Canadian Academies of Science moving closer to launch of first expert panels

The Canadian Academies of Science (CAS) is quickly heading towards operational status with the final appointments to its 12-member board of governors, the selection of an interim president and a growing list of topics being considered for examination by expert panels. With the transfer of $30 million in funding from the government into CAS coffers, an aggressive timetable has been established to hire a permanent president by year’s end and install a director of assessment by February.

Dr John Leggat was appointed September 16 to serve as interim CAS president until an executive search is completed. He replaces interim president Dr Philip Cockshut, executive director of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, one of three academic bodies that comprise the CAS. Leggat recently retired from government after a long career, most recently serving as ADM S&T at National Defence, CEO of Defence R&D Canada and leadership positions with the ADM S&T Committee, the Integration Board and the Council for Science and Technology Advisors (R$, July 22/05).

The final four governors selected by government are:

* Dr Paul Bernard, a professor of sociology at the Univ of Montreal;

* Richard Drouin, chair of Abitibi Consolidated and Stelco and former head of Hydro-Quebec;

* Dr Edna Einseidel, a professor of communications at the Univ of Calgary; and,

* Dr. Chaviva Hošek, president and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIAR).

David Fransen, assistant DM for Industry Canada’s policy sector, sits on the CAS board as an observer and serves as a conduit between the two bodies.

PROCESS FOR DEPARTMENTAL INPUT

The process for selecting expert panel proposals from within government is also in place. Coordinated by Industry Canada, 14 of the 16 proposals received to date have been generated within government departments and agencies, which were subject to review before being forwarded to the CAS. Industry Canada is also consulting informally on its proposed subjects with the Office of the National Science Advisor. To date proposals have recommended subjects in the areas of energy, nanotechnology, biodiversity, water, gas hydrates, health and psychotropic pharmaceuticals. The first slate of expert panels could be announced as early as March.

“The train has left the station. The $30 million (in funding) has been transferred to us and there are high expectations from all stakeholders,” says Dr Howard Alper, vice rector research at the Univ of Ottawa and a key driver behind the CAS. “Our funding provides for five assessments a year on average. The Royal Society of Canada has dealt with controversial issues and so will the CAS. It’s the only organization that can look at things in an objective, independent manner.”

Alper says the process of using Industry Canada to scan government departments and agencies is a good one, and should bring forward provocative topics for examination.

“Industry Canada will consult with the national science advisor for additional views on topics,” he says. “David Fransen co-chairs the ADM Committee on S&T and is in an excellent position to nurture and encourage departments to put forward ideas. The NSA is an additional benefit to the process.”

Efforts to establish the CAS began five years ago to provide Canada with a body to generate expert science advice on issues of national importance and provide Canada with a voice in the international S&T arena. After falling off the government’s agenda in 2002 and 2003, it was revived in 2004 by by NSA Dr Arthur Carty, followed by an announcement by prime minister Paul Martin in his reply to the Speech from the Throne (R$, October 12/04).

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