CCUCC Chemistry Master of Science Award

Sponsored by the Canadian Council of University Chemistry Chairs (CCUCC)

The CCUCC Chemistry Master of Science Award is intended to recognize outstanding achievement and potential in research by a graduate student who has fulfilled all of the requirements for an MSc degree for graduation from a Canadian university in the 12‐month period preceding the nomination deadline of Sept. 15. The formal convocation need not have occurred. In selecting candidates for the award, the Selection Committee shall be primarily concerned with demonstrated ability and achievements in research.

View the Terms of Reference (EN and FR) and List of Past Winners

The 2026 winner of the CCUCC Chemistry Master of Science Award is:

Amaar Hussein, MCIC
York University

Amaar Hussein was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario. He attended York University where he received his HBSc in Chemistry (2022) followed by a MSc degree in 2025. His initial undergraduate summer research under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Baumgartner, focused on designing extended phosphole-based systems for single molecule junctions for a collaborative project with the University of Liverpool. This was followed by undergraduate thesis research on the phosphole-based systems for organic light emitting applications. Both projects resulted in peer-reviewed publications and established the foundation for his graduate studies in the Baumgartner group at York University. His MSc research established conjugated six-membered phosphorus ring systems as value-added electron acceptor building blocks.  A comprehensive structure property analysis led to various modified and extended systems based on a single parent scaffold and afforded a deep understanding of the extent to which properties can be enhanced for optoelectronic applications.

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