The Queen’s University Alumni Association (QUAA) has awarded David Phipps (Artsci’85, PhD’91) the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honour bestowed upon a Queen’s graduate. The award recognizes alumni whose lifetime contributions have made a meaningful impact through leadership, professional excellence, public service, and community engagement.
A leader in knowledge mobilization and research impact, David has dedicated his career to ensuring that university research creates positive change in communities locally and globally. As the administrative lead for research and innovation programs at York University and the Network Director of Research Impact Canada, he has helped shape the field of knowledge mobilization in Canada and internationally. His contributions have earned him numerous recognitions, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and he has been recognized as one of Canada’s most influential knowledge mobilizers.
David’s connection to Queen’s began with his studies in Life Sciences and Immunology, but his time on campus also nurtured his lifelong passion for the arts through his involvement in the Kingston Youth Orchestra, Queen’s Symphony, and the Queen’s choral community. As he enters retirement, he looks forward to continuing his engagement with choral and ballet organizations.
The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award celebrates Queen’s graduates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a lasting commitment to improving society. David’s career exemplifies the spirit of the award—bridging research, policy, and practice to ensure knowledge reaches the people and communities who can benefit from it most.
Read more
