Organization: Office of the Chief Science Advisor

Q&A: Mona Nemer on the future of science advice in Canada

At the beginning of her third term as Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer reflects on the role her office has played during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as new directions where she would like to take her renewed mandate.

The Short Report – April 21, 2021: SIF gets $7.2 billion in 2021 federal budget, BC budget invests in new strategic fund, Biden’s funding surge, a boost for the Stem Cell Network, and more

The 2021 federal budget gives a big boost to the NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program, BC budget provides $500 million to new fund for tech startups, US President Joe Biden proposes funding surge for federal research agencies, Canada’s Stem Cell Network to receive $45 million dollars for regenerative medicine therapies, and more.

CanCOVID model could transform how research responds to future crises

COVID-19 has brought about new models of research coordination and knowledge mobilization that could endure long after the pandemic subsides. One of those models is CanCOVID—a virtual network where researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals can communicate with each other in real time, and with industry and policymakers. Launched by Canada’s Departmental Science Advisor Network, it could transform Canada’s response to future crises.

A brief history of science advice and key advisors in Canada

Science advisors play essential players in the discourse around evidence and data to inform decision-making, especially during the pandemic. Here is a sketch of the key Canadian science advisors over the past decades.

The Short Report, May 6, 2020: AbCellera receives $175.6M for COVID-19 therapies; Canada contributes $850 million to global pandemic response; new “super angel” fund launches; and more

Vancouver-based AbCellera Biologics will receive up to $175.6 million from the federal Strategic Innovation Fund to fast-track antibody therapies against COVID-19. The funding will also go to build a first-of-its-kind antibody manufacturing facility over the next four years to help Canada respond to future pandemics. AbCellera has partnered with global biopharmaceutical company Eli Lilly to…