Canada's Minister of Science meets with top U.S. science officials to discuss cross-border research and collaboration Français
WASHINGTON, DC, May 4, 2017 /CNW/ - The United States has no closer friend, ally or partner than Canada. Our close relationship and ongoing collaboration include generations of American and Canadian scientists working together to make discoveries, meet challenges and build a prosperous future for people on both sides of the border.
Canadian and American scientists collaborate on countless joint research efforts such as Arctic research on the Canadian-operated Amundsen icebreaker and past missions on the International Space Station.
To support the ongoing success of cross-border scientific collaborations, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, today met in Washington, D.C., with top U.S. science officials, including Congressman Lamar Smith, Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; Dr. France Córdova, Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF); and Dr. Kelly Falkner, Head of the NSF Office of Polar Programs. Minister Duncan and her U.S. colleagues discussed the challenges and opportunities involved in supporting a robust culture of scientific excellence, including how to further scientific cooperation in the Arctic and polar-regions.
Minister Duncan also spoke at a reception at the Embassy of Canada honouring Canada's most recent Nobel laureate, Dr. Arthur McDonald, who was in Washington to be granted membership in the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Membership is a widely accepted mark of excellence in science and is considered one of the highest honours that a scientist can receive. Dr. McDonald shares this honour with another fellow Canadian who was recently elected to the National Academy, Nancy M. Reid, a statistician from the University of Toronto who has worked on theoretical statistics and has developed more accurate and efficient methods of statistical analysis.
Quotes
"The ongoing cooperation among Canadian and American scientists yields new knowledge and important outcomes that support our economy, create new jobs and help build a prosperous future for citizens on both sides of the border. I look forward to supporting Canadian scientists as they continue to build on their successful research relationships with their colleagues and counterparts in the United States. After all, science knows no boundaries or borders.
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
Quick facts
- This was Minister Duncan's third trip to Washington on official business in 14 months. She previously travelled there to take part in the first-ever White House Arctic Science Ministerial. On behalf of the Government of Canada, Minister Duncan signed a joint statement on Arctic collaboration with science ministers and representatives from 25 governments and the European Union.
- The Government of Canada has worked hard to ensure science and evidence-based decision-making are at the heart of government policy.
- Collaboration with our international colleagues, such as those from the United States, helps inform the Government of Canada's science policy, which contributes to growing the economy and supporting a stronger middle class.
Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Stéfanie Power, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science, 343-291-2600; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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