Quebec launches search for first chief science officer

The Quebec government has launched a process to select a chief science officer (CSO) following an announcement earlier this year and fulfilling a key element of the province's new Research and Innovation Strategy (R$, July 19/10). The successful candidate will serve a five-year term as head of the new Fonds Researche Quebec (FRQ) — an amalgamation of the three provincial research granting councils — and act as a senior advisor to the minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. He or she will oversee the strategic development of the FRQ, ensure its operational effectiveness and participate in defining its governance framework. An external committee comprised of members of the provincial research community will direct the search, assisted by executive search firm, Kenniff & Racine. The committee will begin reviewing candidates in November with the appointee slated to take office in early 2011….