Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

This panel was established to provide advice on how the Government of Canada can modernize the federal system supporting research to maximize the impact of investments and position Canadian researchers for success.

The panel has submitted its final report to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Minister of Health.

"Because we know that today's science is tomorrow's economy, our government is committed to ensuring that our talented, world-class researchers have the right support for the crucial work they are doing. That is why we requested this report by experts and will thoroughly consider the report's recommendations as we advance our efforts to strengthen the federal research support system ."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

"The expert advisory panel has delivered a report with recommendations for a path forward in modernizing Canada's federal research support system. I thank the members of the panel for their expertise and time, as well as all those who have generously participated in the panel's consultations over the past months. The report is an important first step towards ensuring that our robust scientific ecosystem continues to be one where Canada's diverse scientists and researchers are supported in their efforts to address the complex health challenges of today and tomorrow ."

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health

Mandate

Supported by a Secretariat housed in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the panel was mandated to provide independent expert policy advice to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Minister of Health to ensure that federal support for Canada's academic research enterprise is:

  • coordinated and cohesive, balancing respect for the needs of disciplinary communities with a holistic perspective across disciplines and across research, training, and associated infrastructure
  • responsive to the multi- and inter-disciplinary, collaborative, and international approaches that are increasingly the hallmark of transformative research and innovation
  • sufficiently agile to seize new opportunities and address emerging research, economic and societal needs and interests

The panel reviewed the structure and governance of research support, with particular focus on the relationships among the federal research granting agencies – the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Panel

The panel was comprised of 7 members, including the Chair, representing a range of multidisciplinary expertise and perspectives, including active researchers, senior administrators at post-secondary institutions, and individuals with industry experience.