Universities urged to put focus back on basic research

The Montreal Gazette 27 April 2013

Saying Canada’s future in science and research is threatened, a national association representing academics has launched a campaign to ‘Get Science Right’, in the hope of shaming the federal government into changing its science policy and funding formulas, writes Karen Seidman for The Montreal Gazette.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is urging the government to take a new direction in science funding, saying that company-specific research funding has soared more than 1,000% since 2009 – but at the expense of the basic research that academics believe is essential to fostering scientific innovation and progress.

“Science in Canada is at a tipping point,” said James Turk, executive director of the CAUT, adding that the campaign is in response to a growing outcry from researchers and academics. “The government is making dumb choices that will have serious consequences for all Canadians.”
Full report on The Gazette site

Receive UWN's free weekly e-newsletters

Sponsored Article

Getting to net zero, one community at a time

University of Victoria staff

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation is a University of Victoria-led collaborative initiative that brings together over 40 partners, including Indigenous knowledge keepers and community leaders, to create innovative place-based solutions for energy system transformation.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Africa pays a premium for global climate change sluggishness

Stellenbosch University staff

Africa needs to stop paying the price for the rest of the world’s recalcitrance to act fast enough in response to the irrefutable conclusions that climate change is real and that the impact of global warming could be devasting, says Professor Guy Midgley, interim director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Innovations to ensure energy savings in a hot, arid climate

UAE University staff

Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University have shown that the potential benefits of building energy savings and a cooler indoor environment, as well as improved cooling effect on air temperature at pedestrian level, strongly indicate that a cool roof with high solar reflectance and albedo is a promising strategy for buildings in regions with hot, arid climates.

Promoted by United Arab Emirates University.

Sponsored Article

A new global university ranking with an ethical mission

Aftab Dean

A new university ranking system aims to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in higher education, ensuring that universities create an environment grounded in integrity and sustainability that inspires and supports students and staff in the development of novel solutions to global challenges.

Promoted by Globethics.net.

Sponsored Article

SDG progress report launches university into new territory

University of Pretoria staff

In the publication of its first progress report on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the University of Pretoria is navigating new territory at the same time as it is acknowledging its clear stewardship role in protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Promoted by the University of Pretoria.