nomination Process:
In the case of each award, individuals from CAUCE member institutions may nominate their peers. The nomination should describe the contribution made by the nominee to the field and provide a rationale of why the person is a deserving winner of the award.
Distinguished Researcher Award Recipients
2013 – Lorraine Carter, Nipissing University
2013 – Vernon Curran, Memorial University of Newfoundland
2012 – Tom Nesbit, Simon Fraser University
2011 – Scott McLean, University of Calgary
2010 – Randy Garrison, University of Calgary
2007 – Gordon Thompson, University of Saskatchewan
1999 – Earl Misanchuk, University of Saskatchewan
Graduate Thesis or Dissertation Award
The purpose of the awards is to recognize a graduate thesis or dissertation that makes a distinct contribution to Canadian-based university continuing education and/or adult education.
Submissions are invited from individuals attending Canadian universities or Canadians attending universities outside of Canada. In order to be eligible, the thesis or dissertation must have been successfully completed (defended) within two calendar years prior to the award application. Theses previously submitted to CAUCE for this award are not eligible for consideration.
The following criteria will be used in evaluating submissions:
- centrality and relevance of the topic to university continuing education;
- clarity of the thesis statement;
- strength and coherence of the findings/conclusion;
- effectiveness of the organization and style of the presentation;
- doctoral theses or dissertation will be expected to meet higher criteria levels than masters’ theses;
- should it be appropriate, awards will be given for both a masters’ thesis and a doctoral thesis or dissertation.
Applicants must submit (on the form below):
- at least two supporting letters.
- a 500-word statement indicating the relevance of the research to university continuing education;
- a copy of the dissertation or thesis;
Graduate Thesis or Dissertation Award Recipients
2021 – Marlowe Morrison, University of Victoria
2021 – Christina White, University of Calgary
2019 – Rebecca Short, University of Alberta
2016 – Kathy Snow, Cape Breton University
2013 – Janice Cruise, University of Saskatchewan
2010 – Heather McRae, University of Victoria
2009 – Brian Campbell, University of Regina
2007 – Lorraine Carter, Laurentian University
2004 – Dirk Morrison, University of Saskatchewan
2001 – Nancy Petersen, Simon Fraser University
2000 – Francois Ruph, Université du Québec
Mid-Career Research Award
The purpose of the award is to recognize mid-career professionals who have advanced knowledge and innovation in the field of Continuing Education through research conducted, including publications, peer-reviewed journals, professional practice literature, as well as panels, talks, and podcasts.
To be eligible for this award you must:
- currently be engaged in research through an institution with CAUCE membership (preference may be given to those who previously have presented at a CAUCE conference)
- conduct research in the field of Continuing Education (as an individual or as Principal Researcher for a research team) for at least 5 years and no more than 10 years
- be recognized by peers as having advanced knowledge and innovation in practice and/or education through research conducted in the field of continuing education
Nominations may be made by a peer or by self-nomination. These nominations must include:
- description of past and current contributions towards advancement and innovation in the field of Continuing Education (maximum 500 words)
- two letters of support demonstrating leadership in research (i.e., a colleague, chair, director)
- summary CV reflecting the most important/relevant work (maximum 5 pages)
Award recipient requirements:
- submit a short biographical profile (100 words) for use at the award presentation
- attend the awards ceremonly at the CAUCE conference in the year following award notification to receive the award.
Mid-Career Research Award Recipient
2025 – Christie Schultz, University of Regina