BANGOR, Maine – The Hollywood Casino in Bangor was the site of the inaugural Maine Science Awards held on Thursday night, celebrating contributions in the field of science across the state.
The event featured an evening of cocktails, dinner, and formal recognition of individuals who have made significant impacts in science, research, and advocacy in Maine. Awards were given in five categories: Lifetime Achievement, Innovation, Impact, Surprising Science, and Advancing Trust in Science.
Organizers noted the need for an event that specifically honors standout individuals in Maine’s scientific community, highlighting a desire to spotlight local innovators. Kate Dickerson, Executive Director of the Maine Discovery Museum, emphasized the importance of recognizing these contributions. “We realized we have a gap of we’re not actually really leaning into a few people in Maine that we can hold up in a spotlight and celebrate the work that they’ve done for Maine explicitly,” she said.
The nomination process exceeded expectations, with a significant number of entries received, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for celebrating local scientific achievements. Dickerson mentioned that the team’s effort in evaluating the nominations demonstrated not only public interest but also the notable work occurring within the state.
Looking ahead, Dickerson expressed her hope to establish the Maine Science Awards as an annual event to consistently recognize excellence in science across Maine.
