Dr. Catherine Baillie Abidi, Associate Professor of Child and Youth Study, has been named the 2026 recipient of the MSVU Early Career Research Award. Dr. Baillie Abidi was recognized during the university’s Fall convocation celebration held on October 18, 2026.
The Early Career Research Award, given to an early-career full-time faculty member, recognizes individuals whose commitment and achievements have contributed to the research environment at Mount Saint Vincent University. This award celebrates excellence in research, highlighting the integral role of research in the intellectual and academic life of the university.
About Dr. Catherine Baillie Abidi
Dr. Catherine Baillie Abidi is an impact-focused researcher whose work focuses on violence prevention, moral injury, and recognizing children and youth as peacebuilders, drawing on international humanitarian law, critical child and youth studies, and peacebuilding. Her work aims to advance social policy and enhance children’s rights frameworks. She works closely with communities, including with young people in Cameroon and local refugee and immigrant children and youth, who are often engaged as co-researchers in her work.
In just a few years at MSVU, Dr. Baillie Abidi has built a record of achievement many aspire to over an entire career. She has published numerous journal articles, co-authored a book, generated major reports and policy documents, delivered talks and panel discussions, organized conferences, and created a national community of practice for scholars focused on children affected by armed violence.
Committed to mentoring the next generation, she has supervised 29 MSVU students, as well as students in Cameroon and at two partner universities. Through her research, mentorship, and community engagement, she is advancing knowledge and policy while inspiring future socially conscious leaders.
Congratulations Dr. Baillie Abidi on this well-deserved recognition!