Recent News
Quebec critical mineral strategy blurs environmental lines
As the world gathers in Montreal to consider how to preserve the world’s threatened biodiversity, many observers see a threat that is too close to home — extracting minerals to make electric vehicles and fight climate change, in natural settings that might be better left alone.
Looking inland for oceanic inspiration
Young people in Ontario may not live near the ocean, but a survey reveals that many of them care deeply about this massive ecosystem and want careers in the growing Blue Economy.
Responding to racism in Canadian science
Racism seeps into all corners of life, including the apparently rational confines of science. Dealing with it calls for more than just good intentions.
Getting to know you: science, government, and society renew acquaintances, post-pandemic
Canada needs a new governance framework for science and innovation, say Rhonda Moore and Jeff Kinder, co-leaders of the Institute on Governance’s research project examining the scientific enterprise.
The Short Report - November 30, 2022: Canada's first space-tech law group; Mitacs innovation awards; funding Canada's climate adaptation strategy; updating Canada's code development system, and more
Corporate law firm aims to fill a gap in Canada’s growing space tech industry; Mitacs recognizes innovation, leadership and commercialization at Ottawa awards ceremony; Environment and Climate Change Canada earmarks $1.6 billion in Canada’s first national climate adaptation strategy; a new model for the National Model Codes development system, and more.
Latest Issue:
Number 11
Volume 36 November 23 2022
Editorial: The price of everything, the value of a lot more
Where once we had visions of space travel for all, today we share an enticing dream of digital power. Both visions warrant a reality check.
Academic promotion and tenure: Where’s the connection to community?
Research publications in “prestigious” journals and teaching performance far outweigh community service in assessing academic promotion and tenure, even though some of the criteria are flawed.
Busy committee members report in person
The Canada Research Coordinating Committee continues to focus on leading challenges in R&D and innovation. One of those challenges — a lack of live venues for talking about them — was finally overcome at this year’s Canadian Science Policy Conference.
Carless drivers — not driverless cars — are reshaping Canada’s transportation landscape
We have heard plenty about the daunting social, economic, and technical challenges of driverless cars. Now spare a thought for the easy gains already being made by carless drivers.
Looking offshore for new carbon sinks
Researchers have generally looked on land for places to store carbon to mitigate climate climate change. A team led by the University of Victoria is now looking around Canada’s extensive coastline for undersea sites that might do an even better job.
Opinion Leader: Time is right for investment and policy action to boost cleantech innovation
Opinion Leader: With the market and investors onboard, now is the time for investment and policy action to boost clean tech innovation, says Andrew White, CEO of Toronto-based CHAR Technologies.
Investment and innovation on the menu for Canada’s plant-based food industry
Sales have slumped but investment and innovation continue in Canada’s plant-based food industry – backed by strong federal support — according to speakers at the first international Plant Forward conference.
Agri-food sector still seeking recipe for IP and innovation
As one of the world’s leading food producers, Canada has a lot at stake in how it manages research and innovation in this sector. This year’s annual meeting of the Agri-food Innovation Council covered the many points of consensus and debate.
The Short Report – November 9, 2022: Feds and Alberta invest $461M in hydrogen plant; new cybersecurity task force; Canada in top 15 “talent competitive” countries, open science awards, and more
The Short Report – November 22, 2022: Feds order Chinese divestment in critical minerals; new cybersecurity task force; Canada in top 15 “talent competitive” countries, open science awards, and more
Billion Dollar Babies: BioVectra does pharma’s heavy lifting
When pharmaceutical companies are ready to ramp up the output of their products, they turn to BioVectra.
Treasuring talent, and spending accordingly
As attractive as many Canadians believe their country to be, much more has to be done to make it look that way to the skilled individuals whose contributions should make Canada even more attractive.
Opinion Leader: Community-owned innovation meets community-based challenges
Opinion Leader: Innovations work best when developed by communities closest to the challenge, say Karlee Silver and Jocelyn Mackie, co-CEOs of Grand Challenges Canada.
Academic tenure should be replaced with better alternatives, professor says
Academic tenure should be replaced with better alternatives, says a professor at Texas State University who has been waging a 10-year legal battle over his outspoken views on tenure.
The Short Report – November 23, 2022: $1.2 billion for Oceans Protection Plan projects; Ontario’s AI sector growing; Attabotics raises US$71 million; feds failing on cybersecurity risks; and more
The Short Report – November 23, 2022: $1.2 billion for Oceans Protection Plan projects; Ontario’s AI sector growing; Attabotics raises US$71 million; feds failing on cybersecurity risks; and more
Balancing an export equation: doing well while doing good
Export Development Canada juggles the need to confront Canada’s shrinking profile in global markets and make the most of the country’s abundant energy resources, while also setting social and environment priorities to address climate change.
Age no barrier to entrepreneurship in Canada
A lot of older Canadians are happily retiring. And a lot are happy to keep working, in a wide variety of occupations.
The Short Report – November 16, 2022: $43M for Canada’s first lunar rover; Alberta gets advanced diagnostics centre; Vancouver has highest tech job growth; Oceans Protection Plan reports; and more
The Short Report – November 16, 2022: $43M for Canada’s first lunar rover; Alberta gets advanced diagnostics centre; Vancouver has highest tech job growth; Oceans Protection Plan reports; and more
Fall Economic Statement — reruns from spring and trailers for future releases
The federal Fall Economic Statement had more to say about last spring’s budget than anything new for this season. Meanwhile, many more details will not be available for week or months to come.
No charge, but plenty of value
Neutrons — more specifically, useful beams of them — have become a scarce economic and scientific commodity in Canada. A newly formed organization intends to restore this valuable resource for research and innovation.
Canada's got talent — and employers can find it
Innovative hiring practices make the most of a diverse work force, by helping employers look at their needs — and potential job candidates — in new ways.
Mining feels public love, and the market pressure
Canadians support the environmentally positive potential of the country’s mining sector. According to the Mining Association of Canada, governments need to catch up with this public sentiment.
The Short Report – November 2, 2022: National Women’s Health Research Initiative; Ted Rogers Centre for Health Research receives $90 million; Canadian VC funding declines; Gairdner Awards; and more
The Short Report – November 2, 2022: National Women’s Health Research Initiative launched; Ted Rogers Centre for Health Research receives $90 million; VC funding declines across Canadian ecosystems; Gairdner Award winners feted; and more
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