Brock LINC is seeking nominations for two awards honouring outstanding achievements in research innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.

The Brock Innovator of the Year Award recognizes faculty and staff researchers who have demonstrated exemplary innovation or commercialization and have successfully translated their research and ideas into social or economic impact.

Associate Professor of Kinesiology Shawn Beaudette has seen first-hand the impact the honour can have.

The Director of the Spine Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control Laboratory received the Innovator of the Year Award this past spring for his work developing accessible computer-vision tools that use consumer-grade video to objectively analyze human movement.

Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon (left) congratulates Associate Professor of Kinesiology Shawn Beaudette for receiving the Brock Innovator of the Year in early 2026. Nominations are now open for the award’s next recipient.

“This recognition has helped provide a springboard for trainee-led companies at Brock University,” he says, with several businesses developed that improve clinical screening, athletic performance analysis and musculoskeletal health outcomes. “It is an exciting reflection of our trainees’ ability to translate research into real-world impact.”

The Brock Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes promising entrepreneurs developing innovative startups at the University that are shaping the world and inspiring action. Eligible nominees include Brock faculty, staff and students as well as participants in Brock LINC programming.

Matthew Cary, the award’s 2025 recipient, says the recognition provided a massive boost to his business, Fawkes Consulting, in more ways than expected.

“The moments that I found myself doubting our business idea, that award reminded me that others saw the potential of the idea and my potential as an entrepreneur,” he says. The company provides research-backed candidate selection and services for emergency dispatch communication centres.

Award finalists will be announced in January, with the honours presented at the annual Brock Innovation Showcase on Tuesday, March 9. The showcase will gather members of the campus community, industry professionals, startups, investors and community partners to celebrate research and commercialization successes while learning more about research-based technologies and startups at Brock.

Award nomination forms, available on the Brock LINC website, can be submitted to [email protected] until Friday, Dec 18.