OTTAWA — National Science and Technology Week was launched today in Ottawa with a message from Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk aboard the International Space Station. The message was delivered to delegates attending the Royal Society of Canada’s symposium celebrating the 2009 International Year of Astronomy at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Dr. Thirsk called on Canadians to celebrate the many successes of Canada’s science and technology history. “I urge you to look ahead to Canada’s future where science and technology will continue to amaze each and every one of us, expanding our knowledge, challenging our assumptions — pushing us in ways we can only imagine.”
Dr. Thirsk was introduced by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Secretary of State (Science and Technology), on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. Minister Goodyear also paid tribute to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC): Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences for their invaluable role in bringing together scientists from many different institutions and sectors across our country.
“Long before recent examples of inter-institutional and cross-sector scientific collaboration — indeed, going back some 127 years — the Royal Society of Canada has played a key role in bringing together Canada’s best scientists,” said Minister Goodyear. “So it is entirely fitting that the launch of National Science and Technology Week takes place during this annual symposium of the Royal Society of Canada.”
“This gathering at the Museum offers significant opportunities to stimulate and support studies of the important contributions Canadians have made and continue to make in astronomy, contributions that enrich our understanding of the universe,” said Denise Amyot, President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation. “It helps us understand the rich cultural connections amongst science, technology and society.”
The multidisciplinary symposium, The Universe and Our Place in It, is exploring the universe in an open and interactive forum featuring a keynote address by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield and some of Canada’s world leaders in astronomical research.
Two award-winning Canadian graduate students will speak about their research, as the Royal Society of Canada (
) continues to integrate students into its core programming. “The
Symposium is a unique event that links Canada’s intellectual leadership with Canadian youth,” said
Director Darren Gilmour. “Delegates to the symposium include young women from high schools throughout Canada.”
FOR BROADCAST USE:
National Science and Technology Week was launched today in Ottawa with a message from Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk aboard the International Space Station. The message was delivered to delegates attending the Royal Society of Canada’s symposium celebrating the 2009 International Year of Astronomy at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
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