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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261013T130000
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UID:35888-1791896400-1791901800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:The Arctic & Northern Sovereignty: Infrastructure as a Catalyst
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada’s northern vastness is facing unprecedented geopolitical scrutiny and climate-driven transformation. Under Pillar 5 of the DIS\, federal defence investments in the Arctic must serve a dual purpose: expanding continental defence readiness and NORAD modernization while acting as a structural catalyst for long-term economic self-reliance in Northern and Indigenous communities. This panel moves past high-level sovereignty rhetoric to examine the tangible deployment of remote infrastructure. Focusing on overland and community-level assets\, panelists will discuss the scaling of remote telecommunications\, ruggedized green energy microgrids\, and multi-purpose transportation corridors capable of operating in severe permafrost conditions. Industry leaders and Northern stakeholders will analyze how to navigate complex jurisdictional overlaps and fast-track permitting timelines to build a resilient\, secure\, and self-sustaining Canadian North. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Moderator: Dr Ryan Connon (GNWT)Senior Knowledge Advisor for the Government of the Northwest TerritoriesSee Bio×Dr Ryan Connon (GNWT)\nDr. Ryan Connon is the Senior Knowledge Advisor for the Government of the Northwest Territories\, where he leads the development of long-term strategic research initiatives and territorial science policy. He works closely with territorial and federal departments\, Indigenous governments and organizations\, academic institutions\, and industry to promote collaborative research projects to support the integration of scientific\, Indigenous\, and other knowledge systems into government priorities. Ryan holds a Ph.D. in cold regions hydrology\, as well as adjunct faculty positions at Queen’s University and Wilfrid Laurier University. \nDr. Jessica M. Shadian President and CEO – Arctic360See Bio×Dr. Jessica M. Shadian\nDr. Jessica M. Shadian is President and CEO of Arctic360\, Canada’s Arctic think tank. She gained international recognition as an academic and researcher living in the Nordic Arctic after completing her dissertation research at the Scott Polar Research Institute\, Cambridge\, UK and Ph.D. (International Relations)\, University of Delaware (2006). Since moving to Canada in 2013\, her thought leadership on Arctic geopolitics\, infrastructure\, critical minerals\, and innovation has been sought by Canadian and European governments\, institutions\, industry\, and media. \nTracy St-DenisAssistant Deputy Minister\, Defence Coordination\, NWTSee Bio×Tracy St-Denis\nTracy St. Denis is a seasoned public service executive currently serving as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Defence Coordination for the Government of Northwest Territories\, where she leads strategic planning and territorial alignment for anticipated investments by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. Based in Yellowknife\, Canada\, she has spent decades driving public sector programs and economic development in the region. Her extensive career history with the territorial government includes senior leadership positions such as Assistant Deputy Minister of Programs and Services\, Assistant Deputy Minister of Economic Development\, and Director of Economic Diversification. In addition to her civil service achievements\, she actively supports community impact in the Canadian northwest as the Past Chair of the Board for the United Way Northwest Territories. \nKendra MacDonaldChief Executive Officer\nCanada’s Ocean Supercluster See Bio×Kendra MacDonald\nKendra MacDonald is the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster\, responsible for the accelerated development and commercialization of innovation that will solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in ocean.  Kendra is leading the change in the culture of doing business in ocean from coast-to-coast-to-coast\, increasing collaboration across ocean sectors and growing Canada’s ocean economy in a digital\, sustainable\, and inclusive way. In recognition of her leadership in building the Ocean Supercluster from the ground up\, Kendra has named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for the last five years and one of Canada’s Top Sustainability Leaders by Clean50 in 2022. \nPrior to leading Canada’s Ocean Supercluster\, Kendra was a Partner in Deloitte’s Risk Advisory practice and the Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global. \nKatherine Alivaktuk (Minich)Director of Inuit Qaijisarvingat at Inuit Tapiriit KanatamiSee Bio×Katherine Alivaktuk (Minich)\nKatherine Alivaktuk is the Director of Inuit Qaujisrvingat (cow-yee-sar-ving-at) at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. Currently Katherine oversees research partnerships that connect across Inuit Nunangat\, organizes ethics review for the Qanuitpitaa National Inuit Health Survey while promoting Inuit research priorities outline in the National Inuit Strategy on Research. \nJoseph Galimberti Director of Inuit Qaijisarvingat at Inuit Tapiriit KanatamiSee Bio×Joseph Galimberti \nJoseph Galimberti joined the PAL Group of Companies in 2018 as Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs. Prior to joining PAL\, Mr. Galimberti held a variety of executive positions\, including President of the Canadian Steel Producers Association\, Vice-President of Public and Corporate Affairs at Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada\, Director of Government and Community Relations at Air Canada\, and various roles with the Government of Canada. He is also the co-owner of a family business\, Broad Street Cycles\, in Victoria\, British Columbia and a former Trustee on the Board of Pearson College UWC. 
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/the-arctic-northern-sovereignty-infrastructure-as-a-catalyst/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Oct13_en.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261015T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261015T140000
DTSTAMP:20261008T205915Z
CREATED:20260914T215149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T205915Z
UID:35539-1792067400-1792072800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Who Defines Research Impact?
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingThis panel convenes leaders from academia\, policy\, and research administration to address a central question in Canadian higher education: what counts as meaningful research performance\, and who defines it? Metrics\, rankings\, and funding outcomes are extensively used as proxies for quality. Yet evaluation systems do more than measure performance; they shape research agendas\, career trajectories\, funding decisions\, and institutional priorities. \nFormal assessment frameworks establish expectations\, while informal practices influence how those expectations are interpreted and applied. Panelists will examine how these systems distribute recognition\, opportunity\, and resources\, and how they affect equity\, researcher well-being\, curiosity-driven inquiry\, interdisciplinary collaboration\, and the broader public value of research. \nTim Evans will moderate a discussion to explore practical alternatives that align evaluation with diverse forms of research contribution while maintaining rigor\, accountability\, and public trust. \nThe discussions will be illuminated by panelists with diverse expertise and experience including research policy\, global reform initiatives like DORA\, funding systems\, and community‑engaged research. This range allows a direct examination of how concepts like excellence\, impact\, knowledge mobilization\, return on investment\, viz. valorisation\, are defined and operationalized in practice. The session invites a candid exchange on how research assessment can evolve to better recognize diverse forms of excellence\, support healthy research cultures\, and strengthen the contribution of research as a public good in Canada. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Tim Evans Vice-President\, Research\, Innovation and Impact at Concordia UniversitySee Bio×Tim Evans\nTim Evans is Vice-President\, Research\, Innovation and Impact at Concordia University. He earned a medical degree from McMaster University and a DPhil in agricultural economics from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. \nBefore joining Concordia\, Evans was the inaugural director and associate dean of the School of Population and Global Health at McGill University\, where he also served as associate vice-president of global policy and innovation. He was executive director of Canada’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force and held senior leadership roles at the World Bank\, the World Health Organization and BRAC University. \nThroughout his career\, Evans has played a key role in advancing global health initiatives. He co-founded Gavi\, the Vaccine Alliance\, led the World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health and worked to expand access to HIV treatment and midwifery training in Bangladesh. \nDr. Kelly CobeyScientist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Associate Professor in Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of OttawaSee Bio×Dr. Kelly Cobey\nDr. Kelly Cobey is a scientist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Associate Professor in Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa. She is currently Co-Chair of the international Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)\, the leading global initiative promoting the reform of how research and researchers are evaluated. Her research focuses on meta-research\, open science implementation\, research integrity\, and responsible metrics\, with particular expertise in the health sciences. [sfdora.org]\, [ottawaheart.ca] \nDr. Nadine CaronAdvocate for marginalized peoples’ rights in health care and researchSee Bio×Dr. Nadine Caron\nDr. Nadine Caron is an advocate for marginalized peoples’ rights in health care and research. Her scholarly and professional activities centre on optimizing Indigenous and northern Canadians’ health\, and addressing inequities in access to surgical services\, cancer care\, prescription medications and research. \nJesse Vincent-HerscoviciPresident and Chief Executive Officer of AxelysSee Bio×Jesse Vincent-Herscovici\nJesse Vincent-Herscovici is President and Chief Executive Officer of Axelys\, the organization mandated by the Government of Québec to support the development and transfer of innovations stemming from public research. He has nearly 20 years of experience in leadership\, strategic development\, and partnership building across the research and innovation sector. \nIn Québec\, he actively contributes to discussions with government and key ecosystem stakeholders on strategic directions and public policies shaping research and innovation. His expertise spans the commercialization of public research\, intellectual property\, technology maturation\, technology transfer\, and bringing innovations to market. \nAt the Canadian level\, he also engages with decision-makers and government bodies on the conditions needed to increase the economic and societal impact of research. He appeared on several occasions before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research. \nCarole JabetVice-president Research\, Scientific Direction – Life Science SectorSee Bio×Carole Jabet\nCarole Jabet is Vice-president Research\, Scientific direction – Life Science sector\, for the Fonds de recherche du Québec\, where she works to support excellence in health research\, recognized worldwide and which contributes to the well-being of the population. During her career\, she participated in the establishment of research funding programs and structuring projects and in the establishment of partnerships with high added value with private\nand public actors in the health sector. She actively contributes to the definition and implementation of initiatives facilitating the development and implementation of innovations in the health care network. \nCarole Jabet is an engineer from the Ecole Centrale de Lyon and a PhD in molecular biophysics from the École Centrale de Paris\, a postdoctoral fellow in the Biophysics department of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She has held positions for technical and economic evaluation of innovations and for strategic management of scientific affairs (VP\, Scientific Affairs – Genome Québec; partner at CapCOGITO; Deputy Director of Research at the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal – CHUM). Madame Jabet sits on the boards of FRQ\, CQDM\, QIS\, Montreal InVivo\, Axelys and Mères avec Pouvoir. \nDaniel W. LangEmeritus Professor in the Department of Theory and Policy Studies\, University of TorontoSee Bio×Daniel W. Lang\nDaniel W. Lang is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Theory and Policy Studies at the University of Toronto\, where he previously was Vice Provost\, Planning and Budget\, Vice-President\, Computing and \nCommunications\, and Senior Policy Advisor to the President. He is a recipient of the Palgrave Prize from the International Association of Universities\, the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education\, Distinguished Member Award\, the University of Toronto Arbor Award\, and the Papal Order of St. Gregory. His governing board memberships include the Center for Research Libraries (Treasurer)\, Algoma University\, the Toronto School of Theology\, Saint Augustine’s Seminary\, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning\, and King’s University College (Vice-chair and Treasurer). He was editor of the Canadian Journal of Higher Education\, 1976-1980. As head coach of the University of Toronto Varsity baseball team\, he was named OUA Coach of the Year twice and All-Star Coach once. He is a member of the University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame and recipient of the OUA John McManus Award.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/who-defines-research-impact/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Oct15_en.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261019T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261019T143000
DTSTAMP:20261007T154925Z
CREATED:20261005T155849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T154925Z
UID:36282-1792414800-1792420200@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Accelerating Innovation: Modernizing R&D Support and the BOREALIS Mechanism
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada possesses a world-class research ecosystem across its post-secondary institutions and polytechnics\, yet translating raw R&D into scalable\, defence-grade commercial products remains a persistent challenge. This session focuses on the operationalization of Pillar 3 of the DIS\, specifically analyzing the mechanisms of federal research support and the deployment of the new BOREALIS defence innovation model. Bringing together leaders from the National Research Council (NRC)\, the U15 research universities\, and industrial R&D partners\, this panel will critique current funding and technology-transfer pipelines. The conversation will focus on how to build highly coordinated sandboxes\, optimize rapid prototyping pathways\, and align government innovation programs to better match the commercial speed of industry. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Sarah Watts-RynardChief Executive Officer \nPolytechnics Canada See Bio×Sarah Watts-Rynard\nSarah Watts-Rynard assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Polytechnics Canada in July 2018.  Prior to this role\, she served as Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum\, supporting Canada’s apprenticeship community with research\, promotion and by connecting stakeholders across trades\, across sectors and across Canada.  \nSarah has a degree in Journalism and English from Carleton University.  Since graduating\, she has built a career that includes time in government\, the private sector and at skills-focused non-profit organizations.  She has experience related to non-profit governance\, fundraising\, advocacy and marketing.  She leads a team of passionate and dedicated employees committed to high-quality skills and innovation policy\, reflecting the strengths of polytechnic education in Canada.  In 2018\, Sarah was awarded an honorary diploma in the Skilled Trades by Niagara College.  \nSarah is Chair of the CWB Welding Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science\, Engineering\, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre). \nMartin ChampouxActing Director\, Strategic Partnerships\, DRDCSee Bio×Martin Champoux\nMartin is a seasoned public servant with over 30 years experience in the areas of defence\, national security\, and public safety. This experience includes various roles in the Department of National Defence and Defence Research and Development Canada\, emergency management policy and operational roles with Public Safety Canada and policy positions within the Privy Council Office’s Security and Intelligence Secretariat and Democratic Institutions Unit. In addition to his work with the federal government\, Martin served as a civilian senior officer with the Ottawa Police Service. \nJulie St-PierreVice-President\, Research and Innovation\,\nUniversity of Ottawa See Bio×Julie St-Pierre\nJulie St-Pierre is the Vice-President\, Research and Innovation of the University of Ottawa. \nShe was awarded BSc and MSc degrees from Laval University before earning her doctorate at the University of Cambridge\, England. As a post-doctoral fellow\, Julie St-Pierre conducted research in both Europe and the United States\, including at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. From 2008 to 2017\, she was an assistant professor and then full professor at McGill University\, where she co-established a core facility in metabolomics and co-led it for eight years. \nIn 2017\, the University of Ottawa recruited her and she established a similar core facility at the Faculty of Medicine. Today she is a full professor in the Faculty’s Department of Biochemistry\, Microbiology and Immunology. \nHer research deals with metabolomics\, a science based on powerful technology that serves to deepen our understanding of the metabolic states of physiological and pathological conditions. Julie St-Pierre is especially interested in how metabolic adaptations in breast cancer can fuel therapeutic resistance. \nBefore her appointment as Interim Vice-President\, Julie St-Pierre had been Associate Vice-President\, Research Support and Infrastructure within the Office of Vice-President\, Research and Innovation since 2023.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/accelerating-innovation-modernizing-rd-support-and-the-borealis-mechanism/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Oct19-EN-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261027T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261027T133000
DTSTAMP:20261005T163441Z
CREATED:20260930T144914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T163441Z
UID:36285-1793102400-1793107800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Foundation of the Base: Securing Supply Chains for Critical Minerals\, Steel\, and Aluminum
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingAdvanced defence manufacturing—from aerospace alloys and naval hulls to military-grade energy storage and munitions—is entirely dependent on secure access to raw materials and intermediate processing. Moving beyond extraction\, Pillar 4 of the DIS underscores the strategic necessity of domestic refining and supply chain resilience. This panel brings together executives from Canada’s critical minerals\, steel\, and aluminum sectors to address vulnerabilities stemming from foreign input dependencies and geopolitical supply shocks. The discussion will map out a roadmap to build domestic production capacity\, accelerate infrastructure investments for strategic processing\, and establish closer alignment between continental defence procurement and Canada’s broader critical industrial materials strategies. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Moderator: Isabella ChenSenior Assistant Deputy MinisterSee Bio×Isabella Chan\nIsabella Chan has over 20 years of experience working in the public sector at the federal and provincial levels. She joined Natural Resources Canada in April 2024 as the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the Lands and Minerals Sector. Prior to this role\, she worked at the Privy Council Office as the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet\, Social Development Policy\, and as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch at Health Canada. Isabella has also occupied a number of executive positions at Finance Canada and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat\, including the role of Director General\, Intergovernmental Tax Policy\, Evaluation and Research Division in the Tax Policy Branch\, and Executive Director\, Social and Cultural Sector. \nHeather Exner-PirotSenior Fellow and Director of Natural Resources\, Energy\, and Environment\nMacdonald-Laurier Institute See Bio×Heather Exner-Pirot\nHeather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Natural Resources\, Energy\, and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. She  serves as a Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada\, and Managing Editor of the Arctic Yearbook. She is an internationally recognized scholar and policy expert whose work focuses on natural resource development\, energy security\, critical minerals\, Arctic governance\, Indigenous economic participation\, and Canadian competitiveness. \nDr. Exner-Pirot has held board and fellowship appointments with Indigenous\, Canadian and international institutions and is a frequent contributor to public policy discussions on resource development\, trade\, energy\, and northern affairs. Her research emphasizes practical approaches to strengthening Canada’s economic prosperity\, resilience\, and strategic position through responsible development of its natural resources. \nJean SimardPresident and CEO\, Aluminium Association of Canada See Bio×Jean Simard\nAs President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC) since 2009\, Jean Simard is the industry’s official representative and spokesperson with governments\, business associations and the media\, as well as with international organizations linked to the industry. \nMr. Simard holds a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Barreau du Québec. He possesses extensive professional experience in public policy and government relations\, mainly in sustainable development\, energy and environmental affairs. Prior to joining the AAC\, he was Vice-President Sustainable Development\, Public and Governmental Affairs\, at Gaz Métro\, a Quebec-based energy company. \nMr. Simard represents the AAC at the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) and at the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). He is a member of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee of the Quebec Industrial Aluminium Cluster (Alu Québec)\, as well as a member of the Board (Treasurer) of the Conseil patronal de l’environnement du Québec (CPEQ). Co-founder and member of the Board and Steering committee of SWITCH\, the Alliance for a greener economy\, he is one of the Leaders of the Canadian Smart Prosperity initiative. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices.He recently founded and co-chairs the Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC) focused on U.S. tariffs\, and CUSMA renewal. He was recently appointed by the Government of Canada to the new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations. \nHe received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in January 2025. This distinction was awarded in recognition of his contribution to promoting Canadian aluminium. \nAmanda Hall CEO and Founder of Summit Lithium TechnologiesSee Bio×Amanda Hall\nAmanda Hall is the CEO and Founder of Summit Lithium Technologies\, a Canadian technology company advancing direct lithium extraction (DLE) to meet rapidly growing demand from electric vehicles and large‑scale energy storage. With more than 20 years as a professional geophysicist\, she leads the development of high‑performance\, responsible extraction technology built for modern battery supply chains. Amanda holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology/Physics (University of Toronto) and Geophysics (University of Calgary. She was the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of The Year® Prairies Winner\, a Business Insider Climate Action 30 honouree\, and the top innovator in the MaRS Women in Cleantech Challenge. 
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/foundation-of-the-base-securing-supply-chains-for-critical-minerals-steel-and-aluminum/
CATEGORIES:Innovation Virtual Series,Innovation Virtual Series 2026,Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Oct27_en.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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