Howard Alper moves to IDRC to tackle S&T issues for developing world

After nine years overseeing the remarkable build-up of research capacity at the Univ of Ottawa, Dr Howard Alper is joining the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) as a visiting executive. The move is in keeping with Alper's growing interest in, and involvement with, international development issues. As visiting executive, he will work with IDRC officials to strengthen linkages between Canadian researchers and their counterparts in developing nations, as well as enhancing learning and institutional linkages between IDRC and other Canadian research and academic institutions.

In recent years, Alper has been engaged in a number of initiatives focused on applying S&T and innovation to pressing development issues including health, climate change and strategy development. He is co-chair of the InterAmerican Network of Academies of Science which is focused on increasing science education at the elementary school level, water management and the development of S&T and innovation strategies for nations within its jurisdiction. He also represents the Royal Society of Canada to the G-8 Academies, working with the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) to use S&T for enhancing African economic development.

Alper says the timing of the opportunity to work on development issues as they relate to S&T and innovation is ideal. Long considered one of Ottawa's most effective S&T champions, he will put these skills to work on encouraging Canadian researchers and governments to boost involvement with developing nations.

"Science and technology are the key to development and IDRC does great work in this sector ... Building up the relationships between IDRC and other bodies in Canada and abroad is a great challenge," says Alper, who takes up his new position September 1st. "I've spent a lot of time on international issues in the last 10 years ... The key is to set challenges for oneself in areas where you can make a difference."

Alper comes to IDRC at a time when it is ramping up efforts to initiate new R&D and S&T programs. Alper will be working closely with IDRC president Maureen O'Neil and Dr Richard Isnor who heads up the recently created Innovation Policy and Science Directorate. Isnor was instrumental in launching IDRC's $5-million Challenge Fund in support of the Global Health Research Initiative, a joint initiative of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, IDRC, the Canadian International Development Agency and Health Canada (R$, January 22/02 & December 22/05).

Alper's arrival also coincides with the development of a new S&T strategy by the federal government and efforts to get S&T on the fall agenda.

"International development is currently not a priority with this government, nor is science and technology and innovation. The timing is good for someone like Howard to come to IDRC," says Isnor. "There's a huge demand for mechanisms to link Canadian researchers and researchers in developing countries to address tough challenges. Howard can help to advise us on different models and other organizations. It's a great example of domestic and international agendas overlapping."

Alper says there are many areas of S&T that could benefit from increased research interaction between north and south. In addition to meeting with representatives from all sectors, there are tentative plans to hold a conference on S&T and development.

"I'm delighted by the investments made in the (federal) Budget but more important is the charge to develop an S&T strategy. It's important to make choices on national priorities for the country. R&D in Canada is one of them and the international dimension is crucial," says Alper. "I plan to meet with the granting councils and organizations in government where I see the opportunity to collaborate and undertake bold new ventures. That's how I can make a difference."

IDRC has an impressive history of engaging individuals to enhance in-house expertise. They include Dr John Stone, a Carleton Univ professor with the department of geography and environmental sciences and former DG climate change at Environment Canada. Last year, Robert Greenhill, former president of Bombardier International left his position as IDRC visiting fellow to become CIDA president.

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