Applied research: time to move beyond pilot projects
When Ottawa-based entrepreneur Ke Wang had the brilliant idea of using his smartphone to control certain tasks on his power wheelchair, and therefore regain some of his autonomy, he knew he needed support to bring his innovative concept to reality. Like a growing number of entrepreneurs and small-business owners, he turned to his local college […]
Fundamental and applied research both valuable
In the months since my appointment as the Conservative critic for science, I have had the pleasure of meeting with representatives of the scientific community from across Canada, including meetings with over a dozen university presidents or vice-presidents of research. Through these conversations, I now have a better understanding of the complicated federal research funding […]
Broad perspectives breed great science
On Nov. 2, Science Minister Kirsty Duncan addressed the Canadian Science Policy Conference to discuss the federal government’s plan to boost fundamental research in Canada. The following text is an edited excerpt of her speech. I’d like to share my vision of science. It is a vision that sees Canadian science as a re-energized, forward-looking, […]
Liberals talk a good game, but science is still struggling
Many credit the Trudeau Liberals with ending the war on science, after years of funding cuts and muzzling by the Harper Conservatives. Nothing seemed to demonstrate this more than the fundamental science review report (chaired by former University of Toronto president David Naylor) commissioned by the Liberals and released in April, followed by the appointment […]
Galvanizing a go-global education strategy
A report this month from the Study Group on Global Education, made up of Canadian businesspeople and academics, offers some revealing insights on preparedness and potential for Canadian students studying abroad. With only 11 per cent of undergraduate students having some form of international experience, it argues that we are stuck in neutral when it […]
Scientist advocacy ‘most active’ in years since Naylor report’s release, next budget ‘test’ of Ottawa’s commitment to fundamental research
Universities and research advocates have ramped up pressure on Ottawa to increase support for fundamental research in anticipation of 2018’s budget, with observers saying it’s the most active and loudest advocacy effort from the scientific community witnessed in years. The research community has been abuzz since the April release of the fundamental science review panel’s […]
University and College Research
Making up for lost time in a brave new world
One of the peculiarities of living in the post-internet age is that we really don’t spend a lot of time talking about the peculiarities of living in the post-internet age. Nostalgia, like so many things, isn’t what it used to be. To dwell these days on the obliterated value of privacy or the manifold psychosocial […]
Innovation
How reworking NAFTA will affect intellectual property in Canada
Whatever changes made to intellectual property policy through the ongoing reworking of NAFTA will certainly affect biotechnology companies. Some Canadian analysts say Canada should take an offensive approach to the IP chapter because it already complies with global standards. The third round of North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations is set to take place in […]
