Science Review will help inform future of Canadian research
News Release
April 26, 2017 – Montréal, Quebec – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
A comprehensive review of Canada’s complex science system will help inform the future of Canadian research and scholarship. This was the message given by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, during an address today at Universities Canada’s annual membership and board meeting.
In her first speech since receiving the report on Canada’s Fundamental Science Review, the most comprehensive review of federal support for fundamental science in 40 years, the Minister called attention to four main themes worthy of immediate focus and improvement: consistent governance and coordination among organizations that fund researchers; greater efforts to promote equity and diversity within the research community; better support for early-career researchers; and improved agility and timeliness in responding to emerging research issues.
Minister Duncan told university presidents attending the Universities Canada meeting in Montréal that the report clearly illustrates the importance of ensuring that our investment of taxpayer dollars is strategic and effective and meets the needs of scientists, researchers and scholars.
Minister Duncan noted that science matters to Canadians and that researchers and governments have a shared responsibility to explain how science investments serve the greater public good.
The Minister will take some time to consider the report’s 35 recommendations before mapping out a plan to enhance the system.
Quotes
“Science matters to Canadians. The challenge now is to connect the dots between the billions of dollars that go to the granting councils and the things Canadians care about—health and safety, the environment, businesses and communities, jobs and opportunities.
“I am sincerely grateful to Canada’s research leaders who continue to demonstrate their willingness to engage on issues that will improve the research experience in Canada. Our collective efforts will help us achieve our goal of building a bold, brighter future for all Canadians—one that is anchored in science, evidence and equality.”
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
Quick Facts
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On April 10, 2017, the Science Review expert panel released its final report on federal support for fundamental science research in Canada.
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The review was carried out by a panel of blue ribbon experts chaired by Dr. David Naylor, former president of the University of Toronto.
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The panel received 1,275 submissions from individuals and groups representing a cross-section of scientists, universities and interested Canadians, and it met with 230 researchers at round tables in five major cities.
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The panel provided 35 recommendations in the 243-page report.
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Until the Minister of Science commissioned the review in 2016, there had not been a broad external review of Canada’s federal granting agencies and research ecosystem conducted since the 1970s.
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Universities Canada is a membership-based organization providing university presidents with a unified voice for higher education, research and innovation.
Associated Links
Contacts
Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin
Stéfanie Power
A/Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science
343-291-2600
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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