The Kalev Pugi Award acknowledges exceptional achievements in research and development by an individual or team, which is of benefit to Canada. The technical excellence can be developed in a university, industrial setting or a research institution in Canada.  The Award's focus covers not only products and processes in traditional chemical companies focusing on chemical manufacture and distribution, but also products and processes for industries such as bio-technology, coatings, crop protection, environmental services, fertilizer, food, mining/metal extraction, oil /gas, pharmaceuticals, plastics, pulp & paper and synthetic fibres.