Manning and Suzuki: Speaking Science to Power
Two influential Canadians engage each other and the audience in a dialogue about the importance of science to Canada and the world in the 21st century. They’ll explore why science matters – from science literacy as a building block for democracy to science as a basis for sound public policy.
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Science and global issues I
Reflections on Science, Sustainable Development and Social Justice
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Delivering public science: Who, where and with what resources?
The new reality is that research relies on collaboration and linkages across the scientific community. Is public science being redefined in the process? This session explores emerging arrangements among the three pillars of industry, higher education and government. It looks at what is driving co-location of scientific research, and examines risks and rewards that accompany new institutional, financial and managerial frameworks for public science.
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Taking the measure of federal S&T
Not everything that counts can be counted - to paraphrase Einstein. So which methods and yardsticks best measure the impact of federal government S&T? How do we avoid scientific and public underestimation of the impacts of federal programs. How do we take stock to maximize the prosperity and protection of our citizens?
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Scanning the horizon: Foresight as a tool
How does a country like Canada choose its scientific priorities? Monitoring and analyzing trends is an essential tool in making choices. It helps determine which leading-edge technologies to pursue. It can identify emerging science with the potential to solve current problems and fulfill national objectives. Foresighting is being used to inform public policy decisions across numerous government departments. This panel examines how it can strengthen the contribution of S&T to long-term policy decisions.
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The impact of public science: The triple bottom line
It takes more than a simple mathematical formula to measure value. How does public science - policy, regulation and bench science - contribute directly and indirectly to safeguarding people, protecting the planet and generating prosperity? What are the implications of shrinking resources for public science's triple bottom line?
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Defending integrity: The role of public science
Policy makers depend on impartial research to make informed decisions in the public interest. Credible public policy and an effective regulatory framework requires scientific input that is beyond reproach. How do we avoid political interference in government science? What mechanisms are required to ensure the integrity of the scientific process?
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Getting the message: Approaches to science advice
Expert scientific advice is critical to robust policy-making and effective regulation. What processes and organizational linkages are necessary to communicate scientific findings to policy makers? And policy-makers’ needs to scientists? What institutions and structures could better ensure high-quality evidence-based policy-making? This panel will examine the resources required for sound, science-based policy.
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Federal science in the 21st century: Meeting the challenge
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Science and global issues II:
Blue helmets and white coats: Canadian innovation and global challenges

In an era where humanity faces dramatic challenges to its health and survival. Canada’s contribution to S&T positions us for a global leadership role.
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Lessons for Canada: International perspectives on public science
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Science and policy: Closing the gap
This session examines the channels of communication between scientists and public policy makers in Canada and asks what practices need modernizing. How is scientific knowledge being interpreted for policy-makers and regulators? How can policy-makers' needs be most effectively conveyed to scientists? What impact do dwindling resources have on the quality of science-based policy-making?
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Telling the Science Story: Communicating federal S&T
The session will feature a frank and lively take from communications veterans on what’s good and what could be done better to illustrate the value and impact of federal S&T to the public and targeted users. Based on their extensive experience in communications, polling and knowledge translation and brokering, the panel will tackle a gamut of topical issues ranging from the importance of science literacy, the different languages of science and policy, "muzzling" of scientists, declines in the numbers of traditional science journalists, the perspective of different audiences on the importance of science, and issues of public confidence in science and scientists.
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Fostering innovation: The role of public S&T
For decades, public institutions and spaces have been the catalyst for dynamic relationships between users and producers of new knowledge. Public science also provides the research capacity and specialized expertise that stimulates rich connections among government, education and industry. The resulting innovation, productivity gains and economic growth benefits the country. So, in a changing economic climate, how can federal S&T best advance public and private sector innovation in Canada and improve Canada’s innovation performance?
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Getting science back on the agenda: Signposts for collaboration
A panel presenting several important initiatives to advance science and science policy will follow a presentation by lead moderator Veronique Morin. This session will provide an opportunity for all symposium participants – from scientists to policymakers to communicators – to raise and discuss key questions.

What tools and practical solutions does the science community require to foster greater understanding and support for science?

How can closer relationships be developed between producers and users of scientific knowledge?

How can we fully account for and convey the value of public science in Canada?
What contribution can greater dialogue between industry, government and higher
education make to the rejuvenation of public science?

How do we ensure that federal government science is properly equipped to make its full contribution to defending and advancing the public interest?

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