David Martell recognized by Canadian Institute of Forestry

David Martell, a professor emeritus in the Institute of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Toronto's John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, has been recognized with the 2025 Scientific Achievement Award by the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF-IFC).

The award recognizes individuals who have made innovative and outstanding achievements in forestry research in Canada.

Martell, who completed his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in industrial engineering at U of T, significantly advanced the science and practice of wildfire management. His research enhanced understanding of fire management processes, fire detection and initial attack operations, strategic fire management planning and the impact of fire on forest management.

By bridging academic research in applied contexts, Martell transformed how fire risk is understood in Canada and elsewhere in the world. As a co-founder and co-lead of U of T’s Fire Management Systems Laboratory ("Firelab"), he mentored over 30 graduate students who are now leading fire and forest management work.

“We’re thrilled that the Canadian Institute of Forestry has recognized Dave’s outstanding scientific leadership,” said Associate Professor John Caspersen, director of forestry programs at U of T’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. “His research and graduate students have really changed the way forests and fires are managed in Canada. This recognition is truly well-earned."

Read the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design story