Article Type: Generic

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences blossoming despite fiscal constraints

Just one year after its official launch, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) is in negotiations to launch its first expert panel assessments and is diversifying its stakeholder base to include all players in the health sector.

Ottawa played host to an over-capacity conference of S&T statisticians and analysts last month to help determine what is required to develop meaningful science, technology and innovation (STI) indicators for a rapidly evolving global economy.

The base Budget of the beleaguered Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) program is being cut by $42.2 million within two years as part of the Conservative government’s $1-billion program cutting exercise announced last month.

The Ontario Centre of Excellence (OCE) has unveiled a new uniform program structure across its five research centres and has been given an enhanced mandate to help deliver the provincial government’s new $46-million Market Readiness Program (MRP).

Lingering impact of telecom meltdown

Industrial R&D spending inched up in both 2005 and 2006 with outlays totaling a projected $14.85 billion for 2006, a 1.3% increase over $14.65 billion in 2005. But when spending is measured in 1997 constant dollars, industry spending actually decreased in 2005 and will likely decline again in 2006.

AECL and space agency buck the trend

Federal expenditures on S&T declined in real terms and as a percentage of government spending in FY06-07, as the Harper government ramped up spending on military and other measures in its inaugural Budget last Spring.

A tense stand-off between Quebec’s university research community and the government of Jean Charest could peak in the coming days with the release of a draft provincial research and innovation strategy.

Focus on the National Research Council

The National Research Council (NRC) is floating a new concept for increased A-base funding that could see some of its time-limited cluster initiatives gain permanent status as it develops a detailed business plan for consideration in the next federal Budget.

Focus on the National Research Council

Recently installed DG Dr Tony Rahilly says he is committed to building a strong national office for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), filling key vacancies in the regions and restoring $12 million in funding that recently sunset.