Organization: University of Calgary

Canada’s deep-sea science imperiled by outdated research ships, say scientists

Canadian scientists are no longer able to do cutting-edge deep-sea research off Canada’s coasts because of outdated and unreliable research vessels, say co-chairs of the National Research Vessel Task Team. As a stop-gap measure, the group is proposing the development of modular ocean research infrastructure (MORI) that could be deployed on industry ships and other non-specialized vessels.

The Short Report – Jan 6, 2021: National Research Council has a new president, drones deliver PPE to remote communities, a hydrogen strategy for Canada, and more

NAIT researchers are collecting and analyzing microplastics in a first-of-its-kind study, Tim Hockey has been recruited to lead digital transformation in Ontario for the next three years, Dr. Ted Hewitt is reappointed president of SSHRC, and the IRPP calls for a roadmap to link training opportunities to skills and jobs.

Regional hydrogen nodes could accelerate Canada’s energy transition

The Greater Edmonton Region has the right ingredients to become Canada’s first hydrogen node and tap into a wholesale market potential of up to $100 billion per year, says a new report from Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Hydrogen Task Force. On the heels of the report, Ontario kickstarted the development of a provincial hydrogen strategy, which is expected to be released in 2021.

Calgary wants MaRS to complement its innovation ecosystem, not add competition

Toronto-based MaRS Discovery District has proposed expanding some of its innovation components to Calgary. However, key players involved in exploratory talks say the $60-million “MaRS West” initiative will need to complement, not compete with, Calgary’s existing innovation entities and ecosystem.

The Short Report, June 24, 2020: Canada’s pandemic recovery, investments in sustainability, and more

ECONOMIC RECOVERY The economic recovery from the pandemic presents a unique opportunity to break Canada’s weak track record on innovation through inclusive growth. Canada performs poorly on business investment in R&D, technology adoption, productivity and patent generation and protection, and our record on inclusion and equity is poor, write Dan Breznitz and Daniel Munro. But we…