This Fall 2019, 17 researchers begin year-long placements in the federal government and two provincial governments, harnessing their research expertise for the development of policy-based decisions on key issues across Canada.
With robust expertise ranging from environmental protection to mental health, the 2019-2020 cohort of the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship will be instrumental in the continued implementation of innovative policies and evidence-based government decision making.
As Executive Director of SmartICE Carolann Harding says, “We are a social enterprise first and foremost, and we take that very seriously. To us, maximizing a positive social impact with our community partners is our top priority.”
The province’s need to be prepared is even more urgent. An earthquake has a domino effect on infrastructure and services. It can knock out power, and damage railway tracks and bridges. It disrupts essential services that hospitals and emergency personnel need to do their jobs. Although on average 3,000 quakes occur in BC each year, the province has not had its readiness tested by a major event recently. But it could happen at any time.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) — responsible for safeguarding the health of people, animals, and plants in our country — recognizes that scientists do a much better job of identifying and dealing with biological threats if they work together.
Interested in strengthening linkages between the research and policy communities? Looking for a post-PhD opportunity in the public sector? Want to hear from fellows before hitting “submit”?
We collect self-identification information for reporting to funders, for program planning and development, and for an accurate understanding of equity representation of underrepresented groups.
Our definitions are drawn from federal and provincial government recommendations, as well as associations representing underrepresented groups. If you have questions or concerns, please contact policyfellowship@mitacs.ca.
