National science advisor to inaugurate scientific research data forum

Ottawa, ON – September 20, 2004 – The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) says that Dr Arthur Carty will deliver the opening address at the forum of the National Consultation on Access to Scientific Research Data (NCASRD). The forum will be held November 22-23, 2004, at Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa.

Dr Carty, national science advisor to the prime minister, former NRC president and a renowned scientist, will highlight the power of vision in science.

“Canada has made remarkable progress in the performance of R&D over the past decade. It is in our nation’s best interest to ensure we continue to build on these efforts, maintaining our place among the world leaders in scientific production, and deriving social and economic value for Canada,” says Dr Carty. “Continued improvements to access to scientific research data will be an important element in providing our scientists with the tools to remain at the cutting edge of R&D developments in Canada and around the world.”

Forum participants, comprising invited Canadian researchers in science, engineering and health, will be considering ways to help Canada maximize the value received from its publicly funded natural and medical sciences, and engineering research. The purpose of the forum is to recommend an appropriate framework and guidelines that will in turn facilitate open and long-term access to data stemming from that research. The forum will be chaired by Dr David Strong, distinguished scientist, former president of the University of Victoria and member of the Governing Council of the NRC.

Forum participants will contribute to a report, which will be submitted to federal granting agencies, partners in the initiative and the federal government.