NRC a proud past, a vital future
June 27, 2007, Ottawa, ON — When a child gets vaccinated for Meningitis C, that's NRC science at work. When a sales clerk checks a $20 bill, NRC technology ensures that bill is real. And when security screens passengers and their baggage at the airport, a chemical sensor designed at NRC "sniffs" out hidden explosives. For the past 90 years, the National Research Council Canada has been at the heart of scientific breakthroughs that have changed the lives of Canadians. On June 22, NRC closed the curtain on its 90th Anniversary year with a ceremony at its historic Sussex Drive laboratories in Ottawa. Several former Presidents were honoured for their contributions and a new display showcasing many of NRC's accomplishments was opened to the public.
"Canada's new government is pleased to recognize the contribution that NRC has provided through its research and research facilities. Over the past 90 years NRC has pursued a cutting edge in Research and Development (R & D) which has helped to support the growth of Canadian industries," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the National Research Council. "The recently released Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage focuses federal support for research and development in four key areas: natural resources, the environment, health, and information technology. The NRC will play a vital role in the area of research and will provide solutions to address the issues that face Canadians today and for years to come."
Over the years, NRC has performed work that has led to better buildings, roads and infrastructure. When war struck, NRC helped to protect Canada's troops with new radar technology, jet propulsion, and G-suits for pilots.
NRC's medical breakthroughs such as the pacemaker, the electric wheelchair, and radioactive treatment for cancer have meant a better quality of life for millions of people around the world.
NRC also managed Canada's space science program and assembled the first Canadian astronaut team. Some of Canada's most famous space technology efforts were led by NRC, including the Canadarm — the robotic arm for NASA's space shuttles.
Relevance, Challenge and Change. These words reflect best the spirit of NRC, a knowledge organization quick to recognize Canada's technological needs and agile enough to help meet them," said NRC President Dr. Pierre Coulombe. "Throughout its 90 year history, NRC has repeatedly adapted to the challenges of the time and we will proudly continue to serve Canadians as we head towards one hundred," he added.
NRC's research touches all aspects of Canadian society, from transportation to communications to construction. NRC employs over 4000 dedicated people, working in communities across the country. These gifted scientists help develop technologies that will drive Canada's economy in the future.
From its beginnings as a small science advisory body, NRC has become Canada's go-to research and innovation organization delivering the benefits of science to our economy, industry and society – in short, "Science at Work for Canada."
For more information, please visit the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca, or contact:
Sarah MangioneMedia RelationsNational Research Council CanadaTel.: 613-990-6091E-mail: media@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
