NRCan: SCIENCE OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT GRANT

Introduction

In 2017/18, NRCan and CASC conducted a pilot project to connect NRCan’s science and technology activities with communication to Canadians through Science Centres.  Three programs were successfully initiated through the program at sites suggested by NRCan staff. 

In the Fall of 2018, the CASC office issued a call for proposal that expands the scope of the 2017/18 program and invited proposals from CASC Full Members to obtain a small grant to create new programming or support existing programming that is in line with NRCan objectives (below).  

Objective 1: To provide the public with a better understanding of important science being done on issues affecting Canada such as:

• Environmental sustainability;
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation;
• Competitiveness of natural resources sectors; and,
• Public safety and national security

Objective 2: Benefit from a mutual opportunity to expand reach when disseminating science knowledge (to reach new audiences)

Objective 3: To increase public understanding of evidence-based decision-making

The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) plays a leadership role in developing and promoting the department’s overarching Science and Technology (S&T) priorities, as aligned with the Government of Canada’s Science and Innovation agenda, and with a goal of ensuring that science informs public policy development and contributes to societal benefits. To this end, OCS works with the department’s S&T community to highlight the benefits of R&D projects in geosciences, geomatics, forestry, mining, petroleum research, and advanced materials and technological developments for energy efficiency. 

OCS supports external outreach activities of various stakeholders where the activities are aligned with the mandate of the Department, aiding Canada to keep its competitive edge, promote the sustainable use of our natural resources and remain a leader in the use of clean, efficient technologies while preserving and protecting its natural resources. 

Through the Science Outreach and Engagement Grant from Natural Resources Canada, we aim to:

• Encourage innovation via the dissemination of information (e.g. success stories); 
  
• Maintain a dialogue on the sustainable and responsible development of Canada’s natural resources; 
  
• Share best practices on clean, sustainable, efficient technologies and best practices related to natural resources; and, 
• Promote the safety of Canadians and Canada’s natural resources against pests, fire, and other hazards. 

Grant Recipients 

The CASC office received twelve applications from which four were selected to receive the Science Outreach and Engagement Grant from Natural Resources Canada. A panel of industry peers was selected and collectively reviewed all of the applications. Through the generous support of The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) each organization will be granted $8000.00 to support the following programs:

Ocean Wise, Vancouver BC

Ocean Wise National Dialogue on Plastics Writers Retreat 

Science World British Columbia, Vancouver BC

To Catch a Falling Sky: A conversation series exploring challenges and solutions for water, energy and food resources

Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC

Sortie ENTRE CIEL ET TERRE: rencontrez des chercheurs de l’Université de Sherbrooke

TELUS World of Science Edmonton, Edmonton, AB

Research Zone