The OALA Research and Innovation Award was presented to Professor Robert Brown on Friday, March 22, 2013 by the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects at the 2013 OALA Conference and Annual General Meeting held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

This award recognizes the outstanding leadership, research and/or academic achievements of a member(s), or non-member(s), who, through scholarly activities, including academic papers, research, publications, books, e-applications or public presentations, contributes to the knowledge base that furthers the advancement of the art, the science and the practice of landscape architecture.

The award is named after David Erb who was an outstanding volunteer in furthering the goals of OALA and his example set a truly high standard. The award is the best way to acknowledge the one outstanding OALA member each year whose volunteer contributions over a number of years have made a real difference.

This award acknowledges Brown's leading role in research and innovation. It is only the second time this award has been given. Bob won for making his research accessible and relevant to the profession while enhancing the knowledge-base of the discipline. He is the top landscape architecture scholar in Canada, and very highly-ranked worldwide (his research productivity is easily in the top decile in North America and Europe). Guelph's landscape architecture programs are recognizable in large part because Brown has an international reputation for research quality.

Brown called the award "a complete surprise", saying he was extremely pleased to receive it.  For a long time the association has been focused on recognizing the actual design and professional practice aspects. "This new award really recognizes the science of the profession." Brown also mentioned it was particularly fun to receive the award as there were many U of G alumni in the crowd - resulting in loud approval for Bob's recognition.