PAGES calls for more funds, greater alignment of international science

One of Canada's largest scientific associations is calling for a change in direction and funding increases for international science. Measures such as some type of risk capital and the establishment of an International Opportunities Fund would help to enhance Canada's reputation on the world scene, increasing its innovative status with industry and attracting and retaining top talent.

The recommendations are contained in a brief by the Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE) and submitted to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. The brief addresses all aspects of Canada's participation in international science. While acknowledging that Canada currently collaborates in many ways internationally through a wide assortment of organization, it contends that those efforts must be properly aligned and coordinated, and that there must be more of them.

"The need to align science with current government policies limits scientists' ability to pursue promising new directions; practices of granting bodies are not attuned to the funding needs of major collaborative efforts; and the limited funds available for subscriptions to international programs leave virtually no room to subscribe to new partnerships," states the brief.

PAGSE also calls for funding to support Canada's contribution to ‘International Years' be provided in a competitive and timely fashion — a pointed reference to the shoddy handling of International Polar Year in 2007 for which Canada was the host nation.

Other recommendations include:

* sustained support for major initiatives of 10 years;

* support to host international secretariats in Canada;

* making Canada a full signatory and leading participant in organizations such as the Antarctic Treaty System;

* strategically investing in components of big science projects along the value chain, for translation of research and collaborative infrastructure for interdisciplinary research.

The Finance committee will issue a report this fall with recommendations that will be considered in the Spring/08 Budget.

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