Dr. Rees Kassen

Biography:
Dr Rees Kassen is associate professor and University Research Chair in Experimental Evolution at the University of Ottawa. He is also Chair of the Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE), an association of over 25 professional and scientific organizations representing 50,000 members from academia, industry and government. He completed his PhD at McGill University and then went on to an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship and Elizabeth Wordsworth Research Fellowship at St Hugh’s College, Oxford. Dr Kassen is known internationally for his integrative approach to the study of biodiversity and pioneering work using microbes to study evolutionary and ecological processes in the laboratory.

Abstract:
The Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE) was formed in 1995 as a cooperative association of national science and engineering organizations representing academia, government, and industry. Member organizations work together, and in a collegial spirit with government, to advance research and innovation for the benefit of Canadians. We are not a lobby group: we do not seek to advance specific initiatives nor do we ask directly for money. Rather, we address broader issues of science and engineering policy at the national level. PAGSE has built over the years a solid reputation with parliamentarians and decision makers as a credible and valued source of advice and information on scientific and engineering issues. The presentation will discuss the strategies PAGSE uses to make the opinions of the scientific research community known to Government and to educate parliamentarians and decision makers on topical issues of a scientific nature.