Professor Alejandro Adem will
continue to provide strong leadership to Canada's science and engineering
community
OTTAWA,
ON, May 29, 2024 /CNW/ - Canada's science and research sectors benefit
from the Government of Canada's
support for visionaries, explorers and innovators. Working
alongside universities, colleges and businesses, the Natural
Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) helps them find solutions to
today's global challenges and enables discoveries and innovations
that advance knowledge and improve the lives of Canadians.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry,
announced the reappointment of Professor Alejandro Adem as the president of NSERC for a
five-year term, effective October 1,
2024.
Under his leadership since 2019, NSERC has played a key role in
supporting research related to the Government of Canada's priorities, including artificial
intelligence, quantum innovation, research security, electric
vehicles, critical minerals, Indigenous research and net-zero
emissions targets. NSERC has experienced its highest-ever levels of
research funding; implemented policies to enhance equity, diversity
and inclusion across Canada's
research landscape; and overseen a significant expansion of
international collaboration opportunities available to Canadian
researchers and students. In his second term, Professor Adem will
continue to support research excellence and innovative partnerships
with private, public and not-for-profit organizations to strengthen
Canada's economy, society and
future.
Professor Adem has been president of NSERC since October 2019. As a highly accomplished researcher
in the field of mathematics and a faculty member at the
University of British Columbia,
Professor Adem has significant leadership experience in the
Canadian research and innovation ecosystem. He was previously
CEO and scientific director of Mitacs (2015–2019), where he oversaw
a significant expansion of its domestic and international
internship programs.
Professor Adem is currently Chair of the Canada Research
Coordinating Committee and Chair of the Global Research Council's
Governing Board, and he serves on the Board of Trustees of the
Human Frontier Science Program. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society
of Canada, a Fellow of the
American Mathematical Society, a Fellow of the Canadian
Mathematical Society and a Corresponding Member of the Mexican
Academy of Sciences.
Quotes
"Congratulations to Professor Adem on his reappointment as
president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
of Canada. Under his leadership, NSERC made significant
investments in research, researchers and trainees; increased
equity, diversity and inclusion across Canada's research community; and further
developed international collaborations. His expertise and
experience are valuable assets in our government's ambitious plan
for research and innovation in Canada."
– The Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"It has been a great honour to serve as president of NSERC since
2019, and I am delighted to be able to continue supporting the
talented scientists and engineers who dedicate themselves to
finding solutions, treatments and technologies that improve the
lives of Canadians. Our country is home to some of the world's most
exciting research, and I will continue to work closely with
researchers, students, key collaborators and valued partners to
ensure that Canada's research
community remains innovative, impactful and inclusive."
– Professor Alejandro Adem, FRSC,
President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of
Canada
Quick facts
- Through grants, fellowships and scholarships, NSERC
promotes and supports research and research training in natural
sciences and engineering to develop talent, generate discoveries
and support innovations in pursuit of economic and social outcomes
for Canadians.
- NSERC's Council is composed of the president and up to 18 other
members appointed from the private and public sectors. The
council collectively represents the academic research and private
sector research and development communities in natural sciences and
engineering, as well as other stakeholder groups in the Canadian
research ecosystem. Its main responsibilities are to set the
strategy and high-level direction for NSERC and to review and
evaluate performance.
- NSERC emphasizes the importance of collaboration and
evidence-based decision making in Canada's research ecosystem. It will continue
to jointly administer many funding opportunities with the Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research to maximize outcomes for Canadians.
- NSERC will continue to work with research funding agencies
globally, helping Canadian researchers establish international
partnerships through Alliance International for a range of research
across the natural sciences and in engineering, including a
dedicated focus on quantum science and technology as part of
NSERC's commitment to support the Government of Canada's National Quantum Strategy.
Associated links
- Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan announces new
President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
of Canada
Stay connected
Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science
and Economic Development Canada website.
Follow Canadian Science on social media.
X (Twitter): @CDNScience | Facebook: Canadian
Science | Instagram: @cdnscience
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada