"We are delighted that Gordon Shepherd has won this prestigious award," said Dr. Gillian Wu, dean of York’s Faculty of Pure and Applied Science. "Professor Shepherd is acknowledged as a leader in space research in Canada and beyond. This award recognizes his accomplishments and his influence in the field."

Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and minister responsible for the CSA said "We are all proud of the accomplishments of Canadians in space. It is through the exceptional work of scientists like Dr. Shepherd that the Canadian Space Program remains on the cutting edge of innovation."

Marc Garneau added, "The selection of Dr. Shepherd as the fourth recipient of the award is testament to his lifelong dedication to space science research and development in Canada. He is a true role model for the next generation of Canadian atmospheric physicists and space scientists."

Shepherd has spent much of his 40-year career developing methods of observing the atmosphere remotely from space. He is a mentor, a renowned international speaker and has published over 200 scientific papers. As well, Shepherd has pioneered developments of new techniques for instruments and data analysis, contributing to maintain Canada's pre-eminence in thermospheric physics and positioning the Canadian space program abroad.

Shepherd is currently the principal investigator for Canada's WIND Imaging Interferometer (WINDII) on NASA's Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite, and is author of Spectral Imaging of the Atmosphere, which describes these methods.

In 1981, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and in 1992, named a distinguished research professor of space science at York University.

The recipient of the John H. Chapman Award of Excellence is selected by a committee presided by the president of the CSA. This award is named after the recognized father of the Canadian Space Program, John Herbert Chapman.

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