Dr. Alex T. Bielak Director, Science and Technology Liaison, Environment Canada

Biography:
Dr. Alex Bielak is Environment Canada’s first-ever Director, Science and Technology Liaison. He leads a dynamic group whose mission is communicating science knowledge to targeted audiences and linking science with policy development. A key architect of EC's new Publishing Policy and S&T online presence, his group has developed an acclaimed suite of innovative knowledge translation and brokering tools and approaches, including searchable databases of EC Scientists (EC S&T Expert) and Publications (EC Science Alert). Prior to his current assignment, this "salmon biologist gone wrong" spent over a year as A/Director General, S&T Strategies Directorate in EC’s new S&T Branch, where he set up the Directorate and led the team developing the Department’s new Science Plan. A NATO Scholar, he previously held senior positions with the National Water Research Institute, NGOs, and other federal and provincial government departments. Alex is a dynamic and widely published speaker and an alumnus of the Banff Centre’s inaugural Science Communications Residency (program led by Jay Ingram): His expertise is sought in Canada and internationally as an authority on science communications, and knowledge translation and brokering. He serves on numerous Boards and Committees and recent recognition of his professional and volunteer activities includes a University of Waterloo Science Faculty "Distinguished Alumni Award" on the occasion of UW’s 50th Anniversary.

Abstract:
Improving the science-policy interface continues to attract international interest and there is increasing recognition of the important role of knowledge-brokering intermediaries in bringing these distinct communities together. Based on concrete examples, this presentation rejects this session's premise, that “Canada lags behind the rest of the world,” at least as far as this part of the science-policy equation is concerned: Much can be achieved by individuals or small groups with relatively few resources, and we suggest a path forward for the international community to build on and contribute to Canadian experience in this domain.