Science Canada: 05/22/09

Annual general meeting Industry conference will focus on the harnessing of innovation
May 21, 2009
John Shmuel
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL
http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/675310

Japan, San Marino top WHO's life expectancy report

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:36 AM

May 21, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/05/21/life-expectancy-who.html

Swine flu immunity higher in older adults: CDC

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:35 AM

May 21, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/05/21/swine-flu-who-cdc.html

Thaliaceans and the carbon cycle: The jelly cycle

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:35 AM

A hitherto unknown way of burying carbon at the bottom of the sea
May 21, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13688170

Satellites and global health: Remote diagnosis

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:35 AM

Satellite data can suggest when and where epidemics will strike next
May 21, 2009
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13688152

Ideal dose of sunshine vitamin?

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:34 AM

New dosage recommendation doubles Cancer Society guidelines
May 22, 2009
Martin Mittelstaedt
Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/ideal-dose-of-sunshine-vitamin/article1148068/

High school project a master's stroke

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:34 AM

Teens bring home major science award for independent research into cancerous cells
May 22, 2009
Sarah O'Donnell
The Edmonton Journal
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Health/High+school+project+master+stroke/1618554/story.html

Mac study to explore mysteries of aging

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:34 AM

May 22, 2009
Wade Hemsworth
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/570202

Vaccine could lower RSV infections among Inuit children: researcher

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:33 AM

May 21, 2009
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/05/21/nunavut-rsv-study.html

Chalk River reactor could face prolonged shutdown

Posted by Jeff Sharom at 11:33 AM

May 21, 2009
The Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/05/21/chalk-river-reactor.html

WELCOME TO SCIENCE CANADA

The goal of the Science Canada website is to highlight science policy issues in Canada's political arena and media.

Science policy is the discipline that lies at the interface of the scientific enterprise and public administration. It encompasses two related and complementary spheres: (i) “policy for science” – strategies for managing and enhancing the conduct of scientific research; and (ii) “science for policy” – mechanisms by which scientific knowledge informs government decision-making. Science Canada aims to keep you up-to-date on recent developments on both fronts.

PS - In the interests of promoting healthy debate and reflecting the full marketplace of ideas, links to many types of opinion pieces are posted here... including ones with which I may strongly disagree. (Don't interpret a link to an editorial as an endorsement of its point of view.)

Happy reading!

Jeff Sharom

Connect with Jeff Sharom on LinkedIn or Nature Network.

Why Science Canada?

Canadian scientific community suffers from lack of active engagement in decision making processes, dynamic network of science advocacy and lobbying. That is due to various factors but mainly lack of strong professional associations, and as result frail networks, and absence of science policy discourse in the mainstream of Canadian society. However the involvement of scientists at decision making levels differs in different provinces depending on the degree of cosy relationship and personal friendship between the scientists and policy makers rather than strong professional and systematic engagement.

In United States, there are numerous research centers, and many scientists that are being trained in science policy, numerous networks and organization which provide a strong base for science policy discourse and strong lobby for science in mainstream of the society. One of the latest examples of this effective science lobby in the United States is the efforts to hold a debate dedicated to science and technology between the candidates in 2008 presidential race. There has already been one public debate of scientific advisers of both democratic presidential candidates, and the efforts to convince the final two candidates to dedicate one debate to science and technology has been continued. Regardless of appropriateness of such debate, the fact that serious efforts are present and has taken momentum somehow that according to polls 85% of voters agree with having one debate on science issues , indicates that science policy discourse in the United States is in the mainstream of American society.

It is time for Canadian scientific community to start bringing science into mainstream of Canadian society and get engage in policy making processes. The necessity of dynamic scientific community being involved at policy making levels, in collaboration with social scientists, technology experts, engineers, government officials, policy makers and private sector, has not ever been more urgent. It is up to Canadian scientists to recognize the need and starts preparing essentials for this goal.

Mehrdad Hariri

Science Canada

Alberta a 'leader' on climate change

Carbon tax beats cap-and-trade for curbing emissions

Get ready for hurricanes, Environment Canada warns

'Green' benefits of nuclear power touted, rejected

GTA gets year's first smog advisory

Manufacturing sector 'undergoing a metamorphosis'

Japan, San Marino top WHO's life expectancy report

Swine flu immunity higher in older adults: CDC

Thaliaceans and the carbon cycle: The jelly cycle

Satellites and global health: Remote diagnosis

Ideal dose of sunshine vitamin?

High school project a master's stroke

Mac study to explore mysteries of aging

Vaccine could lower RSV infections among Inuit children: researcher

Chalk River reactor could face prolonged shutdown

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