Science review panel must tackle barriers to funding, encourage diversity: researchers

The panel convened by the Liberal government to review fundamental science in Canada must address the significant challenges young researchers, international collaborations, and multidisciplinary projects face when seeking government funding, while also imploring for bold initiatives to increase diversity, scientists and science advocates say. Former Liberal MP Ted Hsu, a research physicist and science and innovation advocate, said the formation […]
Science minister sees funding gaps for young researchers, multidisciplinary and multinational research

Young researchers are starved for grants in Canada, which can make their work “impossible,” says Science Minister Kirsty Duncan. That’s one of the challenges she’s heard from scientists during her first year as minister, she said in a Nov. 10 interview after giving a speech at the Canadian Science Policy Conference in Ottawa. She also […]
University and College Research

We need a return to funding basic research

It was in the spring 2012 budget that the previous Conservative government established the primacy of utilitarian, mercantile science over basic research and pure intellectual inquiry. The budget decreed that federal funds would go to research that was “business-led [and] industry-relevant.” The significant deficit in industry investment in research and development affects our economy. We […]
On innovation, Canada can learn from Israel

Last spring Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains announced the federal government’s goal of making Canada an innovation superpower. Since then, the consultation process for the Canada Innovation Agenda has included a review not only of our historic approach to innovation but also of the best practices that have given other countries the edge in the new […]
Don’t skip the early-career scientists when doling out research dollars

At first glance, the parade of cabinet ministers on university campuses across Canada yesterday might have looked like evidence of a new era in federal support for science. Scott Brison was on hand at Dalhousie University in Halifax, which will work with the University of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland’s Memorial University on a multidisciplinary […]
Biotechnology and Life Sciences

Strong privacy laws needed in digital age

OTTAWA—Privacy laws around the world may differ on certain issues, but all share a key principle: the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information requires user consent. The challenge in a digital world where data is continuously collected and can be used in a myriad of previously unimaginable ways is how to ensure that the […]
Angel investors key to creating a 21st-century innovation economy

VANCOUVER—Entrepreneurship is thriving in Canada, but we must provide it with the fuel it needs for growth. In Canada, we chronically undercapitalize our promising companies, leaving many entrepreneurs struggling to find early-stage risk capital just when they need it most. As a result, many look to the U.S., where capital is easier to secure, and […]
Never mind Trump, look what Clinton’s saying

TORONTO—Donald Trump gets more of the headlines. But if we are smart, we should be paying more attention to Hillary Clinton. She is more likely to be the next American president, and she is setting out a platform that has important implications for Canada. At the top of the list is trade. While Clinton is […]