After decades of neglect, the government is making a 25-year commitment to renew aging federal science labs, and encourage more collaboration with industry and academia.
Person: Mona Nemer
The Short Report – Oct. 21, 2020: Perimeter Institute accelerates quantum matter research, Fanshawe develops tool to assess COVID-19 treatments, and more
The Canadian Space Agency signed the Artemis Accords, solidifying partnerships in space exploration and Statistics Canada has a new classification tool to improve research statistics and development contributions.
The Short Report – Oct. 7, 2020: Digital health solutions continue to accelerate, U of A prof wins Nobel Prize, and more
The COVID-19 Immunity Task Force will study the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among Canadians over 50 years old; Dr. Mona Nemer is appointed to a second term as Chief Science Officer, and digital health technology continues to accelerate in Canada.
A brief history of science advice and key advisors in Canada
Science advisors play essential players in the discourse around evidence and data to inform decision-making, especially during the pandemic. Here is a sketch of the key Canadian science advisors over the past decades.
Growing mistrust for science requires strong action from the government
Anti-science conspiracies and attitudes are waxing, not waning. The federal government must send a powerful signal to Canadians that it is following the best advice to chart a path through the pandemic.
The Short Report – September 2, 2020: Expanding innovation networks in Canada, 5G grows in Ontario, and more
Healthcare IT startup Verto acquires seed funding, Ottawa launches Science Horizons internship program, Vector Institute creates engineering arm to operationalize AI, and more.
Open Science offers economic benefits, but not without structural changes and researcher buy-in
Open Science (OS) has been presented as a better way to substantiate the transparency and integrity that scientific research commands. In view of the many expectations placed on OS, some clarifications are needed with respect to its implications and potential impact.
Canada’s chief science officer highlights office’s responses to pandemic
Dr. Mona Nemer appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health May 19 to highlight what her office has been doing since the novel coronavirus arrived in Canada.
The Short Report – June 3, 2020: SSHRC and NSERC announce new grant winners; ScaleAI supporting 10 university chairs; DND launches COVID-19 challenges; and more…
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council awarded $75 million to more than 1,600 researchers from over 60 universities across Canada. More than $60 million will go for partnership projects and $14 million will support 160 postdoctoral researchers. Out of the total number of recipients, 760 (56%) self-identify as women, 48 (4%) as Indigenous, 158…
The Short Report – May 20, 2020: Last network renewals for sunsetting NCE program; New accelerator targets healthy living; Canadian health research at “elevated risk” for hacking; and more
The Networks of Centres of Excellence has awarded $80.7 million in funding to five networks – the last cohorts to be renewed as the NCE program begins winding down over the next few years. Three-year renewals were granted to: Aging Gracefully across Environments using Technology to support Wellness, Engagement and Long Life (AGE-WELL) ($22 million);…