Science Advisor Appointed to the National Research Council

OTTAWA, Sept. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - The National Research Council's (NRC) first Science Advisor and Chief Science Officer, Dr. Danial Wayner, was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Dr. Wayner will report directly to the NRC's President, Iain Stewart. He will ensure that the NRC's strategic plans; new program proposals and peer review processes; and the development of NRC researchers achieve a standard of research excellence. During his three-year mandate, he will also work in close collaboration with Canada's Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, and a network of Science Advisors from other science-based departments and agencies.

The National Research Council of Canada is the Government of Canada's largest research organization. It is a key part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and of Budget 2018's commitment to supporting Canada's researchers to build a more innovative economy.

Quotes

"Today's announcement of Dr. Wayner as the first Science Advisor to the National Research Council supports the broader efforts of our government to ensure that our programs and policies are informed by research and evidence. I fully anticipate that Dr. Wayner's insight and advice will help the NRC continue to play a key role in making Canada a world leader in research and innovation."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Our government understands how critical science is to evidence-based decision-making, innovation and a strong economy. That is why we are establishing a network of departmental science advisors across government. Congratulations to Dr. Wayner, our most recently appointed science advisor, who will play an important role in advancing research excellence and collaboration at the National Research Council."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport

"I commend the National Research Council on the appointment of its first science advisor and welcome Dr. Wayner to the growing network of departmental science advisors. I look forward to working together to promote Canadian science and scientists, encourage collaborations across sectors and help ensure that evidence informs government decision-making."

- Dr. Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor of Canada

"Dr. Wayner has provided strong leadership and a credible voice for the NRC and the Government of Canada throughout his career: building research and development partnerships and collaborations with industry, academia, other government departments as well as with international organizations in North America, Europe and Asia. As a researcher, he has demonstrated excellence in his career and I look forward to working closely with him to support scientific excellence."

- Iain Stewart, President, National Research Council

"I am excited to have the opportunity to have the opportunity to play a role in continuing to advance the NRC's stellar reputation for delivering world-class science, technology and innovation to Canadians. I also look forward to supporting Canada's Chief Science Advisor in her role to ensure that science advice continues to be an important consideration in evidence-based decision-making and public policy‎."

- Danial Wayner, the NRC's Science Advisor to the President

Quick facts

• Dr. Wayner's contributions as a scientist have been recognized with a number of awards including election as Fellows of both the Royal Society of Canada and the Chemical Institute of Canada.
• Dr. Wayner was the founding Director General of the National Institute for Nanotechnology in Edmonton and later the Director General of the Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences.
• As VP, Emerging Technologies, Dr. Wayner oversaw NRC programs that carried out leading scientific research and technology development in a wide range of areas that included quantum information, nanotechnology, optical telecom, machine learning, metrology and astronomy.

Twitter: @nrc_cnrc

SOURCE National Research Council Canada

Media Relations, National Research Council Canada, 613-991-1431, 1-855-282-1637, [email protected]