Dr. Suzanne Fortier

Biography:
Dr. Suzanne Fortier has served as President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) since January 2006.

Before her appointment to this position, Dr. Fortier was a member of Queen’s University as Professor in both the Department of Chemistry and the School of Computing. She also served as Vice-Principal (Research) from 1995 to 2000 and Vice-Principal (Academic) from 2000 to 2005.

Dr. Fortier is currently a member of the Ontario Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress, and the Board of Directors of the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Abstract:
The Canadian Economy -From Resource Based to Knowledge-Driven- : Perspective from NSERC

Suzanne Fortier, President, NSERC

Advanced knowledge is the key to securing a strong position in the highly competitive global economy Unparalleled increases in both the pace and scope of scientific discoveries are continuously redefining the frontiers of knowledge and most countries, including Canada, are taking steps to develop and nurture their capacity to explore and exploit these frontiers.

The current economic crisis has increased the need for all Canadian economic sectors, including those that are based upon more traditional manufacturing or natural resources, to become and to remain agile and competitive through up-to-date science and technology. Connecting and applying the strength of the academic research system to address the opportunities and challenges of building prosperity for Canada is crucial and urgent. To address this need, NSERC will be launching in the Fall its renewed Strategy for Partnerships and Innovation.