Bob McDonald is a Canadian science journalist, author, and broadcaster. He was born on January 25, 1951 (75 years), in Wingham, Ontario, Canada.
He is best known as CBC’s chief science correspondent and as the long-time host of CBC Radio’s weekly science program Quirks & Quarks.
Over the years, McDonald has also hosted and worked on science and technology programs for TV, including children’s science programming.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2011 for his work helping the public understand science.
Read Bob McDonald’s Biography and get to know more about her life, family, education, career, and awards.
Quick Facts of Bob McDonald
| Full Name | Bob McDonald |
| Profession | Science journalist, author, CBC chief science correspondent, host of CBC Radio’s Quirks & Quarks |
| Age | 75 years old |
| Date of Birth | January 25, 1951 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Wingham, Ontario, Canada |
| Current Address | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Gender | Yet to be updated |
Bob McDonald Early Life and Education
Bob McDonald was born in Wingham, Ontario, Canada. Later, he grew up in Orillia, Ontario.
Education
It is known that he struggled in school and failed Grade 9.
After completing his schooling, he attended York University and studied English and Philosophy, but he left after his second year.
| School | Yet to be updated |
| Alma Mater | York University |
| Highest Qualification | Yet to be updated |
Bob McDonald Personal Life
Bob McDonald CBC is engaged to Jennifer Hartley. She is a writer and Editor-in-Chief of The BC Review, who has also traveled and written about their experiences together.
Family
His father’s name was Clifford McDonald. Clifford died at age 55 when Bob was still a teenager. It is known that his father’s drinking sometimes led to violence and made it hard for him to keep steady work. This also affected the family’s finances.
About his mother, her name is yet to be updated. It is known that his mother pushed him and his siblings to spend lots of time outside, which gave him a break from stress at home after their father’s death.
Bob is the youngest of three siblings. The names of his siblings are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Fiancé | Jennifer Hartley |
| Children | Yet to be updated |
| Parents | Father: Clifford McDonald Mother: Yet to be updated |
| Siblings | Yet to be updated |
Bob McDonald Career
Bob McDonald began working in science communication in 1972 as a demonstrator at the Ontario Science Centre.
He later became CBC’s chief science correspondent and a national science commentator for CBC Television and CBC News Network. He reports on science stories for CBC programs, including The National.
From 1986 to 1992, he hosted CBC Television’s children’s science series Wonderstruck.
In 1992, he became the host of CBC Radio One’s weekly science show Quirks & Quarks. He followed earlier hosts David Suzuki, Jay Ingram, and David Mowbray.
On Quirks & Quarks, he works with the program team. The podcast’s producers include Mark Crawley, Sonya Buyting, and Amanda Buckiewicz, and executive producers including Jim Lebans (current), plusAnita Gordon, Ira Basen, Ann Stewart, Jim Handman, and Nick McCabe-Lokos.
In 2005, he returned to TV to write and host TVOntario’s Heads Up!
Bob McDonald also writes books. In 2025, he released his memoir Just Say Yes: A Memoir, where he shares stories from his life and work in broadcasting.
Bob McDonald Awards and Achievements
Bob McDonald has received several Canadian honours for science communication.
- Officer of the Order of Canada was awarded to him on May 26, 2011.
- Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion (NSERC) received in 2001.
- Sandford Fleming Medal (Royal Canadian Institute for Science) received in 2002.
- McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science (Royal Society of Canada) in 2005.
- Gemini Award, won in 2008 for Best Host in a Pre-School, Children’s or Youth Program or Series (for TVOntario’s Heads Up!).
Bob McDonald Net Worth
Details about the net worth annual salary of Bob McDonald are yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Bob McDonald Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Details about the height, weight, and body measurements of Bob are still to be determined. The hair color of Bob is gray and he has brown eyes.
| Height | In centimetres: Yet to be updated In meters: Yet to be updated In feet & inches: Yet to be updated |
| Weight | In kg: Yet to be updated In lbs: Yet to be updated |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Brown |
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FAQs
Who is Bob McDonald (CBC)?
Bob McDonald is a Canadian science journalist and author. He is CBC’s chief science correspondent and the host of CBC Radio’s Quirks and Quarks.
What is the age of Bob McDonald?
Bob McDonald is [agedob=25-01-1951] old. He was born on January 25, 1951 in Wingham, Ontario, Canada.
When did Bob McDonald start hosting Quirks and Quarks?
Bob McDonald has hosted the show since 1992.
What did Bob McDonald study in university?
Bob McDonald attended York University and studied English and Philosophy.
What awards has Bob McDonald received?
Bob McDonald was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2011.
