Chief scientists meeting examines differing methods of providing science advice

Canada should accord scientists the status of a branch of government and establish an ecosystem of science advice, a gathering of science policy officials and opinion leaders heard in Montreal last week. Assembled by Quebec chief scientist Dr Rémi Quirion, the meeting featured scientific leaders from several countries as well as science and science policy journalists who offered an external perspective on the machinery of science policy and its ability to influence government decision-making.

"Science is a brain trust, tap into it," said Dr Kamiel Gabriel, a professor of engineering and applied sciences at the Univ of Ontario Institute of Technology and a former science ADM in the Ontario government. "Science policy informs but it should also transform. Canada needs to establish a sophisticated science advice ecosystem, not just one body."

Gabriel was referring to Canada's current body for science advice — the Science, Technology and Innovation Council. It replaced two previous advisory bodies and became the sole source following the dissolution of the Office of the National Science Advisor in 2008 (R$, January 21/08).

In contrast, the highly decentralized US system of science advice has proven highly resilient and has had some success in permeating Washington and injecting its advice into decision-making, according to Dr William Colglazier, S&T advisor to the Secretary of State.

Colglazier noted that while coordination remains a huge challenge and fiefdoms abound, a fellowship program run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science has injected science advice into all levels of the US federal bureaucracy and political machinery. Further efforts at networking are essential to draw on the range of resident expert advice.

"Science and technology advice is the key to building a knowledge-based economy (and) creating a more knowledge-based economy around the world is the best legacy we can give to future generations," said Colglazier, adding that success in basic research is the foundation for US leadership in S&T.

As Canada's only chief scientist, Quirion described Quebec's decision to create the position as an experiment. He said that given the small size of Quebec's population ("about the size of a Shanghai suburb"), Quebec looked to the Israeli model with its emphasis on international collaboration and collaboration between sectors — including the social sciences — when designing the position and determining its focus.

In the three years since he's held the post, Quirion noted he's had four ministers and worked through two elections resulting in three different governments.

"Advising the minister on R&D in Quebec is a bit complicated. It often depends on the minister of the day," said Quirion, who's also board chair of the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ). "I chair the three research council boards and there are 45 people on these boards from all walks of life. They're a sounding board for the scientific directors and me."

In addition to promoting international collaboration in consultation with the scientific directors of the provincial granting councils, Quirion is actively engaged in training the next generation of scientists and establishing partnerships with the private sector. His activities are closely tied to a National Policy for Research and Innovation, launched under the previous Liberal government and completed by the Parti Québecois with input from industry and academia.

With a budget of $3.7 billion over five years, the policy supports basic research, major research projects, an increase in government support for research ethics, international partnerships and the research component of three major social challenges: an aging society, sustainable development and entrepreneurship and creativity.

"For me it's like being back in high school. We make choices and play to our strengths," said Quirion. "The cornerstone to our approach is excellence and partnerships but we need to engage the public more."

Koji Omi honoured

The chief scientists meeting also heard from Koji Omi, a champion of research while in the Japanese government and the founder and chairman of the Science and Technology (STS) Forum in Kyoto.

Omi emphasized the need for science policy to address challenges created by S&T, which led to his decision to establish the highly influential STS Forum 10 years ago. "The Forum's fundamental philosophy is responsibility for future generations . Effective measures must be implemented to achieve sustainability," he said.

Omi's participation in the meeting was augmented by an honourary doctorate confered by the Institut national de la recherche scientifique.

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