2020 and beyond: why student training will improve Canada’s productivity

A panel of experts explores the future of graduate student and postdoctoral training

At the 2014 Canadian Science Policy Conference, Mitacs hosted a panel called “Looking to 2020 and beyond: Training the next generation of innovation leaders in Canada.”

Valerie Walker, Director of Policy, Mitacs, introduced the panel by providing a snapshot of Canada’s innovation and productivity challenges and how graduate student and postdoctoral training can alleviate these challenges. Listen to Valerie’s introduction here:

The panel held a lively discussion between Andre Bezanson, postdoctoral fellow at Dalhousie University; Joe Blomeley, Senior Associate, Canadian Council of Chief Executives; and Kevin Dunn, Director, Industry Liaison and Innovation, Dalhousie University.

Some of the topics covered include:

• the current climate for postdoctoral career opportunities
• barriers to industry-academic collaborations
• the importance of soft skills training
• the role of undergraduate students

Listen here to the full panel:

Visit the Canadian Science Policy Centre to hear all of the 2014 conference panels.

Mitacs

Mitacs empowers Canadian innovation through effective partnerships that deliver solutions to our most pressing problems. By driving economic growth and productivity, we create meaningful change to improve quality of life for all Canadians.

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