The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) will have stability and continuity at the helm for another five years with the re-appointment of Dr Suzanne Fortier as its president. Since taking up the position in January/06, Fortier has overseen significant change at the granting council as federal directives have tied new and renewed funding to priority areas of research and an expansion of funding devoted to strategic collaboration.

Fortier's first term also saw the end of the so-called golden age of university research funding, with double digit budget boosts giving way to more incremental increases. And while smaller budget hikes are likely to continue for the foreseeable future, Fortier says NSERC has much to contribute over the next five years, particularly in the area of assisting smaller firms and building world class research expertise in areas of importance to Canadians.

"There's been a shift in research and innovation so that it's much closer to the core of public policy," says Fortier. "Our biggest challenge is how we can do well for this country, for the research community and the general population. Improvements mean change but people are often more comfortable with the status quo."

Fortier credits the government for continuing to make investments "in difficult times" and says the next five years will increasingly be defined by the rapid rise in global competition from both traditional and emerging players.

"We need to understand clearly what it means to be a global, knowledge-based economy and what it means for us in the research environment," she says. "We have to sharpen our skates to compete at a high international standard, focus on making global partnerships and choose carefully. We've got to work within a very strong system of innovation."

Fortier will maintain her insistence on greater collaboration among all players in the innovation system, including smaller firms. She says NSERC will continue to re-design its programs to encourage greater small-firm participation.

"Everyone must be involved and heed the call to action," she says.

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