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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260319T120000
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SUMMARY:Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research: Building Canadian Research Capacity in a Shifting Global Landscape
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingAs global geopolitical dynamics and trade relationships continue to evolve\, Canada must strengthen its self‑reliance in research and innovation. Building a robust pipeline of next‑generation scientific leaders is essential to ensuring the country’s long‑term competitiveness and societal resilience. This panel examines how Canada can strengthen its domestic research ecosystem at a time when cross‑border collaboration\, resources\, and IP protections are increasingly uncertain. \nSpeakers will explore the barriers facing early‑career researchers\, the value of national high‑risk\, high‑reward funding programs\, the importance of mentorship and support systems\, and the strategies that help trainees successfully transition to independent research careers\, all within the broader context of building a more resilient\, self‑sustaining Canadian research landscape. \nRegister HereFiona SandersonSenior Program Manager\, Brain Canada See Bio×Fiona Sanderson\nFiona Sanderson holds a doctorate degree from the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children\, where she investigated the parallels between brain development and the initiation and progression of malignant brain tumours. For over a decade\, Fiona has been managing research funding in various roles\, building expertise the Canadian academic\, healthcare\, and non-profit sectors. Fiona manages Brain Canada's Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research program\, advocating for funding for early-career researchers in Canada.   \nAaron PhillipsAssociate Dean (Innovation and Commercialization)\, Cumming School of Medicine\, University of Calgary See Bio×Aaron Phillips\nAaron Phillips was trained in experimental medicine\, mathematics\, and biosciences. He studies the interactions between the nervous and cardiovascular systems\, and how these interactions are disrupted in clinical conditions. His research has driven the development of enhanced monitoring and therapeutics for neurological and hemodynamic conditions. After obtaining the Banting Fellowship at the University of British Columbia (UBC)\, he established his laboratory at the University of Calgary in 2017. He is now a Professor within the departments of Clinical Neurosciences\, Biomedical Engineering\, Physiology & Pharmacology\, and Cardiac Sciences. Within the Foothills Medical Centre\, he is Director of RESTORE.network\, which is a multi-million dollar platform comprised of 30 investigators dedicated to developing translational technology for neurological injury. He has received awards such as the Science and PINS Prize in Neuromodulation from Science | AAS\, Libin Researcher of the Year\, the Brain Canada Leader\, the Arthur Guyton Award of Excellence in Integrative Medicine\, the Beverley Bishop Award for Neuroscience\, and the Top 40 Under 40 from Avenue Magazine. His lab publishes in top journals such as Nature (n=2)\, Nature Medicine\, and Circulation Research. He has nearly 20 patents\, many licensed to industry\, and also founded and leads a graduate-level course on commercializing medical neuro-technologies.  \nCindy BarhaAssistant Professor\, Faculty of Kinesiology\, University of Calgary See Bio×Cindy Barha\nDr. Cindy Barha\, PhD\, is an Assistant Professor and a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience\, Brain Health and Exercise in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She is the inaugural Women's Brain Health Initiative Future Leader in Canadian Brain Research. Dr. Barha is a multidisciplinary researcher with training in neuroscience\, epidemiology\, clinical trial methodology\, and neuroendocrinology. Her translational research program focuses on identifying biological factors driving sex differences in dementia risk and cognitive decline\, and understanding how physical activity interventions can promote healthy aging.   \nGrant BrunoAssistant Professor\, Department of Paediatrics\, University of Alberta See Bio×Grant Bruno\nDr. Grant Bruno is nêhiyaw (Plains Cree)\, a registered member of Samson Cree Nation located on Treaty 6 Territory\, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. As both a researcher and a parent to neurodivergent children\, his research seeks to create culturally responsive models of wellbeing that reflect the strengths and challenges of families\, particularly in the areas of neurodivergence and child and youth health. Drawing on nêhiyaw understandings of health and wellness\, he weaves together Indigenous knowledge systems and Western frameworks to foster inclusive and decolonized approaches to support children and youth with neurodevelopmental differences through community-centred research.   \nDr. Bruno is also the current Program Director for Indigenous Child and Youth Health for the Department of Pediatrics and the Academic Lead for Indigenous Child Health Research at the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI). He is the lead for the Ispimihk Awâsisak (Sky Children Program) and the Indigenous Caregiving Collective\, both of which centre the voices of families and caregivers in shaping programs and research focussed on supporting neurodivergent children and youth. He is currently the co-chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council for Canada's National Autism strategy and also serves as the Scientific Advisor\, Indigenous Initiatives for the Kids Brain Health Network\, where he continues to advocate for community-driven solutions that strengthen neurodivergent Indigenous child and youth health.  \nAllison SekulerPresident and Chief Scientist\, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation See Bio×Allison Sekuler\nDr. Allison Sekuler (FSEP\, FPsyS\, FAPS) is the President and Chief Scientist at the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI). A graduate of Pomona College (BA\, Mathematics and Psychology) and the University of California\, Berkeley (PhD\, Psychology)\, Dr. Sekuler is also the President and Chief Scientist and the Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience at the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education\, Professor at the University of Toronto\, and Professor Emerita at McMaster University. Dr. Sekuler has a notable record of scientific achievements in aging\, vision science\, cognitive neuroscience\, and neurotechnology; and her translational research aims to develop methods to prevent\, detect\, and treat age-related sensory and cognitive decline. \nShe has won numerous research and innovation leadership awards\, including being the first Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience (2001-2011) and one of WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (2019). Dr. Sekuler has a long record of executive leadership\, and currently chairs the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council’s Public Impact Value Proposition committee; serves on the Board of Governors for Hamilton Health Sciences and BrainsCAN; is a founding Steering Committee member of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy; is a Scientific Mentor in CDL’s Neuro stream; and is an advisor for SXSW Pitch. In her spare time\, she proves that you’re never too old to learn: Dr. Sekuler picked up her first set of drumsticks a few years ago\, and recently earned her Professional Drums Certificate from the Berklee College of Music. \nVeronique DugasPresident and Chief Executive Officer\, Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM) See Bio×Veronique Dugas\nVéronique Dugas has been President and Chief Executive Officer of CQDM since April 1\, 2025. A member of the organization since 2018\, she has held several strategic positions and played a key role in many of its major achievements. Notably\, she contributed to the management of the Fonds d'accélération des collaborations en santé (FACS) and to mobilizing the life sciences ecosystem around the Quebec's RNA hub (AReNA).  \nBefore joining CQDM\, Véronique worked in the field of research funding and the development of public-private collaborations at Mitacs.  \nShe holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the Faculty of Medicine at Université de Montréal. She later earned an MBA from ESG-UQAM and completed a graduate-level program in program\, project\, and service evaluation. More recently\, Véronique was selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Excellence in Governance Program for Canadian Boards\, offered by McGill University in partnership with Women in Bio.  \nMira PuriScientific Director\, Health\, Science and Research (HSR)\, Azrieli Foundation\, See Bio×Mira Puri\nMira Puri\, PhD\, is the Scientific Director\, Health\, Science and Research (HSR) at the\nAzrieli Foundation\, where she provides the scientific vision and leadership that guide\nthe Foundation’s funding in neuroscience\, neurodevelopment and health research. As\nthe Foundation’s chief scientific representative\, she shapes portfolio strategy\, leads\nmajor principallevel research initiatives and serves as a trusted voice in senior scientific\,\nacademic\, policy and public forums across Canada and Israel. \nBefore stepping into this role\, Mira spent eight years as Manager\, Science Initiatives\, at\nthe Azrieli Foundation\, helping to build and strengthen the Foundation’s growing\nhealthcare and research portfolio. She previously held an academic appointment in the\nDepartment of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto and served in research\nroles at the LunenfeldTanenbaum Research Institute\, Sunnybrook Health Sciences\nCentre and the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine. \nAcross her career\, Mira has worked at the intersection of basic\, translational and clinical\nscience\, advancing research excellence and building partnerships that accelerate\nimpact. She holds a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/future-leaders-in-canadian-brain-research/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
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ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260324T130000
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SUMMARY:Comment le Canada peut tirer parti de son bilinguisme pour renforcer sa collaboration scientifique et technologique à l’échelle mondiale
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCSPC célèbre la Francophonie avec un panel intitulé « Comment le Canada peut tirer parti de son bilinguisme pour renforcer sa collaboration scientifique et technologique à l’échelle mondiale ». Cet événement réunira des leaders du milieu de la recherche et de l’innovation afin d’explorer comment l’identité bilingue du Canada peut devenir un atout stratégique pour développer et approfondir les partenariats scientifiques et technologiques internationaux. \nLa discussion abordera notamment le rôle du bilinguisme dans la facilitation des collaborations scientifiques internationales\, les possibilités pour le Canada de renforcer ses liens avec des partenaires francophones et non francophones\, ainsi que la contribution des organismes nationaux de recherche et des universités à l’avancement de l’engagement international. \nJean-Pierre PerreaultRecteur\, Université de Sherbrooke See Bio×Jean-Pierre Perreault\nTitulaire d’un doctorat en biochimie de l’Université de Montréal\, le professeur Jean-Pierre Perreault a poursuivi une formation postdoctorale à l’Université de Yale avant d’intégrer la Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé de l’Université de Sherbrooke en 1993\, à titre de professeur en biochimie. Entre 2004 et 2017\, il a été successivement directeur du Département de biochimie\, doyen associé au développement de la Faculté et vice-doyen à la recherche et aux études supérieures. Vice-recteur à la recherche et aux études supérieures de 2017 à 2025\, il a notamment contribué à ce que l’UdeS se hisse à la 10e place au Canada pour les revenus de recherche. \nLe professeur Perreault a été partie prenante de la concrétisation de plusieurs projets majeurs\, dont la création d’un programme de bourses nominatives aux études supérieures soutenu par un fonds capitalisé de plus de 25 millions de dollars\, l’implication dans la Stratégie nationale quantique ou encore le financement du Pavillon de santé de précision et de recherche translationnelle et de la Bibliothèque du Campus de la santé de l’UdeS. \nÀ titre de chercheur en biochimie de l’ARN\, il a produit près de 900 communications scientifiques. Il a détenu la Chaire de recherche du Canada en génomique et ARN catalytique de 2005 à 2012 et il est titulaire de la Chaire de recherche de l’UdeS en structure et génomique de l’ARN. Il a piloté le développement de nouvelles applications en inactivation génique à partir des découvertes fondamentales de son laboratoire. Jean-Pierre Perreault a été le directeur fondateur du Centre d’excellence de recherche de la biologie de l’ARN (1999-2009) et l’un des cofondateurs du RiboClub\, un regroupement canadien de chercheuses et chercheurs ayant un intérêt pour l’étude de l’ARN. \nIl a représenté l’UdeS sur de nombreuses tribunes et auprès d’organismes québécois\, canadiens et internationaux. Il a notamment été président fondateur de la Société canadienne pour les biosciences moléculaires (2010-2011)\, président de l’Acfas (2021-2024)\, et membre des conseils d’administration du Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG)\, de l’Accélérateur de création d’entreprises technologiques (ACET)\, du Centre d’expertise en santé de Sherbrooke (CESS)\, du Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) et de l’Observatoire international sur les impacts sociétaux de l’IA et du numérique (OBVIA).  \nFrédéric BouchardProfesseur titulaire\, Département de philosophie\, Université de Montréal See Bio×Frédéric Bouchard\nProfesseur titulaire au Département de philosophie de l’Université de Montréal\, Frédéric Bouchard est depuis juin 2017\, le doyen de la Faculté des arts et des sciences. \nIl est actuellement président des conseils d’administration de la plateforme Érudit\, de BAnQ et de l’Institut de recherche en biologie végétale (IRBV)\, et membre du CA du MILA. \nEn septembre 2021\, il a été nommé membre de la Société royale du Canada (SRC). \nÀ l’automne 2022\, il a présidé le comité consultatif sur le système fédéral de soutien à la recherche qui a rendu\, en mars 2023\, un rapport avec des recommandations clés pour l’avenir du soutien fédéral à la recherche. \nMartine LagacéVice-rectrice associée\, promotion et développement de la recherche\, Professeure titulaire\, Université d’Ottawa See Bio×Martine Lagacé\nMartine Lagacé is currently Associate Vice-President\, Research Promotion & Development\, within the Office of the Vice-President\, Research and Innovation. She is a full professor in the Department of Communication and is affiliated with the School of Psychology. Professor Lagacé was Vice-Dean\, Governance\, of the Faculty of Arts from 2014 to 2018\, and Director of the Department of Communication from 2011 to 2012. In addition to her administrative experience\, she has extensive expertise in journalism\, having worked at Radio-Canada for more than 10 years. \nProfessor Lagacé’s research focuses on older adults and wellbeing. Her work greatly contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the psychosocial aspects of aging\, particularly as they relate to discrimination based on age. She has led several field surveys in Canada and abroad\, with workers as well as older adults\, to better understand the impact of age-based discrimination. In the francophone community\, her academic work on ageism has been groundbreaking. She has edited two books on the topic and regularly publishes articles in academic journals\, in both official languages. \nProfessor Lagacé has also contributed to several organizations\, including the National Seniors Council\, the Institut du savoir Montfort\, the LIFE Research Institute and the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal. She has forged several international research collaborations\, particularly in France and Italy. \nJanice BaileyVice‑présidente à la recherche et directrice scientifique\, Fonds de recherche du Québec – secteur Nature et technologies See Bio×Janice Bailey\nJanice L. Bailey est une dirigeante canadienne de la recherche et une administratrice scientifique dont la carrière est consacrée à l’avancement de la recherche interdisciplinaire et de l’excellence scientifique. Elle est actuellement vice‑présidente à la recherche et directrice scientifique du Fonds de recherche du Québec – secteur Nature et technologies\, où elle dirige la stratégie scientifique et l’orientation de la recherche dans les domaines des sciences\, des technologies\, du génie et des mathématiques. À ce titre\, elle soutient des recherches qui répondent aux grands enjeux de société\, favorisent la collaboration et encouragent la diversité et l’innovation au sein de la communauté scientifique. \nAvant de se joindre au FRQ\, Janice était professeure en sciences animales et a occupé le poste de vice‑doyenne à la recherche à la Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation de l’Université Laval\, tout en détenant un statut de professeure associée à la Faculté de médecine. Elle est membre fondatrice du Centre de recherche en reproduction\, développement et santé intergénérationnelle et a assumé des rôles de gouvernance au sein d’organisations scientifiques nationales et internationales\, notamment comme présidente de la Society for the Study of Reproduction. Janice est membre de l’International Women’s Forum\, Distinguished Fellow de la Society for the Study of Reproduction\, membre de l’Académie canadienne des sciences de la santé\, et a été nommée Chevalière dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques par le gouvernement français. \nForte de plus de 25 ans d’expérience comme chercheuse active\, Janice a dirigé des travaux portant sur l’influence des facteurs environnementaux — notamment l’exposition à des substances toxiques\, les conditions nutritionnelles et les stress liés au climat — sur la capacité reproductive et la santé à travers les générations. Ses recherches couvrent plusieurs espèces\, allant des poissons et des abeilles aux mammifères d’intérêt agricole\, modèles de laboratoire et études humaines\, reflétant une approche large et intégrée de la biologie environnementale et de la science de la reproduction. \nJanice a obtenu un doctorat (Ph. D.) en reproduction animale à l’Université de Guelph\, suivi d’un stage postdoctoral en biologie de la reproduction à la Perelman School of Medicine de l’Université de Pennsylvanie. Son leadership dépasse la recherche grâce à ses rôles consultatifs\, sa participation à des comités d’experts et ses efforts visant à rendre la science plus accessible à l’ensemble de la société. \nAlexane Thibodeau Scientifique en résidence soutenue par le Fonds de recherche du Québec\, Délégation du Québec à RomeSee Bio×Alexane Thibodeau\nAlexane Thibodeau a réalisé ses études à l’Université Laval\, la toute première université francophone fondée en Amérique. Elle y a obtenu\, en 2025\, un doctorat en biologie cellulaire et moléculaire. Ses travaux de recherche\, menés au sein du centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l’Université Laval (LOEX)\, portaient sur le développement de stratégies innovantes en génie tissulaire visant la réparation et la régénération d’organes\, notamment dans le domaine de la reconstruction des nerfs périphériques. Elle a par la suite réalisé un stage postdoctoral portant sur la santé urinaire des femmes\, avec un intérêt particulier pour les approches de génie tissulaire appliquées aux bandelettes urinaires utilisées dans le traitement de l’incontinence. \n  \nAuteure principale de trois publications scientifiques\, elle a également été invitée à présenter ses travaux lors de conférences internationales en tant qu’experte en régénération des nerfs périphériques. L’une des recherches auxquelles elle a contribué a par ailleurs été mise en lumière parmi les 10 découvertes scientifiques de l’année 2022 par le magazine Québec Science. Ses travaux contribuent à l’avancement de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques pour la réparation des lésions nerveuses. \nParallèlement à ses activités de recherche\, Alexane s’intéresse au rôle de la science comme levier de coopération internationale et au développement de la diplomatie scientifique. Elle occupe actuellement le poste de scientifique en résidence à la Délégation du Québec à Rome\, dans le cadre d’un programme soutenu par le Fonds de recherche du Québec visant à favoriser les collaborations internationales en recherche et innovation. Dans ce rôle\, elle agit comme interface entre les milieux scientifiques\, institutionnels et diplomatiques afin de soutenir le développement de collaborations entre le Québec et l’Italie.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/comment-le-canada-peut-tirer-parti-de-son-bilinguisme-pour-renforcer-sa-collaboration-scientifique-et-technologique-a-lechelle-mondiale/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-French-panel-FR.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260408T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260408T153000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260310T191029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T201259Z
UID:33426-1775656800-1775662200@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Decentralizing Data for Climate‑Smart Research: Policy\, Infrastructure\, and Trust
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada’s climate\, agriculture\, health\, and biodiversity challenges demand research data that are findable\, responsibly shareable\, and resilient. Yet centralized repositories\, siloed governance\, and cross‑border dependencies limit trust\, flexibility\, and sovereignty—especially for Indigenous and other sensitive data. This panel examines decentralized approaches—federated collaboration tools\, interoperable metadata standards\, and decentralized identity/credentials—that let institutions and communities retain control while enabling discovery and secure access at national scale. What does “decentralized” look like in practice for human and non‑human data? Where can Canada align policy\, standards\, and funding to unlock value for researchers\, conservation groups\, startups\, and infrastructure providers? Speakers with contrasting viewpoints—from cautious industry users to open data champions and sensitive‑data stewards—will debate tradeoffs in security\, sovereignty\, implementation\, and incentives\, and surface near‑term policy/implementation steps (e.g.\, national discovery metadata\, DIDs/VCs pilots\, and capacity‑building pathways). \nDavid McInnesFounder & Senior Fellow\, Centre for Agri-Food Benchmarking & Principal\, DMci Strategies See Bio×Dr. David McInnis\nAs Principal of DMci Strategies\, David McInnes initiated and led a novel coalition of over 160 agri-food partners from 2020 to 2024 to create Canada’s first agri-food sustainability index: the National Index on Agri-Food Performance. This unprecedented private-public collaboration worked by consensus. \nHe also founded the Centre for Agri-Food Benchmarking\, a not-for-profit organization\, dedicated to evolving the Index and managing the coalition. David is a Senior Fellow and Steering Committee member of the Centre. \nDavid is a board member with the National Circle on Indigenous Agriculture and Food and with a provincial government agency\, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario. He is a steering member of the Agricultural Genomics in Action Centre and Growing Tomorrow\, an agri-food sustainability initiative\, at the University of Guelph; he is also affiliated with McGill University’s Institute for Global Food Security. \nPreviously\, David was President and CEO of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute and held executive positions with MDS Nordion\, a Canadian life sciences company and a global supplier of medical isotopes. He also worked in government and public affairs for the country’s banking sector at the Canadian Bankers Association and the Bank of Nova Scotia. He started his career working for the federal government at a Royal Commission on the economy. \nDavid is a past Chair of WaterAid Canada and a Trustee of London-based WaterAid International\, an NGO dedicated to clean water and improved sanitation in the global south. \nHe is a graduate of the London School of Economics (MSc.) and Dalhousie University (B.A.). \nDr. Zsuzsanna HollanderDirector\, Data Science\, Genome British Columbia See Bio×Dr. Zsuzsanna Hollander\nDr. Zsuzsanna Hollander is a strategic leader at the intersection of genomics\, data sovereignty\, and research infrastructure. As the Director of Data Science at Genome BC\, she oversees initiatives that leverage high-dimensional biological data to drive innovation across health and environmental sectors. She currently represents Canada on the ISO/TC 215/SC1 Genomics Informatics committee\, where she contributes to the development of international standards for data interoperability and security. \nWith a Ph.D. in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia\, Dr. Hollander brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective to the challenges of data decentralization. Her experience as a Co-founder and Chief Informatics Officer at Pawsperity Biotechnologies further informs her pragmatic approach to balancing open data advocacy with the technical and policy requirements of sensitive data stewardship.  \n \nDr. Michael SchullCEO\, Digital Research Alliance of Canada See Bio×Dr. Michael Schull\nMichael Schull is a nationally recognized leader with a track record of driving digital transformation. As CEO of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada\, Michael leverages his extensive experience in building national and international research and data partnerships\, and organizational growth and sustainability to support the organization’s work to advance the establishment of a researcher focused\, accountable\, agile\, strategic and sustainable digital research infrastructure (DRI) ecosystem in Canada. \nMichael’s experience and deep knowledge of the research and health ecosystems have been shaped by his12 years as CEO and Senior Scientist at ICES\, Canada’s leading health services research and data analytics institute\, as a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and as a Senior Scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute. He is also founding member of Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN)\, a pan-Canadian network of health data and research centres seeking to facilitate and enable pan-Canadian research\, and past co-director of the International Population Data Linkage network. \nThroughout his career\, Michael has led major initiatives to expand researcher access to new data types\, create a virtual data platform for linked datasets\, and launch a health AI data and analytics platform. He has also engaged the public and communities to ensure alignment with public values and strengthened relationships with Indigenous partners. His own research has focused on strengthening Ontario’s and Canada’s health research infrastructure for the analysis of large\, routinely collected datasets\, and on developing innovative data access models for research and health system evaluation. \nFluent in English and French\, Michael was born in Montreal and raised in Québec before relocating to Ontario\, where he earned a BA and MD from Queen’s University. He later completed an MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McGill University and a Harkness Fellowship with The Commonwealth Fund in the United States. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada and is currently based in Toronto. \nMath’ieya AlatiniGrand Chief\, Council of Yukon First Nations & AFN Yukon Regional Chief See Bio×Math’ieya Alatini\nMath’ieya Alatini is a force of action and integrity\, deeply connected to her Southern Tutchone roots and the Kluane First Nation. Her journey\, marked by a blend of traditional and contemporary wisdom\, has been shaped by a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and a varied career spanning Tourism\, Mining\, Finance\, and Non-Profit sectors.  She is grounded by her traditional upbringing on the land. \nHer strategic acumen\, honed as Chief of Kluane First Nation and through her work with INAC in British Columbia\, has been pivotal in advancing green energy projects and Intergovernmental Relations and advocacy for Yukon First Nation Final and Self Government Agreements. These experiences\, coupled with her role as Chief Strategist at GSD Strategies Inc\, underscore her capacity to steer complex initiatives to successful fruition. \nNow\, as the Board Chair of One Yukon Coalition\, Math’ieya’s leadership is instrumental in pioneering initiatives like the Wastewater Monitoring Program and Community Based Testing. Her dedication is central to promoting emergency readiness and health awareness\, driving transformative strategies that nurture the well-being and sustainability of Yukon communities. \nDr. Steven R. WebbSee Bio×Steven R. Webb\, PhD\nSteven joined the Global Institute for Food Security as the Chief Executive Officer in 2019\, following a 23-year career with Corteva Agriscience (formerly Dow AgroSciences) in Indianapolis\, Indiana\, United States. As Research and Development Director of External Technology at Corteva\, Steven led many research collaborations with private sector companies\, research institutes and universities around the globe. He also led the successful design and build of the company’s Omega-9 Health Canola business and has developed and deployed Corteva’s external innovation partnership process for driving new products and technologies to accelerate innovation across the seed\, crop protection and digital platforms. \nSteven joined Dow AgroSciences Canada\, Inc. in Saskatoon as a Research Scientist in Field Research and Development in 1996\, then accepted the role of Product Development Manager in the Nexera™ canola breeding program in 1997—responsible for the registration of the first Omega-9 canola varieties. Relocating to Indianapolis\, Indiana in 2000\, he became Project Success Leader for Animal Health and Nutrition\, leading efforts to demonstrate the technical feasibility of plant-made vaccines\, ARC™ biologics and food safety antibodies. He assumed leadership of the Cell Biology Group in 2007\, responsible for the implementation of BIO-ETS. In 2009\, he led Advanced Technology Discovery\, including the effort to develop and deploy the EXZACT™ Precision Platform Technologies in corn\, soybeans\, canola and wheat. A few years later in 2013\, Steven joined the Research & Development Leadership team and the Seeds Global Business team when he became responsible for External Technology\, Intellectual Property Development and Early Stage Commercial Assessment activities for Dow AgroSciences. He was also actively engaged in the regulatory and approval process for the Dow:DuPont merger and subsequent establishment of Corteva Agriscience. \nA visionary and strategic research leader\, Steven has over two decades of expertise in developing and managing multidisciplinary enterprises and new business opportunities. He is a University of Guelph\, Ontario alumnus\, earning a PhD in immunochemistry (1998)\, a Master’s degree in biochemistry (1992) and a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology (1990) from the institution. \nDr. Claude RobertProfessor\, Animal Sciences Department\, Université Laval\, Principal investigator CS-DCC\, Director of GenovaliaSee Bio×Dr. Claude Robert\nDr. Claude Robert is a Professor in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at Université Laval\, and a Principal Investigator for CS-DCC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Université de Sherbrooke\, and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Animal Sciences from Université Laval. He also completed a post-doctoral internship at the University of Guelph under the supervision of Dr. Allan King. \nDr. Robert has long been interested in how assisted reproduction technologies can affect early embryonic development. Currently\, his research projects include studying ovarian physiology – namely\, the intercellular connectivity between cumulus cells and the oocyte – using bovine and mouse models. He also leads and collaborates on projects in genetics and genomics in animal models such as cattle\, pigs\, caribou/reindeer\, and honeybees. \nDr. Robert is the Director of Genovalia\, a newly established data hub for non-human genomics at Université Laval. He is also the Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Reproduction\, Development and Intergenerational Health\, a research centre focused on reproductive biology as well as the responsible and ethical use of reproductive technologies. He is the former Director of the Réseau Québécois en Reproduction\, a network composed over 100 research teams invested in research on the topic of reproductive biology.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/decentralizing-data-for-climate-smart-research/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ClimateSmartResearch-April8-Panel-en-5.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260416T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260416T133000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260310T193553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T201910Z
UID:33437-1776340800-1776346200@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Canada\, South Africa\, Astronomy\, and the SKAO:  A Strategic Research Partnership
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingGlobal megascience facilities are at the cutting edge of discovery in many fields. In this context\, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) – a 16-country partnership including Canada that is building massive radio telescopes in South Africa and Australia – is a major new addition to Canada’s science\, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem. Canadians are world leaders and valuable international partners in astronomy by many metrics\, and Canada’s SKAO membership will build on this reputation by providing telescope access that Canadian astronomers will leverage to discover the universe. \nEnhancing the research partnership between Canada and South Africa is particularly promising in the context of the SKAO: astronomy is a leading field in both nations and an area of extant collaboration\, South Africa is a major SKAO member and one of only two SKAO telescope host countries\, and the main Canadian technical SKAO contribution will be installed on the telescope in South Africa. But with this opportunity comes challenges: a complex Canadian science policy landscape for treaty organisations\, systemic inequities in research access and capacity between the two countries\, and the fragmentation that arises from the geographic distance between Canada and South Africa. With the first scientific data from the SKAO coming soon\, now is an opportune time to consider Canada\, South Africa\, and the SKAO in the Canadian science policy context. \nThis panel will bring together Canadian experts in STI\, science policy and government for a forward-looking exchange about how innovation in science policy can catalyse a strategic research partnership in astronomy with South Africa that is anchored by our mutual SKAO participation. The panel’s goal is to connect research interests and national priorities with innovations in science policy between Canada and South Africa\, focussing on opportunities\, barriers\, and actions to overcome them. \nSarah GallagherProfessor\, Physics and Astronomy & Director\, Institute for Earth and Space Exploration\, Western University See Bio×Sarah Gallagher\nDr. Sarah Gallagher is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy and the Director of the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration at Western University. Her astrophysics research focuses on studying growing supermassive black holes at the centres of distant galaxies and the interactions between galaxies in crowded environments. She has over 120 refereed papers that include data from 10 different space observatories\, and her research has been recognized with a Canadian Association of Physicists Fellowship and an Ontario Early Career Researcher Award. From 2018-2022\, she served as the first Science Advisor to the President of the Canadian Space Agency. In this role\, she advised the CSA Executive Committee on space science investments and capacity development and sat on the Departmental Science Advisor Network. She is active in science policy and an advocate for creating a diverse and inclusive space science community. She regularly talks to the public about astronomy and space\, and is currently serving as the Past President of the Canadian Astronomical Society.  \nPaul DufourPrincipal\, PaulicyWorks & Senior Fellow\, Institute for Science\, Society and Policy\, University of Ottawa See Bio×Paul Dufour\nPaul Dufour is Principal of PaulicyWorks and Senior Fellow with the Institute for Science\, Society and Policy\, University of Ottawa. \nMr Dufour served as Interim Executive Director of the Office of the National Science Adviser to the Government of Canada. Mr Dufour was a member of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society gold medal award-winning Canadian National Committee for the International Polar Year.  \nWith over four decades of experience in policy advice\, he was the lead of the Research on Knowledge Systems project with the International Development Research Centre; managed the science and technology attaché network at Foreign Affairs Canada; headed the international partnerships group at Natural Resources Canada\, and advisor to several of Canada’s Ministers for Science\, Research and Development. He was an Investment Committee Member of Grand Challenges Canada for global health for eight years.  \nMr. Dufour was educated at McGill\, the Université de Montréal and Concordia University in the history of science and science policy.  \nIn 2019\, Mr Dufour was the first recipient of the Canadian Science Policy Centre Award for Exceptional Achievement in Science Policy.  \n \nLerato Baidoo (Sebokolodi)Research Associate\, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics\, University of Toronto See Bio×Lerato Baidoo (Sebokolodi)\nDr. Lerato Baidoo is a Research Associate at the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto and a former Postdoctoral Fellow. She is a radio astronomer specializing in radio galaxies\, active galactic nuclei\, cosmic magnetism\, galaxy clusters\, and the intergalactic medium.  \nHer work sits at the intersection of astrophysics and large-scale computational pipelines for radio astronomy. She writes\, debugs\, and optimizes software pipelines for high-volume survey data\, with an emphasis on validation\, reproducibility\, and science-ready public releases. Her contributions support major survey efforts such as POSSUM and VLASS\, helping deliver reliable data products for research and broader community use.  \nDr. Baidoo previously worked as a Scientific Researcher at IBM and earlier developed automated processing and data reduction pipelines for radio astronomy in South Africa\, including work supporting MeerKAT-era initiatives. She holds a PhD in Physics from Rhodes University and brings a Canada-South Africa perspective relevant to SKAO-era collaboration and science.  \nKristine SpekkensProfessor\, Department of Physics\, Engineering Physics and Astronomy\, Queen’s University See Bio×Kristine Spekkens\nDr. Kristine Spekkens is a professor in the Department of Physics\, Engineering Physics and Astronomy at Queen’s University\, where she is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Gas-Rich Galaxy Structure. She leads a research group that focusses on understanding the structure and evolution of nearby galaxies\, and she is particularly interested in using their atomic gas reservoirs to probe the interplay between the galaxy evolution and that of the universe itself. Dr. Spekkens leads a variety of initiatives to survey atomic gas in galaxies using the biggest radio telescopes in the world\, including facilities in Canada\, Australia\, the US and South Africa.  \nIn addition to her scientific research\, Dr. Spekkens is deeply involved in the international partnership to build the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope. Nationally\, she is the Canadian SKA Science Director who coordinates between stakeholders in universities\, government and industry. Internationally\, she is the Chair of the SKA Observatory’s Science and Engineering Advisory Committee\, which brings together experts from around the world to provide independent technical advice to the project. \nLuc SimardDirector-General\, National Research Council’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research CentreSee Bio×Luc Simard\nLuc Simard is the Director-General of the National Research Council’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre\, which represents Canada in the governance of the SKA Observatory (SKAO) and works with domestic and international partners to deliver key observatory systems. He has held leading governance roles in that context\, including the Canadian voting member on the SKAO Council. Dr. Simard also has oversight of other major Canadian STI investments in astronomy\, such as the Thirty Meter Telescope and the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre.  \nDr. Simard obtained his B.Sc. from Queen’s University in 1990 and his Ph.D. from the University of Victoria in 1996. From 1996 to 2002\, he held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of California – Santa Cruz and the University of Arizona.  \nDr. Simard joined the NRC in 2002 where he was the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope archive scientist at the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre from 2002 to 2005. He worked on the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) from 2005 to 2017\, and was the TMT Science Instruments Group Leader from 2009 to 2017\, and was appointed Director General of the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre in November 2018.  \nDr. Simard’s research interests include galaxy formation and evolution\, image processing and astronomical instrumentation.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/canada-south-africa-astronomy-skao/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SKAO-April16-Panel-en.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260416T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260416T170000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260318T145734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T201811Z
UID:33493-1776340800-1776358800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:AI\, Democracy & Digital Rights Forum
DESCRIPTION:AI\, Democracy & Digital Rights Forum\, \nan EU Hub Ontario Initiative\nThe AI\, Democracy & Digital Rights Forum is a half-day event convened under the European Union Hub in Ontario initiative and organized by the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)\, in partnership with The Dais\, OCAD University\, and others. \nTaking place on April 16\, 2026\, at the Université de l’Ontario français in Toronto\, the Forum will bring together policymakers\, researchers\, industry leaders\, civil-society organizations\, and international partners to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence\, democracy\, and digital rights. \nThe event marks an exciting new chapter in the EU’s presence in Ontario. It offers a unique platform for exchanging Canadian and European perspectives in the context of the EU–Canada Digital Partnership Council. Together\, participants will explore ways to strengthen democratic institutions\, promote civic participation\, and advance trusted digital innovation in bilateral cooperation. Discussions will foster cross-sector dialogue between European and Canadian stakeholders on how to advance collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital technologies while safeguarding ethical\, legal\, and human-rights standards. \nTopics\, among others\, will include: \n\nEthical\, social\, and legal dimensions of digital governance\nEU–Canada approaches to AI regulation and innovation\nDigital rights\, data governance\, and public trust\nThe role of industry\, civil society\, and youth in shaping the digital future\nResponsible AI adoption across the economy and society\n\nThe Forum will feature panel discussions\, policy dialogue\, and networking opportunities as part of the broader DemocracyXChange 2026 Summit in Toronto. \nFor more information or questions related to this event\, please email: info@sciencepolicy.ca \nLast chance to register!  \nWe are reaching maximum attendance capacity for the forum: \nRegister HereSpeaker information coming soon!Dr. Tesh W DagneAssociate Professor and Ontario Research Chair in Governing AISee Bio×Dr. Tesh W Dagne\nProfessor Dagne is an associate professor and holds the Ontario Research Chair position at York University in Canada. He teaches at the School of Public Policy and Administration and Osgoode Hall Law School. Professor Dagne’s current research examines the instrumentality of intellectual property\, privacy and data governance rules and norms in influencing societal outcomes\, either perpetuating or mitigating inequalities in AI deployment.  \n \nMarium Hamid\n Manager of Partnerships\, the Dais See Bio×Marium Hamid\nMarium Hamid (she/her) is the Manager of Partnerships at the Dais where she brings her skills in creating impactful relationships across industries and communities. She is deeply committed to understanding the intersections of economics\, technology\, and culture. At the Dais\, she is the lead on Canadian Democracy @ Work\, a non-partisan learning initiative to build civic skills for the digital age. In collaboration with employers and unions nation-wide\, the project aims to elevate digital media literacy\, AI skills\, and civic engagement – one workplace at a time. \nBefore joining the Dais\, Marium led workforce development at LinkedIn Canada\, enabling the public sector to leverage technology to create economic opportunities for Canadians. She advised libraries\, healthcare\, and workforce development organizations on strategies to better engage the communities around them. Previously\, she was at the Business+Higher Education Round Table delivering large-scale work-integrated learning opportunities to students.  \nBruce SchneierInternationally renowned security technologist & Author See Bio×Bruce Schneier\nBruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologist\, called a “security guru” by The Economist. He is the author of over one dozen books—including his latest\, Rewiring Democracy—as well as hundreds of articles and essays\, and many more academic papers. His influential newsletter Crypto-Gram and his blog Schneier on Security are read by over 250\,000 people. He has testified before Congress\, is a frequent guest on television and radio\, served on several government technical committees\, and is regularly quoted in the press. \nSamir ChhabraDirector General of Marketplace Framework Policy\, Innovation\, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) See Bio×Samir Chhabra\nSamir Chhabra is the Director General of Marketplace Framework Policy at Innovation\, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). In this role\, Samir oversees the development of policy advice on the effective functioning of Canada’s marketplaces\, including corporate and insolvency law\, privacy and data protection\, artificial intelligence\, intellectual property\, and competition law. More recently\, he has been cross-appointed as the Deputy Executive Director of the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (CAISI) to lead the policy\, coordination and international engagement functions of the CAISI. Samir has broad experience in public policy development and implementation\, having worked at all three Canadian central agencies (Privy Council Office\, Department of Finance\, Treasury Board Secretariat) as well as with the Department of National Defence\, amongst others. He also has significant private sector experience\, including as a strategy consultant in London\, UK\, where he advised organizations including the UK Home Office and large NHS hospitals on service delivery improvement opportunities. \nCostas KapsouropoulosDigital and Science Counsellor\, Delegation of the European Union to Canada See Bio×Costas Kapsouropoulos\nKonstantinos (Costas) Kapsouropoulos is the Digital and Science Counsellor at the EU Delegation to Canada since 1st July 2024. \nHe previously served as International Relations Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Communications Networks\, Content\, and Technology (DG CONNECT). He was in charge of the Digital Partnerships of the European Union with Japan and the Republic of Korea since 2021. He was also the European Union Delegate at the OECD Digital Economic Policy Committee since 2023. \nHis areas of expertise are geopolitics of technology\, digital and science diplomacy\, EU public affairs and digital identities. \nKonstantinos Kapsouropoulos holds a Masters’ Degree in Geopolitics and International Relations from the Sorbonne Paris North University and a Law Degree from the University of Athens\, Greece. \nClaudia KrywiakPresident and CEO\, Ontario Centre of Innovation See Bio×Claudia Krywiak\nDr. Claudia Krywiak is the President and CEO at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)\, a not-for-profit organization that accelerates the development\, commercialization\, and  adoption of new technologies.  \nA champion of innovation in Ontario and across Canada\, Dr. Krywiak has been with OCI  since 2011. She has consistently promoted innovation as a crucial driver of  competitiveness\, productivity\, and economic growth. In her role\, she leads the  development and deployment of emerging technology initiatives that bring together start ups\, government\, post-secondary institutions\, and multinational firms. Her leadership  covers a broad range of initiatives\, including those in artificial intelligence\, autonomous  and electric vehicles\, 5G and next-generation networks\, cybersecurity\, medtech and clean  technologies.  \nPreviously\, Dr. Krywiak was the Vice President of Business Development at Mitacs\, a  national research organization that funds research and training programs. Her career began  at Bruker Corporation enabling scientists to make breakthrough discoveries. She holds a  Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Toronto.  \nDr. Krywiak serves on the Boards of Directors for Signal49 Research\, the Centre for  Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine\, and Waterloo’s Accelerator Centre. \n \nVictoria Lennox\, MSMCEO of the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) See Bio×Victoria Lennox\, MSM\nVictoria Lennox\, MSM\, is an executive nonprofit leader and CEO of the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada\, Canada’s national centre of excellence for the women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. She leads a coordinated national network and stewards a $30M+ developmental loan fund advancing women entrepreneurs toward economic parity. Founder of Startup Canada and co-founder of NACUE (UK)\, she has built enduring institutions strengthening entrepreneurship globally. An Oxford-trained strategist in Global Governance and Diplomacy\, she advises senior governments on inclusive growth\, Indigenous economic development\, innovation\, and governance. Victoria has represented Canada at APEC Summits and Governor General State Visits\, and is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal\, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion\, and the APEC Women Icon Award. \nNamir Anani\, P.Eng.President & CEO\, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)See Bio×Namir Anani\, P.Eng.\nNamir Anani\, President and CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Council (ictc-ctic.ca)\, is the chief strategist and driving force in bringing ICTC’s world-class centre of expertise and services to industry\, education and government; enabling Canada’s advancement as a leader in innovation\, productivity in the global economy. Before joining ICTC\, Namir previously led Policy Development & Research at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). \nHe has also held several executive leadership roles in both the private and public sectors including the Department of Canadian Heritage (Director General & CEO)\, CGI consulting\, Nortel\, and Novartis (Switzerland). Mr. Anani’s experience extends to; strategic policy development and implementation\, learning and capacity building\, business transformation\, national/international strategic alliances\, economic and market research\, and technology innovation. \nNamir holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Salford (UK) and holds Professional Engineer designation in Ontario (P. Eng.). He is also a board member of the Women in Communications and Technology. \nJutta TreviranusDirector & Professor\, Inclusive Design Research Centre\, OCAD UniversitySee Bio×Jutta Treviranus\nJutta Treviranus is the Director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) and professor in the faculty of Design at OCAD University in Toronto. Jutta established the IDRC in 1993 as the nexus of a growing global community that proactively works to ensure that our digitally transformed and globally connected society is designed inclusively.  Dr. Treviranus also founded an innovative graduate program in inclusive design at OCAD University.  Jutta is credited with developing a co-design methodology with her team that has been adopted by public and private sector organizations internationally. She has coordinated many research networks with and by people with disabilities. She is the chair of the Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence standards committee for the Accessible Canada Act and recognized for her work in AI by Women in AI.  \nLucilla SioliDirector of the EU AI Office\, DG Connect\, European CommissionSee Bio×Lucilla Sioli\nMs Lucilla Sioli is the Director of the “EU AI Office” within Directorate-General CONNECT at the European Commission. She is responsible for the coordination of the European AI strategy\, including the implementation of the AI Act and international collaboration in trustworthy AI and AI for good. The EU AI Office is also responsible for R&D&I activities in AI and for the coordination of the AI Continent Action Plan and the Apply AI Strategy. Lucilla holds a PhD in economics from the University of Southampton (UK) and one from the Catholic University of Milan (Italy) and has been a civil servant with the European Commission since 1997. \nAshley Rose MehlenbacherProfessor and Canada Research Chair in Science\, Health\, and Technology Communication\, University of WaterlooSee Bio×Ashley Rose Mehlenbacher\nAshley Rose Mehlenbacher is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Science\, Health\, and Technology Communication at the University of Waterloo. Professor Mehlenbacher is a rhetorical scholar who investigates the rhetoric of science\, technology\, and medicine (RSTM). Professor Mehlenbacher is the author of On Expertise: Cultivating Character\, Goodwill\, and Practical Wisdom (Penn State University Press\, 2022)\, Science Communication Online: Engaging Experts and Publics on the Internet (The Ohio State University Press\, 2019). She is also co-author\, with Christopher Thaiss\, of Writing Science In the Twenty-First Century\, Second Edition (Broadview Press\, 2025)\, and co-editor\, with Carolyn R. Miller\, of Emerging Genres in New Media Environments (Palgrave\, 2017). \nMehrdad HaririCEO & President\, Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)See Bio×Mehrdad Hariri\nMehrdad Hariri is the Founder\, CEO\, and President of the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)\, where he has built a leading platform for non-partisan\, cross-sector dialogue on science\, technology\, and innovation policy. Since 2009\, he has grown CSPC into a national and international hub\, launching flagship initiatives such as the Canadian Science Policy Conference and Science Meets Parliament. \nA recognized thought leader\, Mehrdad contributes regularly to public discourse through outlets such as Nature\, The Globe and Mail\, and CBC. His work spans science diplomacy and innovation policy. \nHis contributions have been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024) and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin (2022). He is also a Senior Fellow at the University of Ottawa and an alumnus of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. \nJake Hirsch-AllenDirector Partnerships and Advocacy\, The Dais and Senior Fellow\, Public AI NetworkSee Bio×Jake Hirsch-Allen\nJake Hirsch-Allen is the head of Partnerships at The Dais\, Canada’s leading think tank. Current foci include “Kids and Tech”\, “Renewing Democracy” and “AI and the Innovation Economy.” Jake previously built public-private partnerships in workforce development and higher education for LinkedIn. \nJake advises impact investors\, public sector leaders and start-ups\, including on edTech\, responsible tech\, ethical data and Public AI. He co-founded Lighthouse Labs and has acted as a director on many boards. A former intellectual property and international criminal lawyer\, Jake was also chair of the Technology Committee of the Global Education Platform\, taught Global Health at McMaster University and clerked at the Supreme Court of Israel. 
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/ai-democracy-digital-rights-forum/
LOCATION:Université de l’Ontario français\, 9 Lower Jarvis St\, Toronto\, ON\, M5E 0C3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:In-Person Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AI-Democracy-DigitalRights-Forum-Headshots-Panels-April16-2026-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260422T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260422T143000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260325T185911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T202046Z
UID:33463-1776862800-1776868200@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Youth Perspectives on Science Policy
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingThis panel brings together youth and early-career voices to explore how Canada’s science\, technology\, and innovation ecosystem can better reflect the realities\, aspirations\, and lived experiences of the next generation. Grounded in key insights and learnings that emerged from the STEM Youth Summit & Expo 2026\, this panel will center youth perspectives and will examine how existing structures may miss or overlook diverse voices. The discussion will explore gaps between training and opportunity\, barriers to participation\, and the role of youth in shaping more inclusive and forward-looking policies. By bringing youth voices directly into the conversation\, this panel aims to reimagine a policy landscape where young people are key contributors to Canada’s innovation future. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Nyasha Gondora (Moderator)Director of Policy and Research\, Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)See Bio×Nyasha Gondora\nNyasha Gondora was born and raised in Zimbabwe\, where she developed an early passion for science after witnessing the transformative impact of medicine and science in her community. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Trinity University in the United States\, where she was the recipient of nearly $100\,000 in academic scholarships\, and there she discovered her passion for research. She proceeded to complete a PhD in Neuropharmacology at the University of Waterloo\, becoming the first Black PhD graduate of her department in 2020. During her doctoral training\, Nyasha received numerous competitive awards recognizing her excellence in research\, research and science communications\, and community impact.\nFollowing postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto\, Nyasha transitioned into science policy through the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship. She also spent six years as an academic consultant\, supporting more than 750 students across North America in their journeys to professional school (e.g.\, medical and pharmacy school) or research careers. Drawing on experience across academia\, consulting\, and government\, Nyasha brings an intersectional perspective to advancing science\, talent development\, and inclusive innovation.\nA passionate advocate for representation and empowerment\, Nyasha has held leadership and board roles in national and international organizations. In recognition of her leadership and impact\, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2024. Nyasha currently serves as Director of Policy and Research at the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)\, where she is proud to be part of an amazing team advancing meaningful and lasting change for communities across Canada. \nGrace LeeYouth Ambassador from British Columbia See Bio×Grace Lee\nGrace Lee is a Grade 10 student from Vancouver and founder of MindwithGrace\, her passion project dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease by hosting talks at school\, creating educational content to make research accessible to youth\, and advocating for more empathy in dementia care on social media. She’s inspired by the resilience and wisdom of people living with dementia and their families\, and believes youth have an important role in changing how society approaches these conversations. Grace volunteers in research labs\, visiting retirement homes to test interventions with patients and families\, and speaks at conferences about the significance of youth perspectives in brain health and the systems that shape how we understand Alzheimer’s. What brings her joy is connecting with people across generations. \nMelvin AdekanyeYouth Ambassador from AlbertaSee Bio×Melvin Adekanye\nMelvin Adekanye is an entrepreneur and builder focused on creating technology and experiences that help people connect\, grow\, and create meaningful impact. \nMaria PitanYouth Ambassador from OntarioSee Bio×Maria Pitan\nBio coming soon! \nRidhima AroraYouth Ambassador from AlbertaSee Bio×Ridhima Arora\nBio coming soon! \nBurhan HassanYouth Ambassador from AlbertaSee Bio×Burhan Hassan\nBio coming soon!
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/youth-perspectives-on-science-policy/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCWIST-April22-Panel-en-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260428T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260428T133000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260316T170647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T202334Z
UID:33464-1777377600-1777383000@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Unlocking the Promise of Cell and Gene Therapies in Canada Through Translational Research: Making Evidence Where It Matters
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada stands at a critical juncture in the development and adoption of cell and gene therapies (CGTs)\, transformative treatments that hold potential for curing or significantly improving the course of life-threatening and chronic diseases. Innovation is progressing rapidly; however\, Canada’s life sciences and healthcare ecosystem is not in a state of readiness to bring these advanced therapies to our patients.  \nRecent reports and discussions have focused on accelerated patient access to CGTs through system integration efforts such as aligning regulatory and reimbursement processes and bolstering healthcare infrastructure and coordination. This panel positions translational research as the lynchpin for converting scientific promise into clinical\, regulatory\, and payer confidence—providing the high-quality\, decision-ready evidence needed to reduce uncertainty and move therapies from discovery into clinical development and\, ultimately\, patient care.  \nUnlike most sectors\, advancing a technology in the life sciences requires repeated engagement with regulators across the full development continuum\, from preclinical programs\, to first-in-human studies\, to pivotal trials\, post-market evidence generation\, and back again as new questions emerge. For CGTs in particular\, this iterative pathway demands a laser focus on clinical translation: generating robust\, credible evidence that satisfies regulators\, payers\, clinicians\, and patients. Importantly\, this focus represents a shared metric of success for both academia and industry.   \nAnchoring this translational work in Canada points to important questions about where evidence should be generated\, how domestic clinical development shapes learning\, and what advantages may emerge when regulators\, researchers\, and developers evolve together through ongoing evidence generation. Drawing on international experts from Europe and the United States alongside Canadian leadership\, panelists with diverse experiences in the research\, healthcare\, industry\, and regulatory sectors will explore:  \n\nWhat evidence unlocks translation of CGTs\, and how does that differ for regulators\, health technology assessment (HTA) bodies\, clinicians\, patients and investors?\nHow do regulators act as partners in CGT translation\, not just gatekeepers?\nHow do we anchor translational research domestically and why does it matter?\nWhat can Canada learn from other countries seeking to enable safe\, timely\, and equitable access to CGTs through product and policy innovation grounded in high-quality evidence?\n\nSpeaker information coming soon!Stéphanie Michaud\, PhDPresident and CEO\, BioCanRx See Bio×Dr. Stéphanie Michaud\nStéphanie Michaud\, PhD is the President and CEO of BioCanRx\, a not-for-profit in Canada that seeks to accelerate the delivery of innovative immunotherapies from the bench to the bedside. In this position\, Dr. Michaud is responsible for running all facets of the organization. She brings more than 20 years of public\, government and private sector experience in research and Science & Technology innovation policy. She strives to create partnerships between government\, not-for-profits\, academia and industry to maximize the impact of research funded by the BioCanRx network on the lives of those affected by cancer. \nPrior to joining BioCanRx\, Dr. Michaud was Deputy Director of the flagship Government of Canada Networks Centres of Excellence (NCE) program. In addition to responsibility for its performance\, management and delivery\, she led the implementation of high profile bilateral international initiatives and provided strategic advice to government and stakeholders. She is a strong contributor to S&T policy\, most notably in intellectual property. Dr. Michaud earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry from McGill University. She is involved with a number of not-for-profit organizations and is a member of the Board of Directors of Research Canada and CQDM and also\, the Advisory Board of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance.  \nPeter Marks\, MD\, PhDSenior Vice President\, Molecule Discovery & Head of Infectious Disease\, Eli Lilly See Bio×Peter Marks\, MD\, PhD\nPeter Marks\, MD\, PhD received his graduate degree in cell and molecular biology and his medical degree at New York University and completed Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Medical Oncology training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He has worked in academic settings teaching and caring for patients and in industry on drug development. In 2012\, he joined the Food and Drug Administration and served as Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research from 2016 to 2025. He is currently Senior Vice President for Molecule Development and Head of Infectious Disease at Eli Lilly and Company\, has published extensively\, and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. \nNatasha Kekre\, MD\, MPH\, FRCPCHematologist\, Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program\, The Ottawa Hospital See Bio×Dr. Natasha Kekre\nNatasha Kekre\, MD\, MPH\, FRCPC is a Transplant Physician/Hematologist within the Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH)\, Scientist and Program Director of the Cancer Research Program within the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)\, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. She holds the Research Chair in Advanced Stem Cell Therapy at TOH. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Ottawa\, where she also trained in Internal Medicine and Hematology. She went on to do a fellowship in stem cell transplantation at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston with a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. \nDr. Kekre’s research focuses on translating home-grown therapeutic strategies into early phase clinical trials for patients with hematologic malignancies. She collaborated with scientists and physicians across Canada to build the internationally recognized Canadian-Led Immunotherapies Collaborative (CLIC) program and initiate the first clinical trial of a made-in-Canada CAR-T therapy. Building on these transformational achievements\, she is now working to expand this platform to other made-in-Canada CAR-T products. Other research interests include clinical research focused on blood and marrow transplant and CAR-T therapy recipients\, and projects with an epidemiologic focus. \nPatrick Bedford\, MBA\, MBHL\, BHScVice President\, Regulatory & Strategic Operations\, Morphocell Technologies See Bio×Patrick Bedford\nPatrick Bedford\, MBA\, MBHL\, BHSc is the Vice President of Regulatory & Strategic Operations at Morphocell Technologies\, Inc and Founder of weCANreg Consulting Group\, Inc. He brings deep expertise in translational\, regulatory\, and compliance strategies for emerging biotechnologies\, having led policy development for biosimilars\, transplant materials\, and cell & gene therapies during his career at Health Canada\, where he also represented Canada internationally on classification and harmonization committees. Since 2016\, Patrick has been a prominent Canadian advocate in the global cell & gene therapy community\, supporting dozens of early-stage programs and multiple commercial cell and gene therapy products. In addition to his industry leadership\, he continues to shape regulatory policy in North America and actively contributes to Canada’s innovation ecosystem as a guest lecturer at universities and an advisor through accelerators such as Creative Destruction Labs and Lab2Market. \n \nCarmen Sanges\, PhDEU Initiatives Scientific & Strategic Project Lead\, Cellular Immunotherapy Program\, University Hospital Würzburg See Bio×Dr. Carmen Sanges\nCarmen Sanges\, PhD is a medical biotechnologist with a PhD in Molecular Biology and Medical Biotechnology and over seven years of industry experience in clinical operations and translational research. She is EU Initiatives Scientific & Strategic Project Lead at the Cellular Immunotherapy Program of the University Hospital Würzburg (UKW) and Executive Director of the T2EVOLVE Association. Carmen coordinates and contributes to multiple European initiatives in advanced therapies\, with a strong focus on CAR-T and TCR cell therapies\, regulatory science\, manufacturing innovation\, and patient access\, and is committed to building sustainable\, cross-stakeholder ecosystems across Europe.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/unlocking-cgts/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BioCanRx-April28-Panel-en.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260514T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260514T150000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260415T224805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T135111Z
UID:33607-1778765400-1778770800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Co-Developing the Future: Indigenous Partnerships and Culture Changes in Federal STEM
DESCRIPTION:Register HereOrganizer: \nHealth Canada for the federal Indigenous STEM (I-STEM) Cluster. \nThis panel builds on the multi-year arc of the federal Indigenous-Science\, Technology\, Engineering and Mathematics (I-STEM) Cluster discussions at CSPC (2022-2024)\, which shifted conversations from “integrating” Indigenous Knowledge into existing systems toward engaging Indigenous and Western sciences as parallel\, intact knowledge systems within ethical space. This reframing recognizes that meaningful partnership requires cultural\, structural\, and procedural transformations – including Indigenous governance of knowledge\, distinctions-based partnership models\, data sovereignty\, and institutional conditions that uphold Indigenous rights and self-determination. \nExtending the call made in Bridging Knowledge Systems in Regulatory Research – Creating the Conditions for Change – CSPC\, this 2026 virtual panel highlights how federal departments are beginning to operationalize these shifts through co-developed approaches that share authority\, re-design internal STEM practices\, and reorient science towards relational accountability.  Through examples from the Tri Council agencies’ co developed evaluation approaches\, the Northern Contaminants Program’s community-led monitoring model\, and the Wiiche’iwaymagon–Health Canada partnership advancing Indigenous food safety technologies\, panelists will examine how concrete institutional changes—funding structures\, timelines\, governance processes\, and ethics practices—enable ethical\, trusted\, and context responsive science.  \nBy making visible the cultural and governance conditions required to support parallel knowledge systems\, the panel will offer science-policy practitioners practical pathways for creating ethical space\, strengthening co-governance\, and advancing federal commitments to reconciliation and Indigenous rights. These lessons are intended to support federal organizations seeking to design science and regulatory practices that are more legitimate\, transparent\, and accountable to the communities they serve. \nExpected Outcomes:\n\nParticipants will be able to identify new approaches and tools that can be adapted across sectors and disciplines to support inclusive and impactful change. \nScience policy practitioners will demonstrate enhanced understanding about the innovative potential of Indigenous knowledges in addressing complex\, real-world challenges\, such as\, including co-developed Indigenous research training\, evaluation approaches\, climate change impacts on human health\, and food security.\nGreater recognition of the importance of culture change within organizations\, particularly in terms of fostering inclusivity and responsiveness to Indigenous needs and priorities and benefits for all Canadians.\nStrengthened collaboration between Indigenous communities\, government agencies\, and other stakeholders in addressing shared challenges.\n\nKey Areas of Focus:\n\nTransforming the Research Ecosystem in Federal Research Funding (SSHRC\, NSERC\, and CIHR)\nIn 2019\, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research\, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council\, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council published Setting New Directions to Support Indigenous Research and Research Training in Canada\, a strategic plan co-developed with Indigenous partners in support of improving the research ecosystem for Indigenous researchers in Canada. On the eve of the sunsetting of this ambitious strategy\, this presentation will share important examples of innovation in science policy\, as well as exciting new approaches being co-developed with Indigenous partners to evaluate the impact of the Strategy that can help to support meaningful shifts in research policy and practice within Canada’s science policy space.\nNorthern Contaminants Program: Joint presentation from HC and CIRNAC. This  presentation will highlight how the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) supports community-led\, culturally grounded research and monitoring of contaminants in traditionally harvested foods. It will showcase the vital role of Indigenous and northern partners in shaping and sharing knowledge to protect health and ecosystems\, aligning with the panel’s focus on collaborative\, cross-cultural approaches to science and policy.\nIndigenous Food Safety Tool (HPFB\, HC & The Wiiche’iwaymagon Alliance):  Joint presentation from HC and The Wiiche’iwaymagon Alliance. Health Canada (HC)\, the National Research Council (NRC)\, and the Wiiche’iwaymagon Alliance are partnering on the development of  “lab-on-a-chip” technology to enable on-site wild game testing. These deployable devices aims to replace traditional large-scale laboratories\, allowing harvesters to detect viral and bacterial contaminants linked to climate change and resource development. This presentation will highlight how the team is braiding knowledge systems to create a more comprehensive and understanding approach to western science. \n\nKey Takeaways for Science Policy Practitioners:\n\nBridging Indigenous Knowledge: The value of respecting and incorporating Indigenous knowledge into policy-making and program design through meaningful collaboration with Indigenous rights holders and Knowledge Keepers.\nCultural Shifts in Organizations: How internal cultural changes in organizations (e.g.\, HC/HP) can lead to more inclusive\, effective policies and practices.\nPractical Tools for Change: How actionable tools like the Indigenous Food Security Tool can guide policy and drive positive outcomes in Indigenous communities.\nCollaborative Approaches: The importance of building partnerships across sectors and involving Indigenous communities in the co-design of solutions to address challenges like food security and air quality.\n\nBy showcasing these successful practices\, we aim to foster greater understanding and collaboration\, while also sharing promising practices that can be applied across government programs and beyond. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Moderators: \nChristina MulvenaDeputy Director\, I-STEM\, Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaSee Bio×Christina Mulvena\nChristina Mulvena is the Deputy Director of the interdepartmental Indigenous STEM (ISTEM) Cluster hosted by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada\, where she works to advance Indigenous led approaches to federal STEM systems. She is Red River Michif and holds a Master’s degree in Society\, Culture\, and Politics in Education from the University of British Columbia\, specializing in Ts^kel (Indigenous research methodology).  \nChristina brings over 16 years of experience in federal impact assessment and treaty negotiations. Across her academic and professional career\, she has focused on advancing Indigenous self-determination through policy\, governance\, and cross disciplinary collaboration.  \nShe was born and raised on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)\, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish)\, and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations\, where she continues to reside with her family.  \nDr. Tammy Stuart ChesterA/Director\, Departmental Science and Ethics Policy Bureau\, HECSB\, Health CanadaSee Bio×Dr. Tammy Stuart Chester\nTammy Stuart Chester is the Acting Director of Health Canada’s Departmental Science and Ethics Policy Bureau (DSEPB) within the Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch. In this role\, she helps provide leadership on key files including departmental inclusive science initiatives\, contributions to the I‑STEM Cluster partnership\, the annual Health Canada Science Forum\, Science Integrity Policy\, and the HC–PHAC Research Ethics Board Secretariat.  \nOn secondment from the Public Health Agency of Canada\, she brings 16+ years of applied public health experience in surveillance and epidemiology\, including work in Northern Manitoba and with Indigenous Services Canada. She holds a PhD in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and is a graduate of the Canadian Field Epidemiology Program (CFEP). An experienced facilitator of training and collaborative discussions\, she is happy to be co-moderating this workshop on Indigenous Partnerships and Culture Changes in Federal STEM. \nPresenters: \nCheryl KhourySection Head\, Population Studies Division\, Health Canada  See Bio×Cheryl Khoury\nCheryl Khoury has worked at Health Canada for over 20 years. She has experience in the risk assessment of chemicals and air pollutants\, as well as human biomonitoring. Currently\, she manages a team of scientists within the Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau\, who are interested in the exposure and health effects of environmental chemicals in people living in Canada who may be disproportionately exposed to these chemicals.  \nShe is also a member of the Northern Contaminants Committee’s Management Team and provides support and leadership to the program’s Human Health Review Team. \nDr. Karine DuhamelDirector\, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)See Bio×Dr. Karine Duhamel\nDr. Karine Duhamel (she/her) is Anishinaabe of mixed settler descent\, and a member of Opwaaganasiniing (Red Rock Indian Band) in northwestern Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education\, as well as a master’s degree and PhD in history. She served as Director of Research for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (NIMMIWG) from 2018 to the end of its mandate in 2019.  \nIn 2021\, she chaired the data working group for the MMIWG2S+ National Action Plan. In 2022\, she joined the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada as Director of Indigenous Strategy\, working to implement the Tri-Agency strategic plan to better support Indigenous research and research training in Canada.  \nIn addition to her role as a public servant\, she is an official Speaker for the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba\, an Indigenous fellow at Simon Fraser University\, and a Research Affiliate of the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba.  \nSimon SmithActing Manager\, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s (CIRNAC) Northern Contaminants ProgramSee Bio×Simon Smith\nSimon lives in Chelsea\, Quebec\, and is currently the Acting Manager of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s (CIRNAC) Northern Contaminants Program. The program works to reduce and\, wherever possible\, eliminate contaminants in traditionally harvested foods\, while providing information that assists informed decision making by individuals and communities in their food use.  \nOver his career\, Simon has worked at the several summer camps in Ontario\, the Kativik Schoolboard\, Makivik\nCorporation\, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami\, Indigenous Services Canada\, and CIRNAC. When he isn’t at his desk\, he’s likely planning a family canoe trip\, or heading out on the trails with the family goldendoodle\, Penny. \nNathalie CorneauMolecular Biologist\,\nBureau of Microbial Hazards\,\nHealth Canada See Bio×Nathalie Corneau\nNathalie Corneau is a molecular biologist with Health Canada’s Bureau of Microbial Hazards. Nathalie leads the Emerging Technologies Laboratory in developing novel\, rapid methods to detect foodborne pathogens using “lab-on-a-chip” systems and other molecular tools in as little as 8–30 hours. Her research involves multi-departmental collaboration\, notably with the National Research Council of Canada\, to integrate microbial science and micro/nano-fabrication technologies for automated sample preparation\, detection\, isolation and identification of pathogens. These deployable\, cost-effective systems allow decentralized food safety testing\, making them especially valuable for remote communities.  \nMs. Corneau is a leader in both scientific innovation and community engagement\, and entered into a working partnership with the Wiiche’iwaymagon Alliance\, a growing network of First Nations communities across Canada\, who have acknowledged her for respectfully involving Indigenous Elders and communities in the development of diagnostic tools for country food safety.  \nHer work supports not only Indigenous communities and their traditional foods in food safety testing\, an underserved area\, but also empowers community-led\, whole-of-society testing and decision making that strengthens local self-determination\, public-health responsiveness\, and adaptive capacity. \nRandy JenkinsPresident\, Wiiche’iwaymagon Buying AllianceSee Bio×Randy Jenkins\nRandy Jenkins has over 25 years experience in the Federal Government\, working largely on Indigenous rights files and Indigenous programming as well as transfer of powers to Territorial Governments.  Having joined the Nutrition North Program in 2019\, Randy has been responsible for program transformation\, introducing a number of measures beyond the traditional subsidy offering while moving the entire program toward a food security and reconciliation focus\, recognizing and leveraging Treaty and inherent Indigenous rights.    \nIn 2023\, Randy brought the major food banks together with First Nation Tribal Councils and First Nation organizations to form the Wiiche’iwaymagon Alliance and to sign a Treaty to end hunger for babies and elders.    \nIn 2024\, Randy retired from Northern Affairs to take up a position as President of the Wiiche’iwaymagon Buying Alliance\, a not-for-profit supplying food and equipment to remote communities in partnership with the national food bank network and the private sector. 
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/co-developing-the-future-indigenous-partnerships-and-culture-changes-in-federal-stem/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/May14-Panel-en-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260520T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260520T133000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260419T214817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T202533Z
UID:33642-1779278400-1779283800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Security\, Sovereignty\, and Prosperity: Industry Perspectives on Canada’s New Defence Industrial Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Register HereWatch Video RecordingCanada’s recently released Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) represents a paradigm shift in the intersection of national security and industrial policy. Central to this strategy is the “Joint Innovation” model – a call for deep\, sustained collaboration between the federal government and the private sector to build sovereign capabilities. This high-level panel brings together leaders from Canada’s mining\, advanced manufacturing\, and technology sectors to discuss the strategic and practical implications of the DIS. \nPanellists will explore how the strategy’s goals align with the unique challenges of their respective industries\, from critical mineral supply chains to dual-use technology development in AI and Quantum. The discussion will focus on how the DIS can serve as a catalyst for industrial growth\, the hurdles to achieving seamless “Joint Innovation\,” and the long-term impact of this strategy on Canada’s broader innovation ecosystem and global competitiveness. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Charlotte Duval-Lantoine – ModeratorVice-President\, Ottawa Operations & Fellow\, Canadian Global Affairs InstituteSee Bio×Charlotte Duval-Lantoine \nCharlotte is the Vice President\, Ottawa Operations and a Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute\, as well as a PhD Candidate at Deakin University\, researching Canadian army culture during the 1990s and its influence on operations. \nShe is the author of The Ones We Let Down\, a book examining gender integration and toxic leadership in the military that was named among The Hill Times’ Best Books of 2022. She does research on military leadership\, culture change\, and personnel policy\, topics on which she regularly comments in the media and writes in her Substack\, DND/CAF 101. She participates in consultation organized by the Department of National Defence and has given talks to West Point and RMC cadets\, to the National Strategic Program at the Canadian Forces College\, and to the Australian War College. \nCharlotte has had the honour of being awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal and the CDA Institute’s 2024 Captain Nichola Goddard Award for her work as a\nresearcher. She was also listed as one of the 2022 Women in Defence and Security Emerging Leader and amongst the 20 in their 20s by Women in Defence and Security in 2025. \nCharlotte was born in France and grew up in Marseille. She has called Canada her home since 2014. \nJayson MyersChief Executive Officer of Next Generation Manufacturing CanadaSee Bio×Jason Myers\nJayson Myers is the Chief Executive Officer of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada\, the industry-led organization that is spearheading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. NGen raises funds from public and private sources to invest in building world-leading advanced manufacturing solutions and ecosystem capabilities in Canada. \nJay is an award-winning business economist who specializes in industrial and technological change. Between 2007 and 2016\, he served as President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters\, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. In 2017 he was the Chief Policy Advisor to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. \nJay has been widely recognized as one of the most influential economic policy advocates in Canada. He is an advisor to both private and public sector leaders\, and has counselled Canadian prime ministers and premiers\, as well as senior corporate executives and policymakers around the world. \nA former research fellow at Nuffield College Oxford\, Jay has held lectureships at both Oxford and the University of Warwick. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the World Manufacturing Forum and a leading advocate on the world stage on behalf of advanced manufacturing in Canada. \nPhotinie KoutsavlisVice President\, Economic Affairs and Climate Change\nMining Association of Canada See Bio×Photinie Koutsavlis\nMs. Koutsavlis is dedicated to advancing the mining industry’s comprehension of critical economic matters\, encompassing taxation\, international trade\, investment\, infrastructure\, and innovation. Additionally\, she guides the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) and its members in supporting an orderly transition towards a more sustainable\, low-carbon future. Her leadership positions MAC as a constructive partner in the fight against climate change. \nPreviously\, Ms. Koutsavlis held the role of Director General\, Policy and Economic Branch for the Lands and Minerals Sector at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) within the Government of Canada. In this capacity\, she led the integration of strategic policy\, scientific insights\, regulatory expertise\, economics\, and market analysis. Her work informed policy development and decisions related to domestic and international priorities concerning lands\, minerals\, and metals. \nMs. Koutsavlis played a key role in developing the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan\, which served as the foundation for Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy and broader policy direction. \nDaniel PerryDirector of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian InnovatorsSee Bio×Daniel Perry\nDaniel Perry is the Director of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators\, where he leads national advocacy and government engagement. \nPreviously\, he worked in consulting\, advising clients on public policy across sectors including fintech\, agriculture\, and higher education. He has also held roles with the Senate of Canada\, Queen’s Park\, and the Canadian Criminal Justice Association. An experienced campaigner\, Daniel has contributed to leadership races and elections at all levels of government. He has been recognized as one of Ottawa’s Top Consultants by Faces Magazine and was recently named a Top Lobbyist by The Hill Times. \nDaniel is a frequent media contributor and columnist for publications in Hamilton and Niagara. He holds a Master of Political Management from Carleton University\, a Joint Honours Bachelor in Communication and Political Science from the University of Ottawa\, and a Diploma in Business from Loyalist College. \n Mike Mueller President and CEO\, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada See Bio×Mike Mueller\nMike Mueller was appointed President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association in May of 2021\, building on his six-year history with the association as Senior Vice- President where he was responsible for the operation of the organization and strategic direction on major aerospace projects and initiatives.  \nMike is a forward-thinking team builder who brings a wealth of government experience to the position\, having advised Ministers in the Federal Government on a wide variety of policies and programs. Prior to joining AIAC\, Mike held senior positions within the Canadian government including at Employment and Social Development Canada\, Public Safety Canada\, Foreign Affairs and International Trade\, and Canada’s Treasury Board.  \nMike also serves as Vice-Chair & Financial Controller for the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations.  \n Dr. Rahim Rezaie Executive Director\,  Institute for Collaborative InnovationSee Bio×Dr. Rahim Rezaie\nDr. Rahim Rezaie is Executive Director of the Institute for Collaborative Innovation\, which promotes citizen-centred innovation and the role of community-anchored social purpose organizations in defence and resilience. He holds an Adjunct Lecturer position at the University of Toronto and is an Independent Consultant in private practice. His work and expertise focus on science\, technology\, and innovation policy\, the role of social sector organizations in defence and resilience\, and science and technology for development\, with a focus on health technology innovation.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/security-sovereignty-and-prosperity-industry-perspectives-on-canadas-new-defence-industrial-strategy/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/May20-Panel-en-5.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260528T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260528T123000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260415T212220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T044308Z
UID:33600-1779966000-1779971400@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:What is research excellence? Measuring impact in a changing world
DESCRIPTION:Register HerePeer review underpins nearly all major academic assessments\, from publications and funding to promotions and awards. Despite its centrality in the research ecosystem\, peer review has a well-documented number of flaws that can lead to unfair assessment and disadvantage applicants\, including: a lack of concordance between reviewers; over-reliance on quantitative scores with small numerical margins defining top candidates; variation in the weight given to different application components; recurrent patterns of cognitive biases such as familiarity; and biases that undervalue applications from new researchers\, researchers at smaller institutions\, women\, and some groups of racialized people\, regardless of the objective merits of the application\, proposal\, or nomination. \nThis panel will examine both the challenges and potential solutions to inequities in peer review\, drawing on the National Killam Selection Committee’s 2021–2024 experience adjudicating some of Canada’s most prestigious national scholarly honours. The discussion will highlight data-informed strategies\, including anonymization\, categorical ranking\, structured rubrics\, and equalization processes that aim to mitigate bias while maintaining fairness and excellence. \nPanelists are a diverse representation of the Canadian research landscape and hold significant experience in research assessment and a uniformed interest in incorporating evidence-informed principles of excellence and equity into adjudication. The panelists will explore how bias manifests\, what evidence reveals about its effects\, and what actions can be taken to uphold fair assessment. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Amélie Quesnel-ValléeInaugural Chair and Professor\, Department of Equity\, Ethics and Policy (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) Professor\, Department of Sociology (Faculty of Arts)See Bio×Amélie Quesnel-Vallée\nAmélie Quesnel-Vallée is Inaugural Chair and Professor in the Department of Equity\, Ethics and Policy (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) and a Professor in the Department of Sociology (Faculty of Arts) at McGill University. From 2015 to 2025 she held the Canada Research Chair in Policies and Health Inequalities. Quesnel-Vallée’s research examines the contribution of policies to social inequalities in health over the life course and has been recognized through awards from professional associations including the American Sociological Association\, the Population Association of America\, and the American Public Health Association. \nShe is a two-time Fulbright Foundation awardee\, most recently of a Distinguished Chair (2020)\, and she held the Canada Research Chair in Policies and Health inequalities at McGill University (2015-2025). She is a Past-President of the Canadian Population Society and of the International Sociological Association’s Research Committee on the Sociology of Health\, and Chair-Elect of the American Sociological Association Medical Sociology Section. \nShe has demonstrated experience in providing strategic advice to several complex organizations\, notably the Canadian Institutes of Health Research\, where she served as a board member for six years\, and held leadership roles such as the inaugural Chair of the Standing Committee on Science (2022-2024) and as a Member of the Executive Committee (2021-2024). \nMaydianne AndradeDean & Professor\, Faculty of Science\, York UniversitySee Bio×Maydianne Andrade\nMaydianne Andrade is former Canada Research Chair in Integrative Evolutionary Ecology who was a faculty member at the University of Toronto for 25 years and held the rank of University Professor. Now Dean of the Faculty of Science at York University\, Professor Andrade is internationally recognized for her research on how ecology and evolution interact to shape behaviour\, species diversity and invasiveness\, using black widow spiders. \nDedicated to fostering more inclusive academic cultures\, Professor Andrade is founder of the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence\, and she is a co-founder and was inaugural President of the Canadian Black Scientists Network. She is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences\, a Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society and of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society\, and has been awarded the Burpee medal for Science Leadership\, Exemplar awards for career-long contributions to research\, and a Trailblazer award from the Canadian Science Policy Centre. \nCarl JamesJean Augustine Chair in Education\, Community & Diaspora\, Faculty of Education\, York UniversitySee Bio×Carl James\nCarl E. James holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education\, Community & Diaspora in the Faculty of Education; and also Distinguished Researcher Professor at York University\, Toronto. For 16 years\, he was Visiting Lecturer in education at Uppsala University\, Sweden. His research interests include examination of the ways in which accessible and equitable opportunities in education – as informed by the regulations\, policies\, programs and practices of governments and institutions – structure the lived experiences\, educational trajectories\, health conditions\, employment possibilities\, and social outcomes of marginalized and racialized Canadians. \nA Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) – Academy of Social Sciences\, he has received Honorary Doctorates (Education) from McGill University\, and Uppsala University\, the 2022 Killam Prize for Social Sciences\, and many other scholarly\, teaching and community awards. Among the dozens of books\, book chapters\, and journal articles he has authored and coauthored are : “Colour Matters”: Essays on the Experiences\, Education and Pursuits of Black Youth (UoT\, 2021) and First-Generation Student Experiences in Higher Education: Counterstories. (Routledge\, 2023). \nBilkis VissandjéeProfessor and Researcher\, School of Nursing\, Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP)\, Université de Montréal\nResearcher\, SHERPA University Institute and\nFellow\, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS)\nChair\, Quebec Provincial Committee on Access to Health and Social Services for Ethnocultural Communities See Bio×Bilkis Vissandjée\nDr. Vissandjee has played a key role in developing community-based research infrastructures\, notably contributing to the establishment of the SHERPA University Institute\, which advances equity-oriented practices in multi-ethnic and multilingual contexts. Her research and leadership focus on health equity\, migration\, gender-based violence\, and culturally responsive health systems. \nHer work addresses the challenges of delivering high-quality care in diverse contexts\, integrating intersectional and trauma-informed perspectives.  A central component of her research advances human rights-based and trauma-informed approaches to health and policy. \nThrough collaborations with community-based organizations and NGOs\, she develops and implements programs tailored to the realities of newly arrived populations\, addressing linguistic\, cultural\, and structural barriers to care in Quebec\, Canada\, and internationally. Her work underscores the importance of inclusive\, culturally responsive approaches to advancing health equity. \nBilkis serves on the Advisory Committee on Equity\, Diversity and Inclusion of the Canada Research Chairs Program and\, since 2022\, has been Chair of the Quebec Provincial Committee at the Ministry of Health and Social Services\, where she provides leadership on improving equitable access to care for ethnocultural communities. \n \nWilliam WhelanProfessor\, Department of Physics\, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and Professor\, Department of Biomedical Sciences\, Atlantic Veterinary CollegeSee Bio×William Whelan\nBill Whelan is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Atlantic Veterinary College. He was a Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Optics at UPEI and chair of the Department of Physics. His research has focused on the development of optical sensors\, photoacoustic imaging and laser therapies for the detection and treatment of cancers.  \nBill is co-chair of the PEI Education Minister’s Advisory Council on Lifelong Learning\, and he is a former president of the Canadian Association of Physicists. He has served as president of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and as a director on the national CCS board. He was co-chair of the PEI Education Governance Commission established to review and recommend improvements to the province’s education system.  \nBill is also actively involved in science promotion\, including as co-chair of the PEI Science Fair since 2008 and co-chair of the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2012. He is a founding director of STEAM PEI\, a non-profit organization delivering school-based and community programs for youth to explore STEM fields with the Arts.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/what-is-research-excellence-measuring-impact-in-a-changing-world/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/May28-Panel-en.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260604T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260604T133000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260506T163639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T131209Z
UID:33706-1780574400-1780579800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Sowing Security: The Agri-Food Sector and Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Register HereIn an era of increasing global volatility\, food security is no longer solely an agricultural concern—it is a cornerstone of national security and sovereign resilience. As Canada moves to implement its Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS)\, the role of the agri-food sector in maintaining stable\, innovative\, and secure supply chains has become a strategic priority. This “Deep Dive” panel examines the Canadian agricultural landscape through the lens of national defence and “whole-of-society” resilience. \nFeaturing experts from research\, industry\, and policy\, the session will discuss how agricultural innovation and domestic food sovereignty contribute to Canada’s security objectives. Key topics will include the protection of critical food infrastructure\, the application of dual-use technologies in agri-tech\, and how the DIS can be leveraged to bolster the resilience of Canada’s food systems against emerging global and environmental threats. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Virginia MulliganDirector of Agriculture and Food Innovation\, Alberta InnovatesSee Bio×Virginia Mulligan\nVirginia Mulligan is Director of Agriculture and Food Innovation\, where she designs and delivers strategic programs that support innovation and sustainability in Alberta’s agriculture sector\, with additional experience in forestry and energy. She has been involved in developing and delivering initiatives that surface promising technologies and turn ideas into practical tools for end users. Her work supports a diverse portfolio of projects focused on improving resource efficiency\, strengthening on-farm practices\, and enabling more informed decision-making across the sector. Virginia works closely with industry\, academia\, and government partners to ensure this work is well informed\, collaborative\, and responsive to evolving needs. She brings a practical\, systems-level perspective on the role of innovation in advancing sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.  \nShayan SharifDistinguished Research Chair in Agri-Food Biosecurity\, Associate Dean\, Research and Graduate Studies\,  University of GuelphSee Bio×Shayan Sharif\nSharif led various research programs\, training initiatives and agri-food research centres owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and operated by U of G\, including those at the Ridgetown Campus. He also oversaw the Laboratory Services Division and fostered relationships with a range of public- and private-sector partners. \nSharif is a professor of immunology whose research focuses on poultry diseases\, such as avian influenza. He is dedicated to developing innovative vaccines to control these infections. Additionally\, in the past\, he led the Poultry Health Research Network\, collaborating with experts from academia\, government and industry. More recently\, he was instrumental in establishing a translational health initiative at the University\, bridging veterinary and human health research to translate laboratory discoveries into treatments for both animals and humans. \nBrodie BerriganSenior Director of Government Relations and Farm Policy\, Canadian Federation of AgricultureSee Bio×Brodie Berrigan\nAs Senior Director of Government Relations and Farm Policy at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA)\, Brodie Berrigan plays a key role in coordinating the organization’s policy development and government relations\, with leadership on files including risk management\, food security\, labour\, trade and transportation.  \nPrior to joining the CFA\, he spent many years working for the Government of Canada across several departments\, including Public Services and Procurement Canada\, the Privy Council Office\, and Employment and Social Development Canada.  \nMr. Berrigan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Ottawa\, a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University\, and a diploma in Business – Agriculture from Algonquin College.  \nDana Dickerson\n Director of Market Development and Sustainability\, Grain Farmers of OntarioSee Bio×Dana Dickerson\nDana Dickerson is Director of Market Development and Sustainability at Grain Farmers of Ontario. Working on behalf of 28\,000 farmers who grow barley\, corn\, oats\, wheat\, and soybeans\, Dana focuses on strengthening existing markets and creating new demand across food\, feed\, fuel\, beverage\, and bioproduct sectors. She works closely with farmers\, processors and governments to encourage value‑added processing innovation in Ontario\, grow grain exports\, and support farmer and customer sustainability. \nIan AffleckVice President – Plant Biotechnology\, CropLife CanadaSee Bio×Ian Affleck\nIan Affleck\, is the vice-president of plant biotechnology for CropLife Canada. In this role\, Affleck works with domestic and international agricultural stakeholders and governments on the development of policies\, regulations\, and science related to plant biotechnology. Prior to joining CropLife Canada\, Affleck worked at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for 10 years. His work there focused on the regulation of novel plants and new varieties. Affleck holds a B Sc from Nova Scotia Agricultural College and a Masters from the University of Guelph. Affleck has been involved in agriculture from an early age\, having grown up on a potato farm in Bedeque\, PEI. \n \nWilliam WhelanProfessor\, Department of Physics\, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and Professor\, Department of Biomedical Sciences\, Atlantic Veterinary CollegeSee Bio×William Whelan\nBill Whelan is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Atlantic Veterinary College. He was a Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Optics at UPEI and chair of the Department of Physics. His research has focused on the development of optical sensors\, photoacoustic imaging and laser therapies for the detection and treatment of cancers.  \nBill is co-chair of the PEI Education Minister’s Advisory Council on Lifelong Learning\, and he is a former president of the Canadian Association of Physicists. He has served as president of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and as a director on the national CCS board. He was co-chair of the PEI Education Governance Commission established to review and recommend improvements to the province’s education system.  \nBill is also actively involved in science promotion\, including as co-chair of the PEI Science Fair since 2008 and co-chair of the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2012. He is a founding director of STEAM PEI\, a non-profit organization delivering school-based and community programs for youth to explore STEM fields with the Arts.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/sowing-security/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/June4-Panel-en-3.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260617T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260617T110000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260521T152237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260531T162246Z
UID:33889-1781694000-1781694000@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Research Integrity in the Era of AI
DESCRIPTION:Register HereThis panel will explore whether AI can meaningfully strengthen research integrity or whether it accelerates existing vulnerabilities in the publishing system\, and what this means for funders\, institutions\, and policymakers who rely on scholarly evidence. Panelists will explore how openness\, governance\, accountability\, and policy frameworks must evolve to sustain trust in an AI-mediated research ecosystem. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Moderator: Dr. Barnaby CrookRegional Engagement Editor\, MDPISee Bio×Dr. Barnaby Crook\nDr. Barnaby Crook completed an MA in philosophy and neuroscience at the Humboldt University of Berlin in 2021 and a PhD in the philosophy of artificial intelligence at the University of Bayreuth in 2025. After moving from Germany to Toronto\, Dr. Crook began working for MDPI as an Assistant Editor with the journal IJERPH. He now works as a Regional Engagement Editor for North America. In this role\, Dr. Crook builds and maintains relationships with academic stakeholders\, fostering collaboration and developing partnerships. He is passionate about scientific communication and research integrity. \nDr. Aneliia (Annie) Chatterjee Open Access and Scholarly Communications Librarian\, NJIT University LibrarySee Bio×Dr. Aneliia (Annie) Chatterjee \nDr. Aneliia (Annie) Chatterjee is the Open Access and Scholarly Communications Librarian at NJIT University Libraries. She works with faculty\, researchers\, and students on open scholarship initiatives\, with expertise in scholarly communication\, open access\, institutional repositories\, research visibility and impact\, research data management\, open access policy\, and the development of open access agreement evaluation rubrics. Her work also explores the use of AI in libraries and strategies that support research dissemination and impact. \nPrior to NJIT\, Dr. Chatterjee held leadership positions in academic libraries and worked in corporate research in New York. She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Rowan University\, along with Master’s degrees in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute and Sofia University. Her research interests include transformative learning\, open access\, and the evolving role of libraries in higher education. \nMehnaz TabassumCo-founder & CEO @ NL Eats | Building the Future of Food Systems | AI Educator & Strategy PartnerSee Bio×Mehnaz Tabassum\nMehnaz Tabassum is a true embodiment of multipotentiality\, bringing together leadership across entrepreneurship\, technology\, investment\, community impact\, innovation\, and public service. With more than 10 years of professional experience and as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)\, Mehnaz possesses a unique combination of business acumen\, systems thinking\, and social impact leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Certificate in Public Policy from Memorial University of Newfoundland. \nMehnaz previously served as a Senior IT Manager with the Government of Canada\, where she was among the youngest professionals to hold leadership roles of this nature. During her tenure\, she led digital transformation initiatives across multiple branches including the Canada Revenue Agency’s Security Branch (ASB)\, Human Resources Branch (HRB)\, and Assessment\, Benefits and Services Branch (ABSB). She became recognized for driving agile leadership practices\, leading high-impact projects\, and fostering innovation within complex organizational environments. \nToday\, Mehnaz is the CEO of FOOD FORWARD\, a national platform and ecosystem initiative bringing together leaders across food systems\, agriculture\, aquaculture\, technology\, investment\, policy\, and sustainability to accelerate innovation and shape the future of food. Through FOOD FORWARD\, she has helped build partnerships across industry\, government\, academia\, and entrepreneurial communities to advance meaningful conversations and action at national and international levels. \nShe is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of NL Eats Community Outreach Inc.\, a federally registered charity focused on addressing food insecurity\, advancing sustainable food systems\, empowering youth\, and creating opportunities through innovation and agritech. Under her leadership\, the organization has created project opportunities for more than 350 youth and positively impacted over 4\,000 community members. \nIn addition\, Mehnaz is the Founder and CEO of CogniCo AI Consulting\, where she works with organizations to integrate AI\, automation\, digital transformation strategies\, and future-ready workforce solutions. She actively supports organizations in navigating technological change while building practical and human-centered approaches to AI adoption. As a thought leader and angel investor\, Mehnaz is passionate about identifying emerging opportunities\, supporting innovation ecosystems\, and helping build ventures that create both economic and social impact. \nBeyond organizational leadership\, Mehnaz is deeply committed to people development and servant leadership. Through her consulting work\, she coaches individuals on career development\, mentors newcomers in partnership with the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)\, and supports organizations navigating digital transformation and innovation. Her experience also includes serving as Vice President of Operations with Project Management Institute OVOC and contributing as a board member for the Food Policy Council\, Government of Newfoundland’s Premier’s Youth Policy Council\, and Global Vision. \nMehnaz is also a sought-after public speaker and thought leader\, frequently invited to share insights on leadership\, AI and digital transformation\, entrepreneurship\, innovation ecosystems\, career growth\, and the future of work. She continues to build platforms at the intersection of AI\, technology\, social innovation\, future workforce development\, entrepreneurship\, and ecosystem building. \nMehnaz is also recognized as a QECT100 Leader\, reflecting her contributions to leadership\, innovation\, and community impact. \nHer outstanding contributions have earned numerous awards and recognitions including the 2024 Most Inspiring Immigrant in Atlantic Canada\, CRA Award of Excellence (2022)\, Women of Distinction (2020)\, Young Entrepreneur Award (2019)\, Chancellor’s Undergraduate Leadership Award (2021)\, and the Feeding 9 Billion Award (2018). She has also been nominated for prestigious honors including the IPAC Emerging Leader Award\, Atlantic Top 50 CEOs\, and the Diana Award. \nWith expertise spanning project management\, digital transformation\, business analytics\, public policy\, technology strategy\, leadership\, entrepreneurship\, AI adoption\, social innovation\, investment\, and community development\, Mehnaz Tabassum continues to build impactful initiatives that bridge people\, technology\, and purpose. \nDr. Enric SayasAI Product Owner\, MDPISee Bio×Enric Sayas\nWith a PhD in Molecular Biology\, I bridge the gap between complex scientific research and cutting-edge technology. Currently\, I serve as an AI Product Owner at MDPI\, where I specialize in integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into the scientific publishing industry. My work focuses on developing data-driven solutions that enhance editorial workflows\, optimize peer review processes\, and strengthen research integrity. \nI am deeply committed to the principles of Open Science\, leveraging AI-powered tools to make scientific discovery more transparent\, efficient\, and accessible. By transforming internal tools into high-precision\, commercial-grade platforms\, I aim to foster a more open and trustworthy research ecosystem that accelerates global innovation.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/research-integrity-in-the-era-of-ai/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/June17-Panel-en-4.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260622T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260622T133000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260610T153533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T231645Z
UID:34121-1782129600-1782135000@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:AI for All? Balancing Innovation\, Sovereignty\, and Trust
DESCRIPTION:Register HereThe official launch of Canada’s renewed National AI Strategy\, “AI for All\,” marks a defining milestone for the country’s digital and economic future. With a multi-billion-dollar framework anchored across six core pillars\, the strategy sets an aggressive roadmap to supercharge domestic compute infrastructure\, accelerate commercial adoption\, and scale Canadian tech champions. However\, as public demand for rigorous safety guardrails\, strict liability frameworks\, and online protections reaches an all-time high\, the critical question has rapidly shifted from high-level policy vision to real-world execution. \nHow will Canada balance the natural friction between rapid economic scaling and the imperative to protect its citizens and democratic values? \nTo capture the ecosystem’s immediate\, unfiltered reactions\, the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) is convening an exclusive virtual panel. We are bringing together a powerful\, multi-sectoral lineup to debate the strategy’s 6 pillars\, balancing the drive for sovereign compute scaling with urgent public demands for strict safety guardrails and liability.  \nThis timely 90-minute session is intentionally designed to bring together a truly cross-sectoral assembly of leaders representing government\, industry\, civil society\, and academia. By uniting the policymakers driving the framework\, the industrial innovators executing it\, the civil society advocates safeguarding the public interest\, and the academic researchers anchoring the science\, this panel will offer a multi-lens post-mortem of the newly released roadmap. \nJoin us for an exclusive virtual panel on Monday\, June 22\, 2026\, for this vital cross-sectoral dialogue: AI for All? Perspectives on Canada’s AI Strategy. This virtual session is built entirely on a cross-sectoral framework\, bringing together the distinct\, essential perspectives of:  \n\n🏛️ Government policy makers framing the 6 pillars. \n💼 Industry leaders driving commercialization and compute scaling. \n⚖️ Civil Society advocates demanding strict safety guardrails and public protection. \n🎓 Academia anchoring the foundational research and talent ecosystem.  \nSpeaker information coming soon!Mark SchaanAssociate Deputy Minister\, Innovation\, Science and Economic Development CanadaSee Bio×Mark Schaan\nMark Schaan is the Associate Deputy Minister at Innovation\, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)\, confirmed in October 2025\, which builds on the direction from the Prime Minister on July of 2025 that he act as the direct Deputy support to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Innovation. In these capacities\, Mark supports Canada’s industrial AI and digital agenda\, working to position the country as a global leader in the responsible development and use of these technologies. \nMark’s career has been highlighted by this cross-cutting policy and framework effort\, including leading major consultations and reforms\, including for telecommunications\, investment review\, intellectual property\, bankruptcy and insolvency\, privacy and AI. Mark’s public service career has included roles across the policy spectrum\, as well as leading on revitalizing the public service through innovative recruitment models. \nMark earned his BA (Honours) from the University of Waterloo\, where he studied as a Loran Scholar. Mark earned his MPhil in Comparative Social Policy\, conferred in 2004\, and his DPhil in Social Policy\, conferred in 2010 from the University of Oxford\, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. Mark is also actively involved in his communities. \nJulien BillotCEO\, Scale AISee Bio×Julien Billot\nMr. Billot is CEO of Scale Ai\, Canada’s artificial intelligence Supercluster dedicated to building the next generation supply chain and boosting industry performance by leveraging Ai technologies. He is also an adjunct professor of HEC Montreal and the Montreal lead for two transformational programs aiming to launch and grow startups in Artificial Intelligence leveraging Montreal tech and business ecosystem\, NextAI and the CreativeDestructionLab (CDL). \nHe also serves as a director in various companies and non-profit organizations. He has extensive experience in the marketing\, media and mobile industries\, with a track record of successfully executing print to digital business transformations. \nUntil recently\, Julien Billot has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Yellow Pages Group Corporation in Montreal\, Quebec. Previously\, he was Executive Vice President\, Head of Media and Member of the Executive Committee of Solocal Group (formerly PagesJaunes Groupe)\, the publicly traded and incumbent local search business in France. Earlier experience includes serving as CEO of the digital and new business group of Lagardère Active\, a multimedia branch of Lagardère Group and 13 years in senior management positions at France Telecom\, notably as Chief Marketing Officer for Orange\, the company’s mobile subsidiary. \nMr. Billot is serving today as a Board Member at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer\, is Chairman of a Montreal based company Jogogo Media and a Board member for DistrictM and a French media group\, Groupe Paris Turf.   \nMr. Billot is a graduate of École Polytechnique (Paris) and from Telecom Paris Tech. He holds a postgraduate diploma (DEA) in Industrial Economics from the University of Paris-Dauphine. \nMélissa M’Raidi-KechichianResearch and Advocacy Fellow\, Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP)See Bio×Mélissa M'Raidi-Kechichian\nMélissa M’Raidi-Kechichian (they/them) is an expert in AI policy\, frameworks\, and regulation currently serving as a Research and Advocacy Fellow at the Center for AI and Digital Policy. Mélissa focuses on AI ethics and governance and has previously worked in civic technology and digital identity. Over the past 5 years\, their research focused on AI policy framework development and implementation\, the ethics of algorithmic recommendations\, and AI regulation in democratic and authoritarian States \nWyatt Tessari L’Allié\nFounder and Executive Director\, Artificial Intelligence Governance & Safety Canada (AIGS Canada)See Bio×Wyatt Tessari L’Allié\nWyatt Tessari L’Allié is the founder and executive director of AI Governance and Safety Canada\, a nonpartisan not-for-profit and a community of people across the country\, working to ensure that advanced AI is safe and beneficial for all. A former engineer\, filmmaker\, and climate advocate\, he has spent the last 10 years researching and writing about advanced AI. He has testified seven times at parliamentary committees in Ottawa\, and is the author of multiple policy papers on what Canada can do to navigate accelerating AI.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/ai-for-all-balancing-innovation-sovereignty-and-trust/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June22-AI-en-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260629T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260629T123000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260601T215231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T161844Z
UID:34063-1782730800-1782736200@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Dementia Prevention in Canada: Individual Risk\, Collective Responsibility
DESCRIPTION:Register HereThis panel will examine dementia prevention in Canada through the lens of a central tension: while growing evidence shows that individuals can reduce their risk through lifestyle and health-related factors\, the ability to act on that knowledge is shaped by the systems and environments around them. Framed by the theme “Individual Risk\, Collective Responsibility\,” the discussion will explore how dementia prevention should be understood not only as a matter of personal responsibility\, but also as a societal and policy imperative that requires coordinated action across healthcare\, communities\, and governments. \nA central focus of the conversation will be where responsibility for prevention should sit\, and how to avoid placing undue burden on individuals\, without ignoring the importance of individual agency. Panelists will consider how Canadians understand modifiable dementia risk\, what can be learned from other public health campaigns\, and how technology may support brain-healthy choices. Informed by a recent international survey of 2000+ adults\, the panel will examine barriers that Canadians encounter when they consider brain healthy choices\, as well as system-level gaps that exist in community design and service access that\, if addressed\, could support population health outcomes and more resilient health systems at scale. \nAttendees will gain insight into how dementia prevention can be framed in ways that are both actionable and equitable\, recognizing individual responsibility while confronting the structural realities that shape people’s options\, including socioeconomic inequality\, geography\, transportation\, and access to care and supportive services. By bringing together perspectives from clinical care\, research\, innovation\, community-based interventions\, and aging policy\, the session will surface the practical and ethical questions at the heart of prevention: what individuals can reasonably be expected to do\, what systems must enable\, and how Canada can build a more brain-healthy society through shared responsibility. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Dr. Allison SekulerPresident & Chief Scientist\, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education\, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI); Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience\, Rotman Research Institute \n	See Bio×Dr. Allison Sekuler\nPresident & Chief Scientist\, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education\, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI); Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience\, Rotman Research Institute.  \nDr. Samir K. SinhaGeriatrician & Clinician Scientist\, Sinah Health System & University Health Network; Professor of Medicine\, University of Toronto; Director of Health Policy Research at Toronto Metropolitan University’s National Institute on AgeingSee Bio×Dr. Samir K. Sinha\nDr. Samir Sinha is a Geriatrician and Clinician Scientist at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network in Toronto\, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto\, the Director of Health Policy Research at Toronto Metropolitan University’s National Institute on Ageing\, as well as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Royal Society of Medicine.  \nA Rhodes Scholar\, Samir is a highly regarded clinician and international expert in the care of older adults. As a former member of the Government of Canada’s National Seniors Council and a current member of its Minsterial Advisory Board on Dementia he helped to develop and now oversee Canada’s National Dementia Strategy and recently led the successful development of Canada’s new National Long-Term Care Services Standard.   \nInternationally\, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the International Centre for Future Health Systems at the University of New South Wales.  Furthermore\, as a longstanding member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and a recently appointed member of the Board of Trustees for HelpAge International\, he remains committed to supporting the implementation and administration of unique\, integrated and innovative models of geriatric care and support that reduce disease burden\, improve access and capacity and ultimately promote health. \nDr. Dallas SeitzChief of Geriatric Psychiatry at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH); Professor of Psychiatry & Director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry\, Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto See Bio×Dr. Dallas Seitz\nDr. Dallas Seitz is the Chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) where he also holds the Peter and Shelagh Godsoe Chair in Late-Life Mental Health Research. He is also a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto and the Director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry.  \nHe currently serves as Co-Chair of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health and past president of Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry.  \nHe completed his undergraduate medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan (2003) and his postgraduate residency training in Psychiatry at the Queen’s University in 2008. He completed a research and clinical fellowship at the University of Toronto at Baycrest Centre and Women’s College Hospital. Dr. Seitz completed his PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research from the Institute of Health Policy\, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto in 2014. \nDr. Nicole AndersonSenior Scientist\, Rotman Research Institute\, Baycrest Hospital; Director\, Ben & Hilda Katz Interprofessional Research Centre in Geriatric and Dementia Care\, Baycrest; Associate Scientific Director\, Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness\, BaycrestSee Bio×Dr. Nicole Anderson\nDr. Anderson is a Senior Scientist\, Director of the Ben & Hilda Katz Interprofessional Research Program in Geriatric and Dementia Care\, and Associate Scientific Director of the Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness in the Rotman Research Institute at the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education. She is a Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Medicine (Psychiatry) at the University of Toronto.  She is a registered clinical neuropsychologist.  Her research focuses on how memory is affected by healthy aging and mild cognitive impairment\, and on cognitive and lifestyle interventions to promote brain health and reduce dementia risk. \nDr. Saskia SivananthanCo-Founder & Chief Executive Officer\, The Brainwell Institute See Bio×Dr. Saskia Sivananthan\nDr. Saskia Sivananthan\, an internationally recognized strategy and policy advisor on dementia care\, is the co-founder and CEO of the Brainwell Institute – a nonprofit dementia policy think tank.  She is also an Affiliate Professor at McGill University. \nShe was formerly Chief Research and KTE Officer at the Alzheimer Society of Canada where she oversaw a tripling of funding for dementia research\, and created multiple platforms for people living with dementia to engage in research\, advocate and co-design programming for their needs.  In 2020 she was appointed by the Federal Minister of Health to the ministerial advisory board on dementia. \nPreviously\, Dr. Sivananthan served as a senior strategy and policy advisor consulting for the World Health Organization (WHO) on its overall global dementia strategy. Dr. Sivananthan co-drafted the WHO’s Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia which was unanimously adopted at the 170th World Health Assembly by all 194 member-states. This plan served as the template for Canada’s National Dementia Strategy. It identified key priorities and established international goals to fight stigma and advance dementia care.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/dementia-prevention-in-canada-individual-risk-collective-responsibility/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June29-en-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260706T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260706T143000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260317T212415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T165503Z
UID:33462-1783342800-1783348200@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Clean Power\, Smart Sovereignty:  Driving Canada's competitive AI and quantum future
DESCRIPTION:Register HereCanada stands at a pivotal moment: how can we lead in AI while powering this infrastructure sustainably? This panel explores the strategies for building sovereign\, next generation compute systems that harness Canada’s clean energy advantage. Leaders on this panel will examine how competitiveness can be unlocked at the nexus of sovereignty\, sustainability\, and security\, ensure that AI technologies scale without compromising Canada’s leadership. Join us to discover how Canada is turning its renewable power into a foundation of tech strength\, resilient digital sovereignty\, and a sustainable future. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Joy JohnsonPresident and Vice-chancellor\, Simon Fraser University See Bio×Joy Johnson\nJoy Johnson is president and vice-chancellor of Simon Fraser University\, and professor in its Faculty of Health Sciences.  \nAs president\, Joy is committed to carrying out SFU’s vision to be a leading research university\, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. \nPrior to her appointment as president\, Joy served as SFU’s vice-president\, research and international\, and oversaw the evolution of cutting-edge research\, innovation\, and international engagement across eight faculties.  \nUnder her leadership\, SFU’s achieved the fastest growth of any Canadian university research income of any university in Canada\, with a focus on mobilizing knowledge to enhance the social\, economic and environmental wellbeing of its communities.  \nPrior to SFU\, Joy had a distinguished career in academics and research. She is an elected Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences\, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada\, and has co-authored more than 180 peer-reviewed articles. \nProfessor Johnson is a director and current vice-chair on the Universities Canada board. \n \nPhil HarrisPresident and CEO\, CerioSee Bio×Phil Harris\nPhil has been in the networking and data center industry for over 35 years at market-leading companies including Intel and Cisco. Prior to joining Rockport\, he led the strategy\, roadmap\, and lifecycle for Intel’s differentiated systems-based solutions. He drove the market and industry adoption of Rack Scale Design as the leading platform for Hyperscale applications\, as well as service development and deployment.  \nPhil also served as a Vice President and Senior Vice President for Riverbed Technologies\, BMC Software\, and Cisco Systems. He led groups within those companies in a variety of projects featuring cloud services\, automation\, and innovative service provider models. Phil holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Willesden College of Technology in the UK. \nCraig TavaresPresident & COO\, BUZZ High Performance Computing See Bio×Craig Tavares\nCraig Tavares is a seasoned leader with over 20 years in digital infrastructure and energy. As President of BUZZ HPC\, he drives the company’s Sovereign AI Cloud and high-performance data center strategy\, expanding Canada’s GPU capacity for demanding AI workloads. \nHe has held senior leadership roles at Cogeco\, Aptum (DigitalBridge)\, and Apple\, where he built and scaled global cloud\, data center\, and hybrid infrastructure businesses. Earlier\, he co-founded Kingston Co-gen\, leading M&A and development of 300MW of power generation while pioneering one of North America’s first HPC-enabled power-plant data centers. \nRecognized as an innovator and growth driver across telecom\, cloud\, energy\, and AI\, Tavares combines technical depth with strategic vision. At BUZZ HPC\, his leadership is instrumental in positioning the company as Canada’s leading sovereign AI cloud provider. \nDiego MandelbaumChief Development Officer\, Corix See Bio×Diego Mandelbaum\nAs Chief Development Officer\, Diego leads the company’s efforts to drive organic growth and develop new district energy systems across North America. Prior to joining Corix\, Diego held various leadership roles in the energy\, engineering and construction industries\, overseeing strategic direction\, partnerships\, and development.  \nHe brings over 15 years of experience in the energy sector\, with deep expertise in district energy\, electrification\, and alternative investments. An active contributor to both industry and community\, Diego serves on the Board of the UBC Alumni Association and previously served on the Board of the BC Construction Roundtable. In 2021\, he was recognized as one of Canadian Construction’s 40 Under 40.  \nDiego holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia\, a Certificate in Alternative Investments from Harvard Business School\, and is a registered Professional Engineer. \nJaethan ReichelChief Operations Officer\, Bel Fabric  See Bio×Jaethan Reichel\nJaethan Reichel is COO of Bell AI Fabric\, where he helps lead the development of Canada’s sovereign AI infrastructure. \nHe’s spent his career at the intersection of technology and critical systems: energy grids\, communications networks\, and disaster response. He has founded three companies\, worked with governments on accelerators and policy\, and advised companies and funds on challenges in climate\, democracy\, and security. He thinks we can still fix things. \nAt AI Fabric\, he works to extend Bell’s nation-building tradition by creating infrastructure Canadians can trust\, supporting researchers and companies\, and ensuring that future technologies reflect shared values and strengthen the country’s role in the digital world.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/clean-power-smart-sovereignty/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/July6-EN.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260721T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260721T150000
DTSTAMP:20260613T170759
CREATED:20260512T141611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T210217Z
UID:33775-1784640600-1784646000@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Canada’s AI Advantage: Why It Exists—and What It Will Take to Scale It
DESCRIPTION:Register HereCanada has established itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence research and talent development. Yet despite these strengths\, translating that advantage into broad-based economic and societal impact remains uneven. \nThis panel will examine how Canada can more effectively move from discovery to deployment—closing the gap between research excellence and real-world adoption. Bringing together leaders from academia\, national AI institutes\, and industry\, the discussion will explore where the system is working\, where it is falling short\, and what it will take to scale impact. \nA central focus will be on how talent\, research\, and industry can be more tightly connected—ensuring that students\, researchers\, and companies are working together on real-world challenges earlier and more often. Drawing on practical experience\, panelists will highlight models that accelerate adoption\, strengthen talent pipelines\, and enable organizations to apply AI in meaningful\, measurable ways. \nAttendees will gain insights into: \n\nWhat is actually driving AI adoption in practice\, including approaches that embed talent within real-world environments to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to implementation \nHow Canada can better align its research\, training\, and industry needs\, ensuring that highly qualified talent is equipped to contribute to applied AI and commercialization \nWhat systemic changes are needed to scale impact\, from institutional incentives within academia to national strategies that support adoption\, competitiveness\, and long-term growth \n\nThis session will move beyond potential to focus on execution—highlighting how Canada can convert its AI leadership into sustained economic and societal advantage. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Eva ReddingtonVice President\, Policy\, Program Development & Government Relations\, MitacsSee Bio× Eva Reddington\nVice President\, Policy\, Program Development & Government Relations\, Mitacs \nElissa StromeExecutive Director of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy\, CIFARSee Bio×Elissa StromeElissa Strome is the Executive Director of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy at CIFAR. She works with leaders at Canada’s three National AI Institutes in Edmonton (Amii)\, Montreal (Mila)\, and Toronto (Vector Institute) and across the country to advance Canada’s leadership in AI research\, training and innovation. She is a champion of equity\, diversity and inclusion in science\, and an ambassador for Canada’s position in AI research\, innovation\, and policy internationally. Elissa is a member of the federal government’s AI Advisory Council\, a member of the OECD’s Network of Experts on AI and Expert Group on AI in Health\, a member of the Health Canada Expert Advisory Committee for AI in Health\, and sits on the Advisory Board of York University’s Centre for AI & Society.Margo SeltzerCore Member\, AI@UBC Working GroupSee Bio×Margo SeltzerMargo Seltzer is a core member of our AI@UBC working group and department co-Head\, Canada 150 Research Chair in Computer Systems\, and the Cheriton Family chair in Computer Science at the University of British Columbia. Her research interests are in systems\, construed quite broadly\, including algorithms and systems for constructing optimal and interpretable machine learning models. One particularly novel stream of this work is the production of Rashomon Sets\, the set of all good models\, which give users the ability to select models that best reflect their domain expertise. \nDr. Seltzer was a co-founder and CTO of Sleepycat Software\, the makers of Berkeley DB\, the recipient of the 2021 ACM Software Systems award and the 2020 ACM SIGMOD Systems Award. She is a member of the Royal Society of Canada\, the National Academy of Engineering\, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.Youssef Helwa\nCEO and Co-founder\, FluidAI MedicalSee Bio×Youssef Helwa\nYoussef Helwa is the CEO and Co-founder of FluidAI Medical\, the world leader in postoperative care\, transforming how hospitals detect and prevent surgical complications through AI-powered patient monitoring. Built from his graduate research at the University of Waterloo\, FluidAI has grown into a globally deployed medtech company with regulatory clearances across multiple jurisdictions and clinical partnerships with some of the world’s most respected institutions\, including Cleveland Clinic\, Mayo Clinic\, and UHN. The company’s Stream Platform combines nanosensor technology and artificial intelligence to detect complications up to 80% faster than the standard of care\, backed by the world’s largest general surgery dataset spanning millions of patient records\, a strong IP portfolio\, and a suite of tools to optimize patient engagement\, clinical documentation\, and surgical billing. Youssef is on a mission to make surgical recovery smarter\, safer\, and more predictable for patients worldwide. \nCam LinkeCEO\, Alberta Machine Learning Institute (Amii)See Bio×Cam Linke\nCam Linke\, is the CEO of Alberta Machine Learning Institute (Amii) is a longtime leader in Canada’s technology and startup community. Over the past 10 years\, he has worked as a CEO\, investor\, community builder\, product manager\, software entrepreneur\, academic\, and developer. \nPast roles include Co-founder of Startup Edmonton\, Founder of Flightpath Ventures\, CEO of Touch Metric\, Product Manager at Nexopia.com\, and Founder of DemoCamp Edmonton. Linke is a sought-after speaker and mentor and has been recognized as Avenue Magazine Top 40 Under 40. \nHe holds a Master’s degree which was supervised by Dr. Richard Sutton and Dr. Adam White. His research\, which focused on AI adapting behaviours to improve their own self-learning\, has been published at top conferences. \nCory JanssenCo-Founder and CEO\, AltaMLSee Bio×Cory Janssen\nCory Janssen is Co-Founder and CEO of AltaML\, an applied AI company recognized for delivering agentic AI solutions that unlock measurable organizational value and elevate human potential. A seasoned technology entrepreneur\, Cory previously co-founded Investopedia in 1999 and developed it into a leading global financial education site before its sale to Forbes Media in 2007. \nChad CogarVice President of AI\, Creative Destruction LabSee Bio×Chad CogarChad Cogar is the Vice President of AI at Creative Destruction Lab\, where he leads AI initiatives and serves as a technical advisor to CDL’s enterprise AI adoption program “Putting AI to Work”. With over a decade of experience in AI strategy and implementation\, Chad specializes in developing AI systems that drive measurable business impact. Prior to joining CDL\, he led product management for the machine learning teams at Kindred AI and oversaw large-scale AI transformation initiatives for enterprise clients across multiple industries. Chad holds degrees in Law (JD)\, Business (MBA)\, and Computer Science (BSc) from the University of Toronto.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/canadas-ai-advantage/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/July-21-Panel-en.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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