SUPPLIED
Rémi Quirion, Quebec Chief Scientist
Partnerships and dynamic, open collaboration at the national and the global levels are the only way to succeed in solving big societal challenges, such as climate change and pandemics. Canada can and should lead the way by promoting and facilitating all aspects of global science collaborations.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has been a critical game changer for science, research and innovation in Canada. I was awarded one of the very first, if not the first, major CFI grants in the field of mental health when I was the scientific director of the Douglas University Institute in Mental Health, McGill University. This critical support allowed us to markedly improve research facilities – leading to the recruitment of a dozen scientists, all of whom have become stars and leaders in their fields.
Due to being involved in creating this great legacy in a challenging research field, I have come to view “grey matter” as a top priority for ensuring a future-ready Canada. Excellence and recruitment of the best minds were challenging before the pandemic – and will be even more in the coming years as many countries have decided to make major investments in research and deep tech as a means to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and ensure a strong economy for their citizens.
Canada must do the same to not be sidelined.
Thanks to major investments in research infrastructure in universities, colleges and research institutes, the CFI has helped to foster excellence in all research fields, which has enabled us to recruit and retain the best talents in partnerships with other federal programs, such as Canada Research Chairs.
We have to continue this trajectory with even greater, larger investments in basic, fundamental research and related infrastructure. This will be the best way to ensure the strongest post-pandemic socio-economic recovery for Canada.
Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.