Positioning Canada as a global research leader

October 7, 2016

News

Universities Canada’s submission to federal science review focuses on mobilizing people and ideas

OTTAWA – The time is right for Canada to become a leader in global research excellence and a strategic approach to supporting discovery research and top talent will get us there.  That’s the main message of Universities Canada’s recommendations to the federal government’s expert panel on funding for fundamental science.

In its September 30 submission, Universities Canada calls for investments that will position Canada for global scientific leadership. These include globally competitive funding for discovery research through the federal granting councils, and the advancement of a talent agenda to attract and support world-leading researchers at Canadian universities. Support for global research partnerships and for interdisciplinary collaboration is also essential to bolstering Canadian capacity for global excellence in a wide range of fields.

Universities Canada also recommends sustained, predictable, multi-year funding for the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the development of a big science framework to be implemented by the CFI in consultation with key stakeholders.

“Fundamental science – across all disciplines, from the natural sciences to the humanities – is the cornerstone of social and economic breakthroughs,” says Paul Davidson, president of Universities Canada. “Our recommendations reflect the need to fully support the work of talented researchers on campuses across Canada, and enable them to be both multidisciplinary and international in their research. We have an opportunity right now to set an ambitious agenda for a more innovative, prosperous and globally-connected Canada.”

Universities Canada also made recommendations to the federal Innovation Agenda consultations.

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About Universities Canada
Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.

Media contact:

Lisa Wallace
Assistant Director, Communications
Universities Canada
[email protected]

Tagged:  Research and innovation