Roberta Bondar

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Roberta Bondar's record of achievements sets her apart as a true pioneer in both medicine and space exploration. She is the only neurologist to have traveled to space, a distinction that highlights her unique ability to merge clinical expertise with the demands of astronautics. Her appointment as a Companion of the Order of Canada places her among the highest recipients of civilian honours in the nation. With over 28 honorary degrees, she represents a lifetime of academic excellence and public service that few individuals ever attain. Her induction into multiple halls of fame underscores her lasting impact on science, gender equality, and national identity.

AwardsDr. Bondar has received numerous accolades recognizing her contributions to science, medicine, and national pride. She was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada in 1993, one of the country's highest civilian honours. Her achievements were further recognized with induction into the Order of Ontario in 2001 and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2006. She holds a star on Canada's Walk of Fame and has received over 28 honorary degrees from universities across Canada and internationally. Additionally, she was awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal for her participation in the STS-42 mission.

Honours & Distinctions

Companion of the Order of Canada

Government of Canada·1993

One of Canada's highest civilian honours for outstanding achievement and service.

Order of Ontario

Government of Ontario·2001

Recognizes exceptional contributions to the province of Ontario.

Canada's Walk of Fame Star

Canada's Walk of Fame·1998

Honors Canadians who have made significant contributions to the arts, sciences, sports, and business.

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction

Canadian Medical Association·2006

Recognizes outstanding contributions to the practice of medicine in Canada.

International Women's Forum Hall of Fame

International Women's Forum·2003

Honors women who have achieved extraordinary success and made a difference in their communities.

Rankings & Lists

#Featured

Women Who Changed the World

Time Magazine·2026

#Featured

Most Influential People in Space

Time Magazine·2026

Magazine Covers

Maclean's

1992-02

Canada's First Female Astronaut

Vogue Canada

1993-05

Women in Leadership

Records & Feats

First Canadian Woman in Space

Historic First·1992

Became the first woman from Canada to travel to space during the STS-42 mission.

First Neurologist in Space

Scientific Milestone·1992

Became the first neurologist to conduct experiments in space, studying the effects of microgravity on the nervous system.

Youngest Pilot License Holder (Contextual)

Aviation Record·1961

Earned her private pilot's license at age 16, a rare achievement for a teenager in the 1960s.