Newswise — The Canadian Consortium of Ocean Research Universities (CCORU) welcomes the release of Phase 1 of a two phase initiative that identifies the most important research questions that would have the greatest impact on addressing future opportunities and challenges relating to ocean science in Canada.
“Oceans are pivotal to Canada’s economy, resources, environment and sovereignty,” said Martha Crago, Founder and Chairperson of the Canadian Consortium of Ocean Research Universities. “The nature of ocean science requires careful planning and coordination. It is important for us to determine national strategic research priorities and move forward in a focused, coordinated and well aligned manner.”
Canada is an ocean nation with the longest coastline in the world. Oceans and ocean science are international in scope and consequence and Canada plays a leadership role. Growing understanding among Canadians of the importance of protecting and benefiting from our marine resources is creating an opportunity for Canada to gain from a comprehensive oceans research strategy.
In an effort to develop a comprehensive understanding of the priorities facing ocean research, CCORU asked the Council of Canadian Academies to undertake a two-part initiative on ocean science in Canada. The first phase was to identify priority research themes with the support of a Core Group of more than 20 ocean experts from Canada and abroad. Phase 2 will involve an in-depth evidence-based assessment that will examine Canada’s needs and capacities regarding the major research questions in ocean science and issues related to Canada’s coasts.
“Understanding the opportunities and gaps between our existing capacity and the research priorities outlined in this process will help Canadian researchers and decision-makers work collaboratively toward a national vision and agenda for oceans research,” said Dr. Crago. “We look forward to the findings of Phase 2 of this initiative expected in the middle of next year.”
The Council of Canadian Academies was engaged for this initiative because it has developed a significant track record for its ability to carry out credible, independent and relevant assessments that inform today's policy makers. Council assessments are conducted by multi-disciplinary panels of experts from Canada and abroad.For more information, or to download a free copy of the workshop report, please visithttp://www.scienceadvice.ca/en/assessments/in-progress/ocean-science.aspx
About the Canadian Consortium of Ocean Research UniversitiesThe Canadian Consortium of Ocean Research Universities is made up of nine universities, each with a particular niche in the area of ocean research. Collaborating universities include: Dalhousie University, Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), Université Laval, University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Prince Edward Island, University of New Brunswick, and the University of Manitoba. CCORU was established to help develop a national vision for ocean research in Canada by determining strategic research priorities that will set a clear direction for future research in the field of ocean science. About the Council of Canadian AcademiesThe Council of Canadian Academies is an independent, not-for-profit organization that began operation in 2005. The Council supports evidence-based, expert assessments to inform public policy development in Canada. Assessments are conducted by independent, multidisciplinary panels of experts from across Canada and abroad. The Council’s blue-ribbon panels serve free of charge and many are Fellows of the Council’s Member Academies: the Royal Society of Canada; the Canadian Academy of Engineering; and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. The Council’s vision is to be Canada’s trusted voice for science in the public interest. For more information visit www.scienceadvice.ca.
RSS