NR-08.027 - April 18, 2008
OTTAWA – Today, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) will host the annual Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) achievement awards, recognizing 19 Government of Canada researchers and scientists from DRDC, the National Research Council Canada and the Royal Military College of Canada for furthering defence science and technology for the Canadian Forces and their allies.
"I am pleased to offer my congratulations to the 19 federal government scientists and researchers who will be presented today with TTCP awards for their world-class excellence in defence science and technology (S&T)," says Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence (DND) and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "TTCP is one of the most significant international S&T collaborations DND engages in, allowing Canada to expand its defence knowledge and expertise base through collaboration, sharing, and leveraging of resources with its allies. Together through TTCP, we are advancing these five nations' defence capabilities."
TTCP, with member nations that include Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, is an organization that promotes collaborative defence science research. Between these countries, over 3000 research and development specialists are at work together, sharing tasks and creating international partnerships.
This awards ceremony is an opportunity to acknowledge some of the significant achievements of Canada's defence researchers and scientists. Dr. Robert Walker, the Canadian TTCP Principal, Assistant Deputy Minister Science and Technology (ADM S&T) and CEO for DRDC, Mr. William Pentney, Associate Deputy Minister for DRDC, and Brigadier-General T.F.J. Leversedge, Director General Air Personnel, will present the awards this year.
"I am consistently impressed with the scientific excellence that is resident in Canada," cited Dr. Walker. "The 2007 TTCP recipients have made significant contributions to cooperative research activities, have enhanced the strength of our military forces and are providing solid S&T leadership and influence within the global defence and security communities."
This year's awards include recognition for innovations in flight safety and operational effectiveness for rotorcrafts, extending the life of aging military aircrafts, improving repair processes of military equipment, improving radar image resolution and formation for search and rescue missions, developing novel flight control of precision-guided weapons and the protection from underwater mines and obstacles.
DRDC is an agency of the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) responding to the scientific and technological needs of the Canadian Forces. The agency is made up of seven research centres located across Canada with a corporate office in Ottawa. DRDC has an annual budget of $350 million and employs over 1600 people. With a broad scientific program, DRDC actively collaborates with industry, international allies, academia, other government departments and the national security community.
For more information,
DRDC Public Affairs
(613) 992-7237
media@drdc-rddc.gc.ca
www.drdc-rddc.gc.ca
