Dr. Chérif Matta, professor in the department of Chemistry and Physics at Mount Saint Vincent University, was named the 2025 winner of the Professional of Distinction Award at the Discovery Awards held last night (November 20) in Halifax.
The Discovery Awards, presented by the Discovery Centre, celebrate achievements in science and technology that put Nova Scotia on the forefront of innovation.
The Professional of Distinction Award in particular recognizes “a science and/or technology researcher or developer who demonstrates ingenuity and innovative thinking in the creation of unique ideas, concepts, perspectives, processes, etc. within their field.” Chérif was doubly recognized yesterday as he received an Alumni Award of Distinction from his alma mater, McMaster University, at their fall convocation ceremony.
For its truly groundbreaking impact, Chérif’s work in theoretical and quantum chemistry has been recognized the world over – and now by the Discovery Centre here at home.
His work has both a biological application and drug design bent, and also spans the continuum between physical chemistry and chemical physics. He developed the concept of the electron localization-delocalization matrices (LDMs) and uses it as a tool to understand chemical properties and reactivity.
Chérif is an elected member of several scholarly societies, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the African Academy of Sciences, the Chemical Institute of Canada, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology and the Royal Society of Arts. His long list of accolades includes the John C. Polanyi Prize in Chemistry, the Molecular Graphics and Simulation Society Silver Jubilee Prize (UK), the Lady Davis Fellowship, the NSERC/Acfas Science Exposed Prize and the Polish Minister of Science Distinguished Visiting Professorship.
In short, Chérif is in an elite class of scientists globally, and we’re tremendously fortunate to have him here in Atlantic Canada and at MSVU. In addition to his impressive scholarly work, Chérif is also an exceptional teacher and sought after mentor.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Dr. Chérif Matta!