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Message from the Interim President

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT

It is my pleasure to present the new website of the Council of Canadian Academies. The Council is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that supports science-based, expert assessments (studies) to inform public policy development in Canada. We hope you will enjoy the new website and take the time to tour through its many different pages. While visiting, you will find evidence-based reports and information that address different and important public policy issues. For example, the Council has undertaken work on topics as varied as business innovation, arctic research, groundwater, and nanotechnology. You can learn more about the Council and what we do on the About Us page.

Our expert assessments are used by individual Canadians, governments, academics and business leaders. As part of our commitment to provide science advice for the public good, Council reports are free of charge and easily downloadable. If you would like to order hard copies of any of our reports please contact us directly. I also encourage you to take a minute to sign up to our mailing list so we can keep you up-to-date on Council activities and assessments.

Finally, I would like to thank our Member Academies and the numerous expert volunteers who give so generously of their time and work with us in developing high quality and objective reports. Without the support of these experts we would be unable to achieve our mission.

We hope you will visit us often.

Council Discusses Report Findings with SSHRC

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:30:00 GMT

In January 2010 the Council, in collaboration with SSHRC, hosted a brown bag lunch session to further discuss the Expert Panel on Management, Business, and Finance’s findings. Panel members David Zussman (Chair), Peter Aucoin, Robert Brooks, Sheila Brown, and John McArthur were in attendance to discuss their work. SSHRC President, Chad Gaffield spoke to the significance of the panel’s work, emphasizing the importance of the report’s findings to SSHRC. VP Partnerships Gisèle Yasmeen elaborated on this importance, explaining that the panel’s recommendations align closely with SSHRC’s program renewal strategy. Following a brief presentation of the report’s findings from Dr. Brown, the remainder of the session involved a lively discussion amongst the panel members and the 40-plus audience members, comprised of SSHRC executives and members of the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Photo description: Sheila Brown & David Zussman

Photo description: John McArthur & Gisèle Yasmeen, VP Partnerships, SSHRC

Photo description: Robert Brooks & Murielle Gagnon, Director, Strategic Programs and Joint Initiatives, SSHRC

Board of Governors Announces Interim President of the Council of Canadian Academies

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Ottawa - On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Leadership Transition Committee for the Council of Canadian Academies, I am pleased to announce that Ms. Elizabeth Dowdeswell has agreed to serve as Interim President for the Council, effective January 4th, 2010. As Interim President, Ms. Dowdeswell will be responsible for the Council’s day-to-day management and direction. She will serve in this capacity for a three month term.

This appointment will allow the Leadership Transition Committee to continue their work in selecting a new President in the coming months.

Ms. Dowdeswell is currently the Chair of the Council’s Scientific Advisory Committee and will continue on in this capacity. Ms. Dowdeswell has had a distinguished career including serving as Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations. She has also served in senior management positions in the federal government, the provincial government and the private sector. Ms. Dowdeswell holds a Master of Science degree in behavioural sciences from Utah State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics, a teaching certificate from the University of Saskatchewan, and nine honorary degrees.

News Release: Report on state of management and business research in Canada: Expert panel calls for more contact between researchers and managers

Mon, 25 May 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Canadian research in the field of management, business, and finance (MBF) ranks above the world average but there is little direct application of this research outside of the academic community. This is the principal finding of a report, released today, by an expert panel convened by the Council of Canadian Academies (Council).

Read the full News Release here.

News Release: A Canada-wide sustainability framework is vital to securing the future of our groundwater, advises an expert panel

Mon, 11 May 2009 13:30:00 GMT

A 15-member expert panel, appointed by the Council of Canadian Academies, has concluded that a Canada-wide sustainability framework is required to improve the management and understanding of Canada’s groundwater. Without such a framework, Canada’s groundwater is at risk of contamination and depletion.

Read the full News Release here.

Media Advisory: Council of Canadian Academies to release report on the Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Canada

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:35:00 GMT

On May 11, 2009 the Council of Canadian Academies will release the report, The Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Canada.

Media Advisory

News Release: Shortfall in business innovation at the root of Canada’s lagging productivity, according to Expert Panel

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:35:00 GMT

Canada’s persistent weakness in productivity growth is due to business strategy choices. “Too few Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs choose strategies that emphasize innovation”, says Robert Brown, Chair of the panel of 18 business, labour and academic authorities appointed by the Council of Canadian Academies to analyze the innovation performance of Canadian businesses.

Read the full News Release here.

News Release - Protecting Against Influenza – Is Canada Prepared?

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:35:00 GMT

Recent outbreaks of swine flu (H1N1) have raised questions as to Canada’s pandemic preparedness. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) works with federal departments and provincial and territorial governments to develop effective pandemic preparedness strategies for both the general public and the healthcare communities.

Read the full News Release here.

Media Advisory: Council of Canadian Academies to Release Findings of Report on Business Innovation in Canada

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:35:00 GMT

On April 29, 2009 the Council of Canadian Academies will release the findings of the report of the Expert Panel on Business Innovation, Innovation and Business Strategy: Why Canada falls Short.

Media Advisory

News Release: Expert Panel Recognizes Canada’s International Obligation with Respect to Arctic Science

Sun, 11 May 2008 13:40:00 GMT

November 5, 2008 - An international expert panel appointed by the Council of Canadian Academies has concluded that Canada has an international obligation with respect to arctic science. In a report released today, the panel discusses the proposed science priorities for a Canadian Arctic Research Initiative (CARI).

Read the full News Release here.

News Release: Expert Panel Concludes there is not Enough Information to Assess the Safety of Nanomaterials

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:40:00 GMT

An expert panel appointed by the Council of Canadian Academies has concluded that too little is known to assess the overall human and environmental risks posed by the introduction nanomaterials and nanoproducts into society. However, the panel did not identify any evidence that nanoproducts currently on the market in Canada present risks that cannot be addressed through available risk management strategies.

Read the full News Release here.

News Release: Canada is Well Positioned to be a Global Leader in Gas Hydrate Development

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:40:00 GMT

As the search for new global energy sources continues and conventional natural gas supplies decline in North America, a 13-member panel of experts appointed by the Council of Canadian Academies has concluded that Canada is well positioned to be a global leader in exploration, research and development, and eventual production of natural gas from gas hydrate.

Read the full News Release here.

News Release: Protecting Canadians from Influenza

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:45:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies today released a study entitled Influenza Transmission and the Role of Personal Protective Respiratory Equipment: An Assessment of the Evidence.

Read the full News Release here.

News Release: Council of Canadian Academies Releases First Study: Canada’s ST Strengths

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 13:45:00 GMT

Overall, Canada is strong in research, generally well-equipped technologically, but lagging in translation of research strength to innovation strength, according to a new study released today by the Council of Canadian Academies.

Read the full News Release here.

News Release: Peter Nicholson Appointed as 1st President of the Canadian Academies of Science

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 13:00:00 GMT

Dr. Howard Alper, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Academies of Science (CAS), announced today the appointment of Dr. Peter Nicholson as the first President of the CAS.

Read the full News Release here.

Elizabeth Dowdeswell Appointed President of the Council of Canadian Academies

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:10:00 GMT

Ottawa (April 15, 2010) - The Board of Governors of the Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Elizabeth Dowdeswell as President of the Council, effective April 1st, 2010.

“I am confident Ms. Dowdeswell’s visionary leadership and extensive management experience will serve the Council well at this stage of its development. Her knowledge of the Council and her commitment to public policy make her the ideal candidate, we are thrilled she has agreed to take on this very important role,” said Elizabeth Parr-Johnston, Chair of the Board of Governors.

“In a world of increasing complexity, bringing scientific advice to bear on issues and matters of public interest is critical. For me, this is the opportunity of a lifetime to creatively link science and public policy. Under the leadership of the Founding President, Peter Nicholson, the Council developed a tremendous reputation for excellence. I look forward to building on that legacy,” said Ms. Dowdeswell.

Ms. Dowdeswell has had a distinguished career as a public servant, including serving as Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations. She has held senior management positions in the federal government, the government of Saskatchewan and the private sector. She chaired the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Council since its inception, is an adjunct professor at the McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health at the University of Toronto and was one of the first Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation mentors. Ms. Dowdeswell is a Director on the Boards of several corporations and contributes in an advisory capacity to a number of Canadian and international not-for-profit organizations. She holds a Master of Science degree in behavioural sciences from Utah State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics, a teaching certificate from the University of Saskatchewan, and nine honorary degrees.

The Council of Canadian Academies is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that undertakes science-based, expert assessments (studies) to inform public policy development in Canada. Assessments are conducted by multidisciplinary panels of experts from across Canada and abroad. The Council’s blue-ribbon panels serve free of charge and many are Fellows of the Council’s Member Academies – the RSC: The Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. The Council’s completed assessments are published and made available to the general public at no cost, in both English and French. For more information please visit - www.scienceadvice.ca

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Cate Meechan

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Review of the Council of Canadian Academies

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:05:00 GMT

The Review of the Council of Canadian Academies — Report from the External Evaluation Panel 2010 and the Council Response document are now available.

This formal, third-party review, conducted by an eminent group of experts, was undertaken on the occasion of the Council’s fifth anniversary, as a key requirement of its funding agreement with the Government of Canada.

The four-member External Evaluation Panel was chaired by Margaret Bloodworth, a former senior Canadian public servant. Additionally, the Council was honoured to have a distinguished Canadian researcher, and senior members from its international peer organizations (the Royal Society in the UK and the National Academies in the U.S.) participate on the Panel.

The Panel was asked to assess the extent to which the Council is meeting its objective to contribute to shaping evidence-based public policy that is in the public interest.

The Panel agreed, without hesitation, that the Council has been delivering on the objectives set out in its founding documents and providing value in informing public debate and decision making in Canada. Their insightful evaluation made observations about the Council`s performance and provided clear direction about future key areas of focus.

The Council’s Board of Governors has considered the Panel’s findings, concurs with the recommendations presented, and has already begun to act on them. The Council Response document provides highlights on how we will be moving forward.

Elizabeth Dowdeswell
President
Council of Canadian Academies

Council E-News - May 2010

Fri, 07 May 2010 16:30:00 GMT

The new electronic newsletter of the Council of Canadian Academies, Council E-News, is now available.

In support of a greener environment, Council E-News will be published exclusively online on a quarterly basis. Council E-News will provide readers with updates on the Council's assessments, corporate activities, and Member Academies. We hope you will join us in embracing this new format and the opportunities it presents!

Canadian Academy of Engineering elects new President

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Dr. Michael E. Charles, FCAE, was elected President of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) at CAE’s Annual General Meeting on June 4, 2010.

Dr. Charles is Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. He has been a Fellow of CAE since 1998 and has served on its Board of Directors since 2008.

The Council welcomes Dr. Charles to his new position and looks forward to continuing to work with CAE and its other Member Academies to provide science advice in the public interest.

For more information, visit the Canadian Academy of Engineering website.

View the Council’s Member Academies here.

Dr. Tom Brzustowski named Chair of the Council of Canadian Academies’ Scientific Advisory Committee

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Elizabeth Parr-Johnston, Chair of the Board of Governors for the Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tom Brzustowski, O.C. as Chair of the Council’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). Dr. Brzustowski will serve a three-year term effective June 2010. He has served as Interim Chair of SAC since April 2010 and is replacing Elizabeth Dowdeswell who is the Council’s newly appointed President.

Read the full News Release here.

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to participate in the national consultations on Canada’s digital economy

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies has assembled a seven-member expert panel to respond, via a short report, to the federal government’s public consultation on a Digital Economy Strategy for Canada. The report will provide independent, objective and evidence-based analysis. It will draw from and extend upon the analysis conducted in the Council’s 2009 report, Innovation and Business Strategy: Why Canada Falls Short.

The expert panel is chaired by Dr. Peter Nicholson, Past President of the Council of Canadian Academies. For more information about the expert panel, click here.

The Council’s report will be submitted and made public on July 9, 2010.

Council of Canadian Academies appoints three members to its Scientific Advisory Committee

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcel Côté, Daniel Krewski, and Louis Fortier to its Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). They will each serve a three-year term starting June 2010.

“The Council is pleased to have Mr. Côté, Dr. Krewski, and Dr. Fortier join the Scientific Advisory Committee,” said Elizabeth Parr-Johnston, Chair of the Council’s Board of Governors. “They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that will strengthen the scientific breadth of SAC and will ensure this body continues to offer high quality advice on the questions and policy issues assessed by the Council’s expert panels.”

Read the full News Release here.

Council of Canadian Academies releases report on Canada’s Digital Economy Strategy

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:20:00 GMT

In response to the government’s public consultation regarding a Digital Economy Strategy for Canada, the Council of Canadian Academies assembled a small expert panel to develop an unbiased and balanced report to inform the government and its work.

Drawing on the analysis from the Council’s 2009 report, Innovation and Business Strategy: Why Canada Falls Short, the Expert Panel on Digital Technologies and Innovation finds that the Digital Economy Strategy can play an important role in addressing Canada’s weak productivity growth. The panel restricted its attention to the economic aspects of a digital strategy, specifically to the linkage between digital technologies, innovation, and productivity. By building on previous work, this report leverages the accumulating expertise of the Council and its panels.

Submitted to the government on July 9, 2010, the full report is available for download on the Digital Economy webpage.

Council of Canadian Academies appoints two new members to its Board of Governors

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to announce the appointment of Claude Jean and Roderick A. Macdonald to its Board of Governors. They will both serve a three-year term effective immediately.

“The Council welcomes Mr. Jean and Professor Macdonald to its Board,” said Elizabeth Parr-Johnston, Chair of the Council’s Board of Governors. “Both have impressive backgrounds and expertise that will be an asset to the Board, and I am confident their insights will help to further the Council and its mission.”

Read the full News Release here.

Council of Canadian Academies releases its 2009/10 Annual Report

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:35:00 GMT

The Council`s 2009/10 Annual Report is now available for download. The report reflects upon the exciting past year and the work of the organization and its many volunteers.

Through 2009/10, the Council published three assessment reports, on subjects as varied as business innovation, the sustainable management of groundwater, and university research in the field of management, business, and finance. These independent, authoritative and comprehensive reports are informing national dialogues and having an impact on policy development. The Council now has four assessments in progress, in the areas of animal health risk assessment, integrated testing of pesticides, biodiversity science, and research integrity. We anticipate these four will continue to demonstrate excellence and relevance.

Council's new assessment on Science Performance and Research Funding

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:50:00 GMT

The Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), asked the Council of Canadian Academies to examine the international practices and supporting evidence used to assess performance of research in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines.

The Council, under the guidance of its Scientific Advisory Committee, is now starting a process to assemble an expert panel to complete this assessment. The panel will consist of experts from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds to ensure the most authoritative, credible, and independent response to the question.

For more information, visit the assessment page.

Council E-News – September 2010

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:30:00 GMT

The September issue of the Council’s electronic newsletter, Council E-News, is now available.

As a new academic year begins, the Council is pleased to highlight the importance of science education. Encouraging school age children to take an interest in science is a continuing goal for parents, educators, and governments alike. In this issue of Council E-News, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, President of the Council, reflects on science education and its importance to Canada.

This issue's Fellow in Focus features Dr. Alastair Cribb, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, founding Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary, and chair of the Council's Expert Panel on Approaches to Animal Health Risk Assessment. Dr. Cribb's research seeks to improve the safety of drug use in both human and veterinary medicine.

This issue also features highlights from a presentation on the importance of receiver-oriented communication by Preston Manning, member of the Council's Board of Governors, and a special Perspectives article about the emergence of management science in Canada by Tim Krywulak, a Program Director at the Council.

To read the September issue of Council E-News, click here.

Council to sponsor the 2010 Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:35:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to be sponsoring the 2010 Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research. Events will take place between September 29^th – October 1^st.

This year’s Prizewinner is Dr. Shirley M. Tilghman, President of Princeton University. To watch her lectures, and to learn more about the prize, please visit: http://www.fcihr.ca/prize/front.php.

Canadian Science Policy Conference 2010

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:20:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to be part of the second Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC), which will be held October 20-22 in Montréal.

CSPC provides a unique opportunity for various science policy stakeholders to get together at the national level to network and discuss the present and the future of science policy in Canada, a future based on a strong and dynamic science policy community that projects an innovative Canada for all Canadians.

For more information on CSPC 2010, visit http://www.cspc2010.ca/.

Discuss the future of Canadian taxonomy with Dr. Thomas Lovejoy

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 09:10:00 GMT

Join internationally renowned conservation biologist, Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, for a conversation about the future of taxonomy in Canada on November 29, 2010, at the Canadian Museum of Nature, in Ottawa.

Based on the upcoming report of the Expert Panel on Biodiversity Science (release date: November 18, 2010), this interactive workshop will bring together scientists, policy makers, industry, NGOs and other stakeholders for an insightful exploration of biodiversity discovery in Canada.

For more details, and to register, visit www.scienceadvice.ca/biodiversity.

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences launches a new assessment on global health

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:15:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to be working with the CAHS on the assessment - Canada’s Strategic Role in Global Health. The Council will support CAHS by managing the process for an evidence-based assessment.

For more information visit: http://www.cahs-acss.ca/e/news/

Media Advisory: Council of Canadian Academies Releases Report on Research Integrity

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:30:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies’ Expert Panel on Research Integrity will release its report on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at the Canadian Science Policy Conference in Montréal, Quebec.

> Media Advisory

Expert Panel Says Canada’s System for Research Integrity Should be Strengthened

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 07:00:00 GMT

How do we ensure the integrity of Canada’s research system? This was the topic of considerable discussion for a group of 14 eminent experts brought together by the Council of Canadian Academies. Today the Council released the Expert Panel’s report, Honesty, Accountability and Trust: Fostering Research Integrity in Canada. The report is an evidence-based and independent assessment of research integrity in Canada.

> Read the full news release

Media Advisory: Council of Canadian Academies to Release a Report on Biodiversity Science

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:15:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies’ Expert Panel on Biodiversity Science will release its report on Thursday, November 18th, 2010 to coincide with the Canadian Museum of Nature’s Arctic Biodiversity Symposium.

>Media Advisory

Expert Panel on Biodiversity Science Calls for a Bold Vision

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 07:45:00 GMT

Canada needs a bold vision to fully understand its biodiversity resources. This is a central finding of a group of 14 eminent experts brought together by the Council of Canadian Academies to assess the state and trends of taxonomy (the science that discovers, distinguishes, classifies and documents living things) in Canada. Their report, released today, observes that failure to understand Canadian biodiversity could have significant consequences for ecosystems, the economy, innovation potential and society.

“Taxonomy is the foundation for the biodiversity sciences, as advances are built upon the discovery and accurate identification of species,” said Dr. Thomas E. Lovejoy, chair of the Expert Panel. “Canada has a proud history of world class contributions to taxonomic research and although critical gaps do exist within the Canadian system, there is an opportunity for Canada to provide international leadership and move forward with a major initiative in taxonomy.”

> Read the full news release

Dr. Rita Colwell to Serve as Expert Panel Chair

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:10:00 GMT

The Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rita Colwell as Chair of the Expert Panel on Science Performance and Research Funding. Dr. Colwell is internationally known for her work in the area of infectious diseases and water issues. As a distinguished member of the scientific community, Dr. Colwell’s appointment is a demonstration of the Council’s proven ability to attract the best minds from Canada and abroad.

Dr. Rita Colwell is a distinguished university Professor at both the University of Maryland at College Park and at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is also the Senior Advisor and Chairman Emeritus at Canon US Life Sciences, Inc. and President and CEO of CosmosID Inc.

Dr. Colwell has authored or co-authored 17 books and more than 750 scientific publications. She is the recipient of numerous awards including, most recently, the 2010 Stockholm Water Prize awarded September 9, 2010 by the King of Sweden.

As Chair of the Expert Panel, Dr. Colwell will work with the Panel to assess the evidence on international practices used in measuring performance of research in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines. This assessment will address the question posed by the Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC):

What do the scientific evidence and the approaches used by other funding agencies globally have to offer, in terms of performance indicators and related best practices in the context of research in the natural sciences and engineering, carried out at universities, colleges, and polytechnics?

Lack of a “one-size-fits all” solution to monitoring and measuring research performance is driving a growing international need to develop and implement new methods, and share best practices and lessons learned. The Council’s assessment will draw from both international and national approaches for evaluating research performance.

The Council looks forward to the Panel’s first meeting on January 5-6, 2011, in Ottawa. The full composition of the Expert Panel will be announced on Council’s website in the coming weeks.

Dr. Lorna Marsden to Serve as Expert Panel Chair on Women in University Research

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:15:00 GMT

The Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lorna Marsden as Chair of the Expert Panel on Women in University Research. Dr. Marsden is the author of several scholarly publications in the field of economic sociology and social change in Canada. As a respected sociologist and academic, Dr. Marsden’s appointment is a demonstration of the Council’s proven ability to attract the best minds from Canada and abroad.

Dr. Marsden is President Emeritus and Professor at York University in Toronto; and former President and Vice-chancellor of York University, and Wilfrid Laurier University. From 1975-77, Dr. Marsden served as President of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women and remains a member of the Ontario Committee on the Status of Women. She was named one of Canada’s 100 most Powerful Women each year from 2003-2007 and is now in their Hall of Fame. Read her full bio on the Council’s website.

After the notable absence of female representation in the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program, the Minister of Industry, in March 2010, struck an ad-hoc panel to examine the program’s selection process. Based on the panel’s finding that the lack of female representation was not due to active choices made during the CERC selection process, it was suggested that an expert assessment of gender equity within the wider university context and talent pool be undertaken by a third-party body. The Council was therefore asked to assemble an expert panel to conduct an evidence-based assessment on women in university research.

As Chair of the Expert Panel, Dr. Marsden will work with the Panel to examine which factors influence the career trajectory and statistical profile of women researchers in Canadian universities. This assessment will address the question posed by the Minister of Industry to the Council:

What policies and what societal, cultural, and institutional (e.g., universities, funding agencies), economic and/or other relevant factors (as determined by the Council’s Expert Panel) influence the career trajectory of women researchers in Canadian universities and underlie gender disparities observed in Canadian university researcher’s statistical profile, by discipline area, rank, duty/position/stature, salary, tenure, research funding and/or any other relevant indicators (as determined by the Expert Panel)?

The full composition of the Expert Panel will be announced on the Council’s website in early 2011.

Dr. Howard Wheater to Serve as Expert Panel Chair on Water and Agriculture

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:20:00 GMT

The Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Howard Wheater as chair of the Expert Panel on Water and Agriculture. As an international expert in hydrological science and sustainable water resource management, his experience and knowledge will be a tremendous asset as we undertake this assessment. The Council is honoured to have such an outstanding researcher as Dr. Wheater working with us.

Dr. Wheater holds the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Water Security and is a professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability, and professor in the Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, College of Engineering, at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Wheater also serves as vice-chair of the World Climate Research Programme’s Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment, and leads UNESCO’s arid zone water resources program. He has studied and advised on flood, water resource, and water quality issues globally.

As chair of the expert panel, Dr. Wheater will work with the panel to address the question posed to the Council by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food: What additional science is needed to better guide sustainable management of water to meet the needs of agriculture?

As Canadian freshwater supplies come under increasing stress from multiple demands, decisions about this natural resource need to be made with a more complete understanding of its availability and what implications that will have for agriculture.

The Council, under the guidance of its Scientific Advisory Committee, is now beginning to assemble an expert panel to complete this assessment. For continued updates on the status of the assessment visit Sustainable Management of Water in the Agricultural Landscapes of Canada.

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to announce the release of its Strategic Plan 2011-2014: Insight Impact

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:40:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to announce the release of its new three-year strategic plan, Insight & Impact. This document sets a clear direction for the Council and provides a foundation for us to become an invaluable science resource.

READ THE REPORT

We are excited about the future and wish to thank those who have encouraged us in our work and have lent their support and time to developing our evidence-based, authoritative assessments. We are confident that the Council will become Canada’s trusted voice for science in the public interest.

The Council’s success will be Canada’s success – the success of a country whose policies are informed by the very best evidence possible.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Dowdeswell, President & CEO

Dr. Eliot A. Phillipson to Serve as Expert Panel Chair on the State of Science and Technology in Canada

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:15:00 GMT

The Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Eliot A. Phillipson as Chair of the Expert Panel on the State of Science and Technology in Canada. The Sir John and Lady Eaton Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Toronto and former President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Dr. Phillipson brings a wealth of expertise to the Council and to this assessment.

Having received his M.D. with Distinction (1963) and his M.Sc. (1965) from the University of Alberta, Dr. Phillipson was appointed to the University of Toronto in 1971 as a clinician-scientist with a research focus in the regulation of respiration. His basic research formed the basis for understanding several sleep-related breathing disorders, and in 1978 allowed him to develop the first human sleep laboratory in Canada with a focus on breathing disturbances. In addition to his appointments at the University of Toronto and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Dr. Phillipson has served as Co-Chair of the Medical Review Panel of the Gairdner Foundation, and as President of both the Canadian Association of Professors of Medicine, and the Canadian Institute of Academic Medicine (CIAM). In the latter position, he played an important role in creation of the Council of Canadian Academies and the evolution of the CIAM into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

As Chair of the Expert Panel, Dr. Phillipson will work with the Panel to address the question posed to the Council by the Minister of Industry: What is the current state of science and technology in Canada?

The Council completed its first assessment on the state of science and technology in 2006. The report is well known for its identification of four areas or “clusters” of Canadian strength – natural resources, information and communications technologies, health and related life sciences and technologies, and environmental technologies. These four areas of strength were adopted by the Government of Canada in 2007 as part of its science and technology strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada’s Advantage. This new Expert Panel will once again assess the state of science and technology in Canada, providing a much needed, and much anticipated, update.

The Council, under the guidance of its Scientific Advisory Committee, is now beginning to assemble an expert panel to complete this assessment.

For continued updates on the status of the assessment visit the State of Science and Technology in Canada page.

Council of Canadian Academies Releases its 2010/11 Annual Report

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:25:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to release its 2010/11 annual report. This year’s annual report, entitled Evidence First illustrates our progress in achieving an ambitious, aspirational vision — to be Canada’s trusted voice for science in the public interest.

Information about the Council’s work is fully detailed within the annual report, which can be downloaded here (PDF).

The Council Welcomes New Interns

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:15:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies is pleased to welcome two new interns as part of the 2011/2012 Internship Program. Hariyanto Darmawan and Olena Loskutova joined the Council in early July and will be with us for the next six months.

Hariyanto Darmawan has a Master of Engineering, Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science, Chemistry, both from McGill University; and a Bachelor of Science, Honours in Chemistry, from the University of Alberta. Hariyanto was an op-ed columnist with the McGill Daily newspaper from 2008-2011, a radio news producer and host with Community Radio CJSR in Edmonton, Alberta; and served as a board member from 2008-2009 for the Quebec Public Interest Research Group (QPIRG) in Montréal, Quebec. In 2005, he was awarded the CJSR New Volunteer of the Year Award.

Olena Loskutova has a Master of Engineering and Public Policy from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering from the National Technical University of Ukraine Kiev Polytechnic Institute in Kiev, Ukraine. Olena served as a consultant and researcher with the Energy Probe Research Foundation in Toronto from 2009 to 2011. She was also a Public Policy Researcher with SciencePages, an initiative of the Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE).

The Council of Canadian Academies Internship Program is intended for graduate students at all levels as well as post-doctoral fellows. The objective of the program is to provide interns with an opportunity to gain experience relevant to the field of science and technology policy, including the natural, social and health sciences, engineering, and the humanities.

To find out more about the Council’s internship program visit: http://www.scienceadvice.ca/en/about/careers.aspx

Media Advisory: Council of Canadian Academies to Release an Expert Panel Report on Animal Health Risk Assessment

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:55:00 GMT

The Council of Canadian Academies will release its newest expert panel report on Thursday, September 22nd, 2011. The report – Healthy Animals, Healthy Canada – is an evidence-based and independent study on the approaches to animal health risk assessment in Canada.

Media Advisory

The Council of Canadian Academies Releases an Expert Panel Report Healthy Animals, Healthy Canada

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:25:00 GMT

Increased global trade and migration, higher population densities, and climate change all affect the nature of risks associated with animal diseases and human health. The pace of these changes, the growing interconnectedness of so many risks and consequences, and the potential impact of mitigation strategies make the process of assessing and managing risks increasingly complex.

To better understand these evolving 21st century challenges, the Council of Canadian Academies brought together a group of 12 eminent experts to discuss how Canada can remain at the forefront of animal health risk assessment practices, therefore protecting the health of animals, people, the environment, and economy. Today, the Council released the Expert Panel’s report, Healthy Animals, Healthy Canada. The report, sponsored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), is an evidence-based, independent assessment of approaches to animal health risk assessment in Canada.

> Read the full news release

Council of Canadian Academies to Launch Assessment of Canadian Ocean Science

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:50:00 GMT

Canada’s oceans are undergoing unprecedented changes and are being stressed in numerous ways, which has profound implications for future development opportunities and also creates societal challenges. Ocean science problems are complex and addressing them will require a high degree of coordination among various scientific institutions and technology hubs. For Canada to maintain its world class position in ocean science, the Canadian Consortium of Ocean Research Universities (CCORU) has asked the Council of Canadian Academies to undertake an expert assessment of ocean science, focusing on the environmental, economic and social opportunities, and societal challenges, in relation to Canada’s oceans.

In the preparatory phase, the Council will help to determine the priority research questions identified by Canadian oceans experts from all sectors that could form the basis for a research plan for Canada’s oceans. During the second phase of this project an expert panel will be convened to provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the needs of ocean science. The panel will also provide an overview of the state of Canadian ocean science including the infrastructure, technology development, and commercialization capacity necessary to implement this research plan. This expert assessment will include the identification of best practices regarding strategic investments and models of governance to establish strategies for action.

For more information on this assessment visit the assessment page.

For media inquiries please contact:

Samantha Rae
Manager, Communications
Council of Canadian Academies
613-567-5000 x 256
samantha.rae@scienceadvice.ca

Council of Canadian Academies joins Twitter, LinkedIn

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:45:00 GMT

The Council is now officially on Twitter! You can follow us and join the conversation at @Scienceadvice.ca.

You can also find us on LinkedIn and YouTube (where you can watch our latest video, Healthy Animals, Healthy Canada). Our new Events page is also online, and if you haven’t already, subscribe to our RSS feed or mailing list for additional updates on chair appointments, assessment announcements and other news.

Council of Canadian Academies to launch assessment on Socio-economic Impacts of Innovation Investments

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:10:00 GMT

In many developed and developing nations, innovation policy has become central to the efforts of governments at all levels to maintain their competitiveness in a global economy, which is increasingly becoming knowledge-based. The Government of Ontario has also made substantial investments in innovation, with the explicit aim of strengthening Ontario as a leading innovation-based economy.

However, the question remains: what are the best practices for policy-makers to evaluate and measure the impact of their investments in innovation in terms of socio-economic effects such as output, employment, tax, creation of new ventures, development of entrepreneurship and social impacts? The Council’s assessment will attempt to answer this question by drawing on experiences from other provinces and countries and adapting them to the Ontario context.

The Expert Panel on Socio-economic Impact of Innovation Investments is in the process of being assembled.

For more information visit the assessment page.

For media inquiries please contact:

Cathleen Meechan

Director, Communications
Council of Canadian Academies
613-567-5000 x 228
cathleen.meechan@scienceadvice.ca

Kathleen Sendall to Serve as Expert Panel Chair on the State of Industrial Research and Development in Canada

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMT

The Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Kathleen Sendall as Chair of the Expert Panel on the State of Industrial Research and Development in Canada. As Director of CGG Veritas, a leading international pure-play geophysical company; and Director and Vice Chair of Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment Solutions, Ms. Sendall brings a wealth of expertise to the Council and to this assessment.

Ms. Sendall was previously the Senior Vice-President of Petro-Canada's North American Natural Gas Business Unit, and was responsible for the company’s conventional oil and gas production and exploration in North America. She has extensive experience as a director and involvement in not-for-profit boards. Ms. Sendall is a Past-President and former Director of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and a former Chair of the Board of Governors for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Read Ms. Sendall’s full bio.

As Chair of the Council’s Expert Panel, Ms. Sendall will work with a multidisciplinary group of experts, to be appointed by the Council, to address the following question: What is the current state of industrial research and development (R&D) in Canada?

The Council’s assessment will examine existing and emerging areas of R&D strength across sectors, how these trends compare globally, and how strength is distributed regionally across Canada.

The Council, under the guidance of its Scientific Advisory Committee, is now beginning to assemble an expert panel to complete this assessment.

For continued updates on the status of the assessment visit the R&D page.

Former Prime Minister of Finland, Esko Aho, to Chair the Expert Panel on the Socio-economic Impacts of Innovation Investments

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:45:00 GMT

The Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Esko Aho as Chair of the Expert Panel on the Socio-Economic Impacts of Innovation Investments.

The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation has asked the Council of Canadian Academies to assess best practices in measuring socio-economic outcomes and impacts of government spending on research and innovation activities that could be applied in the Ontario context. The Council’s assessment will attempt to answer this question by drawing on experiences from other provinces and countries and adapting them to the Ontario context.

As the former prime minister of Finland, and the Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations and Responsibility at Nokia, Mr. Aho brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise to this assessment.

Before joining Nokia in 2008, Mr. Aho enjoyed a long and distinguished career in government service. He served as a member of Finnish Parliament for 20 years, from 1983. He was elected to the Prime Minister’s Office in 1991 at the age of 36, making him the youngest prime minister in Finland’s history. Under his leadership, he brought Finland into the European Union. After leaving the office in 1995, Mr. Aho spent a year as a Fellow of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, leading a weekly study group on the European Union and its political and economic implications for global relations. He then served as the president of Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, from 2004-2008.

As Chair of the Expert Panel, Mr. Aho will work with the panel to address the question posed by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation: How can the actual and potential outcomes and impacts of Ontario government spending on innovation and scientific activities be measured?

The Council, under the guidance of its Scientific Advisory Committee, is now beginning to assemble an expert panel to complete this assessment. The panel will consist of experts from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds to ensure the most authoritative, credible, and independent response to the question.

For continued update on the status of the assessment visit the Socio-economic Impacts of Innovation Investments page.

The Council of Canadian Academies, the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences release a Statement of Common Understanding

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

In 2011, the presidents of the Council of Canadian Academies, the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences developed a joint Statement of Common Understanding to guide their future collaboration. The goal of the agreement is to bring together intellectual resources in synergistic ways to generate capacity for credible, evidence-based, and independent scientific advice in support of the development of sound public policy in Canada.

Learn more about the Council’s Member Academies.

The Council of Canadian Academies Releases an Expert Panel Report Integrating Emerging Technologies into Chemical Safety Assessment

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:55:00 GMT

Protecting human health and the environment is of paramount importance to Canadians. As such, the federal regulation and testing requirements for pesticides has been extensive, and today these chemicals are among the most data-rich in commerce. However, increased regulation around the world means there are thousands of chemicals that still need to be categorized and better understood. The challenge for scientists and regulators is how to achieve this in a timely, efficient and effective manner.

To better understand the challenges and opportunities related to chemical testing and regulation, the Council of Canadian Academies brought together a group of 15 eminent experts from Canada and the United States to discuss the scientific status of the use of integrated testing strategies in the regulatory risk assessment of pesticides.

>Read the full news release

The Council Receives a New Question for Assessment

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:50:00 GMT

The Council recently received a new question for assessment regarding therapeutic products for children. The question was referred to the Council by the Minister of Health on behalf of Health Canada. The Council's Board of Governors has officially approved the question and an expert panel will begin their work later this year.

The Council has recently received a new question for assessment regarding therapeutic products for children. The question was referred to the Council by the Minister of Health on behalf of Health Canada. The Council's Board of Governors has officially approved the question and an expert panel will begin their work later this year.

This question is the latest in a number of recent referrals from the federal government. The Council will also initiate expert panel assessments in 2012 on: food security research in Northern Canada; shale gas extraction; innovative uses for Information and Communication Technologies for greening Canada; Memory institutions (libraries & archives) and the digital revolution; and energy prices - impacts and adaptation. Background research and the assembly of expert panels are now underway. Each panel will consist of experts from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds to ensure the most authoritative, credible, and independent responses to the questions.

The Council of Canadian Academies offers science-based insights and evidence to enrich Canadian policy development and decision-making. This is achieved by harnessing the collective wisdom of the finest minds to develop independent, authoritative, and evidence-based expert assessments on the issues that matter most to Canadians.

To learn more about the Council's active assessments, visit Assessments in Progress..

To learn more about the Council's active assessments, visit Assessments in Progress.