22nd
Santé Awards
Honouring Saskatchewan Leaders
in Health Research
SHRF's annual awards honour those in Saskatchewan’s health research community who inspire us with their drive, leadership, ingenuity and achievement. From advancing new treatments to shaping public policy, these researchers contribute to citizens' improved health, enabling a high-performing health system and building a robust culture of health research and innovation in Saskatchewan.
These awards were presented in person at the annual Santé Awards celebration,
held on January 29, 2026, at the Holiday Inn on College Drive, Saskatoon.
2025-26 Recipients
Achievement Award
The award: This award is presented to one senior researcher currently residing in Saskatchewan, whose exemplary career achievements have inspired us with their drive, leadership and ingenuity. It recognizes the recipient's work over their career to build capacity, advance knowledge, inform decision-making, and provide health, economic, and social impacts in Saskatchewan.
Selection criteria: Candidates are nominated by their peers and considered by an expert panel of local and national experts from a range of fields.
Dr. JoLee Sasakamoose
Dr. JoLee Sasakamoose is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina and the CIHR Applied Public Health Research Chair in Indigenous Wellness and Health Equity. She is recognized for a career defined by Indigenous-led research grounded in community governance, ethical accountability, and long-term systems change. Her work spans mental health, maternal and family wellness, youth wellbeing, and health system transformation, with a strong focus on translating research into lasting programs, spaces, and services. This award recognizes her sustained leadership, stewardship of Indigenous knowledge, and commitment to building capacity that remains within communities.
Faculty of Education
University of Regina
Impact Award
The award: This award is presented to a researcher who received a SHRF Establishment Grant five years ago, has submitted a 5-year follow-up report, and is currently active in Saskatchewan. The award recognizes their work which helps build capacity, advance knowledge, inform decision-making and provides health, economic and social impacts, and shows future potential to continue their impact in Saskatchewan.
Selection criteria: The winner is selected by a review panel of experts in strategy, impact evaluation, performance measurement and others. The criteria individuals are evaluated on are broken into four categories, each receiving 10 points depending on their achievements.
Dr. Shela Hirani
Dr. Shela Hirani is a Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Regina and the founder of the Breastfeeding Advocacy Research Programs, Policies and Practices Lab. She is recognized for advancing culturally responsive breastfeeding support for immigrant and refugee mothers through research that has influenced practice, policy, and capacity over time. Her work integrates clinical expertise, community partnerships, and accessible knowledge mobilization, including the Breastfeeding Knowledge Hub used by families worldwide. This award recognizes her leadership in strengthening equitable maternal and infant health supports and mentoring the next generation of health researchers.
Faculty of Nursing
University of Regina
Excellence Awards
The award: These awards recognize the top-ranked applications from researchers and teams in the past year's funding competitions. All applications to SHRF's funding competitions are ranked according to our rigorous peer review process by committees of active researchers and health professionals.
Selection criteria: Determined by the previous year's peer reviewed ranking from SHRF funding competitions.
Dr. Barbara Fornssler
2025-26 Establishment Grant: SocioHealth
School of Public Health
University of Saskatchewan
Project: Developing a New Technique to Cure Brain Diseases with Limited or No Safe Treatment Options
Recognizing SHRF Connections Awards
The award: These awards recognize individuals and teams who have contributed significantly to Saskatchewan's research community by volunteering their time and sharing their invaluable experience and expertise, even though research is not part of their official role.
Selection criteria: Recipients are nominated by SHRF funded researchers for their exceptional contributions.
#ResearchThatMatters
