CAP Medal Press Release - 2016 Achievement

The Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) is pleased to announce that the 2016 CAP Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Physics is awarded to Gilles Fontaine, Université de Montréal, in recognition of for his pioneering, world-renowned work in theoretical and observational studies of white dwarf stars and the late stages of stellar evolution, including major contributions to the equation of state for white dwarfs and investigations of pulsating compact stars, as well as the discovery of a new class of subdwarf pulsators. His leadership has built what is arguably the preeminent group in the world in this field. announcement

A true follower of the tradition of excellence in the field of astrophysics in Canada, Professor Fontaine has distinguished himself internationally for the exceptional quality of his research in stellar astrophysics, especially for his study on the final phases of stellar evolution (white dwarfs and subdwarfs, the final products of stellar evolution for most stars). Not only did he build the foundations for an actual theory on the evolution of white dwarfs, he is also one of the pioneers who first used them as cosmochronometers independent from the other components of our galaxy. He also became a true leader in the field of astroseismology, the unique method by which we can examine the internal structure of stars by studying their “starquakes”, using observations and numerical modeling. His work in science, popular worldwide, has earned him multiples prizes and awards.

As a prolific writer, Professor Fontaine has also made a remarkable contribution by training great scientists. Most of his former students have received local and national awards for the exceptional quality of their doctoral theses. By creating a world renowned research team, Mr Fontaine has encouraged numerous foreign students in pursuing postgraduate education. Finally, he has proven in different ways that he is an incredible teacher and a great communicator. With his actions, he has undoubtedly contributed to building scientific vocations. nominator citation

The CAP Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Physics is awarded on the basis of distinguished service to physics over an extended period of time, and/or recent outstanding achievement. This annual medal was introduced in 1956.

Prof. Fontaine will be presented with his medal by 2015 Physics Nobel Prize winner Art McDonald with congratulatory handshake from His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, at the Recognition Gala at the Shaw Centre on Thursday, June 16, 2016. The Gala is the closing event of the CAP Congress hosted by the University of Ottawa, in Ottawa, Ontario, from June 13-17. Please refer to the Congress program (http://www.cap.ca/en/congress/2016) for the schedule of plenary talks by CAP medal winners. medal description

ABOUT the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP)

The Canadian Association of Physicists, founded in 1945, is a professional association representing over 1600 individual physicists and physics students in Canada, the U.S. and overseas, as well as a number of Corporate, Institutional, and Departmental Members. In addition to its learned activities, the CAP, through its charitable arm - the CAP Foundation, also undertakes a number of activities intended to encourage students to pursue a career in physics. cap description

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For more information, please contact:

Mrs. Francine Ford, Executive Director
Canadian Association of Physicists
Tel: 613-562-5614
E-mail: cap@uottawa.ca
www.cap.cacap contact and joint contact

The 2016 CAP Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Physics

Gilles Fontaine