Jyh-Yeuan (Eric) Lee, Walid A. Houry, Trushar Patel, and Hans-Joachim Wieden with Chief Science Advisor Dr. Mona Nemer and her colleagues

CSMB executives meet with Mona Nemer and Helena Jaczek in Ottawa

Advocacy for science in Canada is one of the main activities of our Society. CSMB continues to meet with politicians, MPs, and sister organizations to advocate for increased science funding. On in November several members of the executive committee of CSMB attended the 16th Canadian Science Policy Conference in Ottawa. This was an excellent opportunity to discuss Canadian science and innovation policy. While in Ottawa, the executive members met with Dr. Mona Nemer (Canada’s Chief Science Advisor) and met with MP Dr. Helena Jaczek, member of the Standing Committee on Science and Research on November 21, 2024. These were very fruitful meetings and allowed CSMB to emphasize the importance of funding basic science in Canada.

Walid A. Houry and Jyh-Yeuan (Eric) Lee with MP Dr. Helena Jaczek
Walid A. Houry and Jyh-Yeuan (Eric) Lee with MP Dr. Helena Jaczek
Jyh-Yeuan (Eric) Lee, Walid A. Houry, Trushar Patel, and Hans-Joachim Wieden with Chief Science Advisor Dr. Mona Nemer and her colleagues
Jyh-Yeuan (Eric) Lee, Walid A. Houry, Trushar Patel, and Hans-Joachim Wieden with Chief Science Advisor Dr. Mona Nemer and her colleagues
BCB editorial screen capture

BCB Editorial: 20 years of choices: a fight for increased funding for graduate students

We invite you to read an editorial recently published in Biochemistry and Cell Biology (BCB).

Open access

20 years of choices: a fight for increased funding for graduate students

Publication: Biochemistry and Cell Biology
27 August 2024

Fabian Rohden is a member of the CSMB board, and BCB is one of the CSMB’s official journals.

CSMB welcomes the investments in research outlined in the 2024 Federal Budget

Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) has long been advocating for the reinforcement of Canada’s health research and innovation ecosystem and is pleased to see the Federal Government’s acknowledgement of this critical need in Budget 2024.

The measures, outlined below, will help research institutions  across the country support the next generation of scientists by encouraging graduate and post-graduate students to innovate , pursue breakthroughs in science discovery research, and develop intellectual property – in Canada.  This is critical for retaining talent in Canada, enhancing productivity, competitiveness and economic resilience, as well as confronting challenges in health research. + + +

The CSMB thanks the federal government for investments and stresses the importance of appropriate and dependable cross-sectorial funding for Canadian research

Following the announcement by the Government of Canada of investment in researchers and projects across Canada, the CSMB congratulates all recipients and @ISED- ISDE for supporting vital research in Canada. CSMB continues to call for predictable and consistent federal funding. Cross-sectorial research in Canada is a vital tool in supporting Canadian productivity, emergency preparedness, and economic resilience for years to come.

The CSMB applauds recommendations by the Science and Research committee to increase support for graduate scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships

The Science and Research Committee report on the study of “ GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS” was tabled today in the House of Commons.

The entire report is available here. Recommendations made by committee members are favourable and aligned with the recommendations CSMB put forward in our submission response. For reference, see the first recommendation below : + + +

CSMB and Temple Scott holds a Government Relations Advocacy Training on December 7, 2023

CSMB TSA Webinar - attendee viewThe CSMB and Temple Scott Associates held an Effective Advocacy Webinar

In this session, the CMSB and TSA discussed the foundations of government relations and tips for effective lobbying.

Subjects covered :

  • What is CSMB advocating for at the federal level?
  • How can CSMB members enhance CSMB’s federal advocacy?
  • Tips for effective meetings with parliamentarians.
  • Election preparedness : what types of questions should I be asking candidates in the event of an election?

View the recording here:

CSMB leadership participates in a panel at the Canadian Science Policy Conference in Ottawa

The CSMB leadership participated in the a Panel discussion on the Impact of Science and Innovation on Society at the 2024 Canadian Science Policy Conference, on November 2, 2023.

 

CSMB also attended the in-person portion of the CSPC Meeting in Ottawa. It was an opportunity to meet and network with decision-makers, stakeholders in Science Policy in Canada, and science advocates, including the author of the Bouchard report, Frédéric Bouchard, and Minister Kirsty Duncan.

Read CSMB’s submission to the Finance committee Pre-budget consultations: Boosting Investment in Scientific Research: An Important Tool for Crisis Preparedness and Keeping Talent in Canada

The CSMB submitted a brief to the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2024 Budget held by the Finance committee of the House of Commons.

Read our brief here:

Boosting Investment in Scientific Research: An Important Tool for Crisis Preparedness and Keeping Talent in Canada + + +

Read the CSMB’s submission to the SRSR committee study: Government of Canada’s Graduate Scholarship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programs

The CSMB submitted a brief to the House of Commons Science and Research committee study: Government of Canada’s Graduate Scholarship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programs. Escerpt:

Alongside a number of stakeholders within Canada’s scientific community, the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences is drawing attention to the need for enhanced and sustained federal investments in science and discovery research. This will ensure Canada is well positioned to attract, retain and support the scientists, and aspiring scientists, who are choosing to pursue their groundbreaking research in Canada, rather than competing jurisdictions internationally, as well as those who are aspiring to pursue professions outside of research.

Read our full brief on the House of Commons Science and Research site here:

https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/441/SRSR/Brief/BR12565939/br-external/CanadianSocietyForMolecularBiosciences-e.pdf

Visit the study webpage for more information and updates

 

Revitalizing science in Canada as a desirable career choice – Canadian science trainees need our support

June 15, 2023 (OTTAWA) – Scientists from all over the country flocked to the University of Ottawa earlier this month for the annual conference of the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB), which focused this year on metabolism and its implications for cancer. Usually an event filled with activities and excitement, however, the mood among young scientists was somewhat subdued, with many raising concerns about their ability to continue their careers in Canada. + + +