2025 Finalist: Environment/Ecosystems
Advancing Ecological Science and Innovation: A Career of Impact
Brett Purdy advances science, environmental policy, and Alberta’s innovation ecosystem through cross-sector collaboration. As Strategic Advisor (Environmental Innovation) at Alberta Innovates, he leads research in land management, restoration and reclamation, oil sands tailings, climate adaptation, and sustainable water. Previously a Government of Alberta scientist and manager, he developed best practices for oil sands reclamation, mine closure, and land-use planning. His academic work spans reclamation science, forest ecology, conservation biology, and population genetics, with university teaching.
