It is widely recognized that scientific research and innovation are the foundation that underpins wealth creation in the 21st century. Indeed, Canadians’ health, economic prosperity, global competitiveness, and high standard of living are intimately linked to the continued strength and productivity of the nation’s scientific research engine. In turn, the success of this research engine depends on the formulation of sound governmental policies governing science and innovation – a process that requires communication and exchange of ideas amongst all stakeholders, including university researchers, industry, and government. Yet, unlike in most developed countries around the world, a forum to facilitate such discussions in Canada is non-existent.

Science policy is the discipline that lies at the interface of the scientific enterprise and public administration. It encompasses two related and complementary spheres:
(1) “policy for science” – strategies for managing and enhancing the conduct of scientific research;
(2) “science for policy” – mechanisms by which scientific knowledge can inform government decision-making.

Despite substantial government investments in science and technology (S&T), Canada’s science policy infrastructure lags behind that of other nations:
(1) current non-governmental input into “policy for science” is uncoordinated and ineffective;
(2) current “science for policy” has limited external input from academic scientists;
(3) Canada has few university-based academic department devoted to science policy research (compared to over a dozen in the USA);
(4) to date, Canada has been the site of few conferences devoted to science policy (compared to over 80 in the USA and Europe).

We now aim to fill this gap with the establishment of a Canadian Science Policy Conference – an interdisciplinary meeting that will address current and future science policy challenges of critical importance to our nation.

The first Canadian Science Policy Conference has 3 primary objectives:
(1) To identify and discuss current Canadian science policy issues.
(2) To create networking opportunities in order to forge stronger links between scientists and policy-makers.
(3) To lay the foundation for establishing a Canadian “Virtual Institute” for Science Policy Research.

This conference represents a measured first step towards building a robust science policy network in Canada. Such a system will be critical for producing the next generation of policy-makers who understand S&T issues, as well as scientists who understand how to integrate their research into a broader societal context for the benefit of all Canadians.

http://www.sciencepolicy.ca/