Eugene Barsky Awarded the 2025 Ron MacDonald Outstanding Service Award
The Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN) is pleased to announce that the 2025 recipient of the Ron MacDonald Outstanding Service Award is Eugene Barsky, Research Data Management Librarian at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Eugene’s visionary leadership and sustained national impact in advancing research data infrastructure and persistent identifiers (PIDs) will be recognized at the Ron MacDonald Award Ceremony during CRKN’s Member Summit in Halifax.
Throughout his career, Eugene has been at the forefront of shaping Canada’s research data ecosystem. His work has helped ensure that Canadian research is not only preserved but also accessible and globally interoperable.
One of Eugene’s most significant contributions came at a pivotal moment for Canadian research infrastructure. When the community encountered challenges in sustaining digital object identifier (DOI) services, he worked to bring together the Digital Research Alliance of Canada and CRKN to co-develop a national solution. This effort culminated in the establishment of the DataCite Canada Consortium in 2019, a turning point in the country’s approach to persistent identifiers. That same year, Eugene advanced the national dialogue on PIDs by authoring a strategic white paper that helped catalyze ongoing financial support through the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. Under his leadership as Chair, the Consortium expanded its membership by over 75%, laying the foundation for more robust, accessible, and interoperable research infrastructure. His work has positioned Canada as a global leader in the effective use of persistent identifiers to enhance scholarly communication and research discoverability.
“Eugene Barsky exemplifies vision, integrity, and inclusive values through his exceptional leadership in Canada’s research data and persistent identifier ecosystems,” wrote Susan Paterson, who submitted Mr. Barsky’s nomination. “His combined efforts have substantially advanced the discoverability, integrity, and impact of Canadian research.”
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Ron MacDonald Outstanding Service Award from the Canadian Research Knowledge Network,” said Eugene Barsky. “This recognition reflects the collective effort of many excellent colleagues and collaborators who share my commitment to advancing research data management and persistent identifiers infrastructure, ensuring that Canadian research is accessible, discoverable, and connected within the global scholarly ecosystem, while also inspiring and preparing the next generation of library and information professionals.”
Eugene has also played an essential role in the development of national discovery infrastructure that is interoperable with global discovery platforms, ensuring that Canadian datasets are visible and usable around the world. In addition to his numerous publications on research data management and PIDs, Eugene teaches at the UBC iSchool, inspiring and training the next generation of open research professionals. His collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach continues to shape communities of practice across Canada and beyond.
On behalf of the CRKN Board of Directors, we congratulate Eugene and thank him for his exceptional contributions to Canada’s research community.
Award Ceremony
The award will be presented to Eugene Barsky during CRKN’s Member Summit in Halifax on October 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm, at the Hotel Halifax. All attendees are invited to join us at the reception to celebrate his accomplishments.
About the Award
The Ron MacDonald Outstanding Service Award recognizes an individual from a CRKN member institution who has demonstrated vision, dedication, and outstanding service in building bridges and collaboration to advance knowledge infrastructure in Canada. This award was introduced by CRKN in September 2008 to honour the late Ron MacDonald who was a member of CRKN’s Negotiations Resource Team from February 2000 to July 2007 and who played a key role in establishing CRKN’s collaborative programs and services.
