Canadian Academies of Sciences ready to roll

After five years in the planning stages, the Canadian Academy of Sciences (CAS) is nearly ready to begin operations, pending passage of legislation to release the $30 million in funding in received in the recent Budget. Under the leadership of interim board chair Dr Howard Alper, eight of the 12 governors have been selected, including Dr Martha Piper, president of the Univ of British Columbia.

The CAS will conducted its own research as well as carrying out scientific assessments of national importance. It brings together three scientific societies — Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences — each of which have chosen two governors.

The three academies have collectively selected Piper and Dr Elizabeth Par-Johnson, former president of the Univ of New Brunswick. Industry Canada ADM David Fransen will sit as an observer.

“Assessments have shown historically to be extremely valuable in creating decisions and new policy for the Canadian government,” says Alper. “Before the CADS we had very little credibility internationally because we had little to bring to the table.”

Once up and running, the CAS will have a staff of 15-20. Operations are expected to begin this fall, pending passage of the appropriations bill by Parliament.

“The golden coach turns back into a pumpkin if Budget 05 fails to pass or the proposal does not remain in the Budget,” says CAE executive director Dr Philip Cockshut.

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