WASHINGTON, D.C. / OTTAWA, CANADA — July 1, 2026 — Today, the Stimson Center and the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) announced the launch of the Brian Finlay Innovation in Threat Reduction Award, an annual award established in memory of Brian Finlay, former President and CEO of the Stimson Center who was a proud Canadian and a respected leader in international security and nonproliferation.

The award honors the life and legacy of Brian Finlay in advancing innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing security challenges. Beginning in 2027, the award will be presented annually on Canada Day (July 1) to an individual demonstrating exceptional promise, creativity, and impact in addressing proliferation and security risks related to weapons and materials of mass destruction.

Throughout his career, Brian championed collaboration across governments, international organizations, academia, the private sector, and civil society to address evolving security threats. He was a steadfast advocate for developing practical solutions to complex global threats and a nurturing mentor to rising leaders in the field.

In 2025, Brian served as a Friend of the Chair for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Security Working Group (CBRNWG) of the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. In that capacity, he played an integral role in advancing international cooperation on emerging security challenges and helped develop the Innovation for Mitigating Proliferation and Countering Threats of Weapons of Mass Destruction (IMPACT WMD) initiative, which seeks to better understand and address both the opportunities and risks associated with WMD-relevant technologies. The award seeks to carry forward that spirit of innovation. 

“Brian believed that the most pressing security challenges of our time demanded not only expertise but imagination, collaboration, and courage,” said Rachel Stohl, Acting President and CEO of the Stimson Center. “This award reflects Brian’s enduring belief that a safer world can be shaped through innovative thinking and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches. We are honored to partner with Global Affairs Canada to recognize and support those carrying that vision forward.”

“For more than two decades, Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program collaborated with Brian to conceive, develop, and deliver innovative solutions to address complex WMD threats and challenges” said Troy Lulashnyk, Director General of GAC’s Peace and Security Programs Bureau. “Brian was fiercely proud of his Canadian roots and exemplified excellence, humility, and inclusivity. This award will ensure that those values and Brian’s legacy endure.”

Additional details regarding award criteria, nomination procedures, and the inaugural 2027 selection process will be announced in the coming months.

About the Weapons Threat Reduction Program, Global Affairs Canada

Established in 2002, the Weapons Threat Reduction Program (WTRP) is Canada’s flagship contribution to the 31 member G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. The WTRP delivers programming to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and related chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials, and has delivered more than $1.8 billion in threat reduction programming to date.

About the Stimson Center

The Stimson Center promotes international security and shared prosperity through applied research and independent analysis, global engagement, and policy innovation.

For three decades, Stimson has been a leading voice on urgent global issues. Founded in the twilight years of the Cold War, the Stimson Center pioneered practical new steps toward stability and security in an uncertain world. Today, as changes in power and technology usher in a challenging new era, Stimson is at the forefront: Engaging new voices, generating innovative ideas and analysis, and building solutions to promote international security, prosperity, and justice.

More at www.stimson.org.

###