Paul Johnston has been appointed as a senior associate for the consulting firm of Hickling Arthurs Low (HAL). HAL is considered one of Canada's top consulting firms specializing in innovation policy and economics for organizations using, promoting or supporting science and technology. Johnston stepped down as president and CEO of Precarn Inc after an 18-year career with the organization and was replaced on an interim basis by Dr Tony Eyton (R$, July 7/08). Prior to joining Precarn, he was director of planning and coordination for the Canadian Space Agency, participating in negotiations over Canada's role in the International Space Station. Johnston holds degrees in aerospace engineering, education and law from the Univ of Toronto….