University graduates need skills and training to succeed in changing economy

Ottawa, ON — Mitacs’ policy forum, Talent for Innovation: Harnessing Canada’s Research Advantage, united researchers, innovators, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers to examine the evolving skills that advanced university graduates need to succeed in a quickly changing economy.

The half-day event featured two panel discussions: Challenges and opportunities facing current PhD students and recent graduates, moderated by Simona Chiose, post-secondary reporter for The Globe and Mail, and The role of the university, industry, and government in supporting Canadian researchers, moderated by Val Walker, Mitacs’ policy director.

The forum also explored strategies for ensuring that Canada remains a desirable place for graduate students to apply their skills in rewarding careers. The forum closed with commentary by and a Q&A session with MP Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

Panelists:

Challenges and opportunities facing current PhD students and recent graduates

• Rafael Falcon, Research Scientist, Larus Technologies, and PhD, University of Ottawa
• Athena Goodfellow, PhD Candidate, McMaster University
• Linda Rothman, Postdoctoral Fellow, Sick Kids Hospital and York University
• Terry McCallum, PhD Student, University of Ottawa

The role of the university, industry, and government in supporting Canadian researchers

• Joe Blomeley, Vice-President, Policy, Innovation and Skills, Business Council of Canada
• Joy Johnson, Vice-President, Research, Simon Fraser University               
• Mona Nemer, Vice-President, Research, University of Ottawa  
• Vio Onut, Principal R&D Strategist, Centre for Advanced Studies, IBM Canada Lab

Quotes:

Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

“Connecting university researchers with industry is key to creating a more innovative and competitive Canada. Mitacs’ internship programs provide experiential learning opportunities for today’s graduate students and postdocs so they can acquire the necessary skills and training to succeed in a knowledge-based, globalized economy.”

Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso

“Mitacs and the federal government share a similar objective —to attract, train, retain, and deploy highly qualified personnel with the ultimate goal of strengthening research and innovation in Canada. In fact, Budget 2016 will support employers in building partnerships with post-secondary institutions, to help align what is taught in post-secondary education programs with the needs of the labour market.”

Joy Johnson, Vice-President, Research, Simon Fraser University

“SFU students are already on the job, working with researchers, communities, and industry to drive positive change. At the same time, they’re learning how to thrive in a culture of risk and innovation. These skills will serve them—and Canada—well for the future.”

Mona Nemer, Vice-President, Research, University of Ottawa                                                                                      

“Our task is to prepare our students not only for today’s jobs but for the future — learning through research provides an unparalleled opportunity to acquire timeless skill sets — from critical thinking and problem solving to teamwork and communication.”

Quick facts:

• Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit organization that has designed and delivered research and training programs in Canada for 16 years.
• Working with 60 universities, thousands of companies, and both federal and provincial governments, Mitacs builds partnerships that support industrial and social innovation in Canada.
• Mitacs’ Accelerate program connects graduate students with industry partners for research internships supervised by faculty.
• Open to all disciplines and all industry sectors, projects can span a wide range of areas, including manufacturing, business processes, IT, social sciences, design, and more.

Links:

For information about Mitacs and our programs, see mitacs.ca/newsroom.

View the video recording of Talent for Innovation: Harnessing Canada’s Research Advantage here.

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