Canada as a world innovation leader, goal of Fundamental Science Review

Ottawa, ON – Commissioned by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, the expert panel on Canada’s Fundamental Science Review released a comprehensive report today, Investing in Canada’s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research. The review provides the Government of Canada with a comprehensive strategy for making long-term improvements to the country’s research ecosystem.

The task force behind the report, led by David Naylor, Professor of Medicine, from the University of Toronto, called for a multi-year reinvestment to restore support for front-line research and strengthen Canada’s capacity for discovery and research excellence.

Recommendations also included improved coordination and collaboration among the four key federal research agencies, support for early-career researchers, increased funding for discovery research, and improved gender equity in science.

The panel was informed by a broad consultative process, including submissions from individuals, associations, and organizations, as well as roundtables with researchers in five cities. The review is the first of its kind in more than 40 years. Mitacs acknowledges each of the panel members whose invaluable input provides an opportunity to strengthen Canada’s position as a world leader in research and innovation.

Quote:

Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

“The Science Review signifies the importance of investing in Canada’s research community to support researchers at every career stage and in all disciplines. The Review is a road map that will ensure Canada’s world-class researchers can continue to make critically important contributions to science, industry, and society at large.”

Quick facts: 

• Mitacs is a national not-for-profit organization led by Canadian universities that has designed and delivered research and training programs in Canada for more than 17 years.
• Working with 60 universities, thousands of companies, and both federal and provincial governments, Mitacs builds partnerships that support industrial and social innovation in Canada.

Links:

• For information about Mitacs and our programs, see mitacs.ca/newsroom.
• To read the full report, see Investing in Canada’s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research.

Photo caption: Queen’s University and Mitacs intern Philippe Coté with Caroline Cloutier from Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Fuel Cell Division. Photo courtesy Thomas Maassen, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Fuel Cell Division.

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