Social Innovation and Action SRC Award Recipients
The Social Innovation and/or Action Scholarly Research and Creative (SRC) Award is a university-wide annual honour recognizing excellence in collaborative, community-partnered initiatives that strengthen civil society. This award celebrates unique and innovative projects鈥攕uch as public-private partnerships, corporate social responsibility initiatives, technological innovations, or process improvements within non-profit and government sectors. Eligible projects drive meaningful program or policy impact across critical areas, such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, human rights, equity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Award recipient will receive a certificate of recognition and a monetary award of $2,000 as a one-time payment (subject to applicable deductions).
Key criteria: Scholarly, research and creative social innovation action
2026 recipient
Frank Russo
Faculty of Arts
Dr. Frank Russo has pioneered the use of group singing as a powerful tool for health and social innovation. Through his SingWell initiative, he has translated music psychology research into community practice, improving communication, confidence, and belonging for individuals with speech and hearing challenges, while helping to reduce stigma and strengthen social connection. His leadership has seeded dozens of sustainable singing programs across Canada and internationally, including a registered charity that continues to bring joy and fulfillment to thousands. This impact has been achieved alongside an exceptional academic record, with over 150 peer-reviewed publications and over $10M in research funding.
Past recipients
- Lixia Yang
Faculty of Arts
- Shelagh McCartney
Faculty of Community Services
There was no recipient for the 2022-2023 award year.
- Linda Zhang
School of Interior Design, The Creative School
- Jonathon Anderson
School of Interior Design, Faculty of Communication and Design
- Sara Edge
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Arts
- Rupa Banerjee
Human Resources and Organizational Behaviour, Ted Rogers School of Management
- Wendy Cukier
Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Ted Rogers School of Management
- Ben Barry
School of Fashion, Faculty of Communication and Design - Josephine Wong
Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services