2025 Mirabelli-Glossop Award for Distinguished Contribution: Call for Nominations

The Vanier Institute of the Family is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Mirabelli-Glossop Award for Distinguished Contribution, recognizing exceptional and sustained contributions to advancing the understanding of families and family life in Canada. This award is named in honour of Alan Mirabelli, Executive Director of Administration (1975–2007), and Dr. Robert Glossop, Executive Director of Research and Programs (1975–2006), for their transformative leadership at the Vanier Institute.

We welcome nominations for individuals and organizations who exemplify the Institute’s commitment to enhancing family wellbeing through research, leadership, or innovation. Contributions must demonstrate a significant impact and align with the Institute’s mission of fostering knowledge and understanding about families in all their diversities.

Eligibility criteria

  • Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional contributions to enhancing understanding of families in Canada.
  • Nominations can be submitted by peers and community members; self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Contributions should be consistent with the Institute’s mission and values.
  • Both individuals and organizations are eligible.
  • Previous recipients of the Mirabelli-Glossop Award are not eligible.

Submission guidelines

Nominations must be submitted via the Institute’s website and include the following:

  • A completed nomination form.
  • A CV or resume.
  • A letter (maximum two pages) outlining the nominee’s contributions and how they align with the Vanier Institute’s mission.
  • Up to three supporting documents (e.g., publications, programs, media features, or other relevant materials).

Selection criteria

The jury will evaluate nominations based on:

  • Excellence in advancing knowledge: demonstrated outstanding contributions that enhance understanding of families and family life in Canada.
  • Alignment with the Vanier Institute’s mission and values: achievements that reflect and uphold the Vanier Institute’s mission to foster knowledge and understanding of family diversities and wellbeing.
  • Leadership and innovation: demonstrated leadership in family studies through mentorship, collaboration with practitioners or policymakers, or the development of innovative approaches, methodologies, or frameworks that advance the understanding of families.
  • Effective knowledge sharing beyond academic audiences: engagement with community organizations, media, or policymakers to mobilize knowledge about families in Canada.

Deadline and announcement

Nominations must be submitted by February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

The winner will be announced on May 15, 2025, on the International Day of Families. The announcement will be shared on our website, through email, and across our social media channels via a news release.

For more information or if you have any questions regarding the Mirabelli-Glossop Award, please contact Margo Hilbrecht, Executive Director (mhilbrecht@vanierinstitute.ca).