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Paul Dufour

Paul Dufour is a fellow and adjunct professor, institute for science, society and policy, University of Ottawa.

Trudeau’s legacy for sound science policy tied to efforts early in Liberal mandate

  • During his years in power, Justin Trudeau has demonstrated that a next generation vision matters.
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | January 13, 2025
ustin Trudeau
ustin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives an update on the government’s response to the second wave of COVID-19 on Feb. 12, 2021, in Ottawa. His pandemic-era speeches helped underscore the importance of sound evidence and research findings, writes Paul Dufour. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trudeau’s legacy for sound science policy tied to efforts early in Liberal mandate

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | January 13, 2025
  • During his years in power, Justin Trudeau has demonstrated that a next generation vision matters.

Trudeau’s legacy for sound science policy tied to efforts early in Liberal mandate

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | January 13, 2025
  • During his years in power, Justin Trudeau has demonstrated that a next generation vision matters.
ustin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives an update on the government’s response to the second wave of COVID-19 on Feb. 12, 2021, in Ottawa. His pandemic-era speeches helped underscore the importance of sound evidence and research findings, writes Paul Dufour. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A unique research and innovation partnership celebrates three decades: South Africa and Canada move forward with a renewed vision

  • Today, Canada and South Africa are certainly well-poised to grow the existing international collaboration in enhanced research and innovation partnerships. 
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR, MICHAEL KAHN | December 23, 2024
Peace Tower
Peace Tower
As the Canadian government outlines its African foreign policy and prepares for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alta., and the new South African National Unity administration gears up for hosting the 2025 G20 Summit, an opportunity is emerging to strengthen our respective science, technology, and innovation bonds, write Paul Dufour and Michael Kahn. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A unique research and innovation partnership celebrates three decades: South Africa and Canada move forward with a renewed vision

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR, MICHAEL KAHN | December 23, 2024
  • Today, Canada and South Africa are certainly well-poised to grow the existing international collaboration in enhanced research and innovation partnerships. 

A unique research and innovation partnership celebrates three decades: South Africa and Canada move forward with a renewed vision

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR, MICHAEL KAHN | December 23, 2024
  • Today, Canada and South Africa are certainly well-poised to grow the existing international collaboration in enhanced research and innovation partnerships. 
Peace Tower
As the Canadian government outlines its African foreign policy and prepares for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alta., and the new South African National Unity administration gears up for hosting the 2025 G20 Summit, an opportunity is emerging to strengthen our respective science, technology, and innovation bonds, write Paul Dufour and Michael Kahn. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Chief science advisers and why they matter

  • Good science advice is not about trying to make everyone think like a scientist. Rather, it's about maintaining a trusted, ongoing, and open dialogue
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | June 13, 2024
Mona Nemer, Canada’s chief science adviser, took part in a panel of five female chief science advisers in Ottawa earlier this month, writes Paul Dufour. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Chief science advisers and why they matter

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | June 13, 2024
  • Good science advice is not about trying to make everyone think like a scientist. Rather, it's about maintaining a trusted, ongoing, and open dialogue

Chief science advisers and why they matter

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | June 13, 2024
  • Good science advice is not about trying to make everyone think like a scientist. Rather, it's about maintaining a trusted, ongoing, and open dialogue
Mona Nemer, Canada’s chief science adviser, took part in a panel of five female chief science advisers in Ottawa earlier this month, writes Paul Dufour. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time for action on the government’s research support system

  • Canada’s future will depend on how well our political leaders and senior public service officials realize the importance of science, and develop a real
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 19, 2024
Federal Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne seen on the Hill on Feb. 6, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Time for action on the government’s research support system

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 19, 2024
  • Canada’s future will depend on how well our political leaders and senior public service officials realize the importance of science, and develop a real

Time for action on the government’s research support system

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 19, 2024
  • Canada’s future will depend on how well our political leaders and senior public service officials realize the importance of science, and develop a real
Federal Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne seen on the Hill on Feb. 6, 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new House committee re-energizes science and innovation policy debate in Canada

  • Not only has the committee been studying the challenges in this fast-moving, disruptive global world, but it has also been seeking to better grapple
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | July 10, 2023
Liberal MP Lloyd Longfield is chair of the House Science and Technology Committee. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new House committee re-energizes science and innovation policy debate in Canada

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | July 10, 2023
  • Not only has the committee been studying the challenges in this fast-moving, disruptive global world, but it has also been seeking to better grapple

A new House committee re-energizes science and innovation policy debate in Canada

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | July 10, 2023
  • Not only has the committee been studying the challenges in this fast-moving, disruptive global world, but it has also been seeking to better grapple
Liberal MP Lloyd Longfield is chair of the House Science and Technology Committee. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Where’s the innovation in our innovation ecosystem?

  • Recently, the OECD delivered a major policy report to the U.K. Presidency of the G7 Summit that will take place in June. It covered
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 10, 2021
The disciplinary and hierarchical structures that have served science in the past may also need to be adjusted to enable and promote trans-disciplinary research that engages different science fields and sectors to address wicked challenges like climate change or pandemics, writes Paul Dufour. Image courtesy of Pixabay

Where’s the innovation in our innovation ecosystem?

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 10, 2021
  • Recently, the OECD delivered a major policy report to the U.K. Presidency of the G7 Summit that will take place in June. It covered

Where’s the innovation in our innovation ecosystem?

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 10, 2021
  • Recently, the OECD delivered a major policy report to the U.K. Presidency of the G7 Summit that will take place in June. It covered
The disciplinary and hierarchical structures that have served science in the past may also need to be adjusted to enable and promote trans-disciplinary research that engages different science fields and sectors to address wicked challenges like climate change or pandemics, writes Paul Dufour. Image courtesy of Pixabay

Linking science, health and policy more effectively: foresight for the next normal

  • OTTAWA—Hindsight is 20/20—or so they say today. But what happened to foresight? It’s Nov. 7, 2001. The place is Ottawa. The meeting is with
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | September 10, 2020
What will be the plan after the pandemic is managed? Who will show the necessary leadership and how will citizens participate meaningfully? Will we see more effective national coordination on research, innovation, and health strategies? Can we become technologically sovereign with vaccines, medical devices and equipment while maintaining our global science outreach? Will we go beyond the mere rhetoric of being prepared for the next global emergency, writes Paul Dufour. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Linking science, health and policy more effectively: foresight for the next normal

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | September 10, 2020
  • OTTAWA—Hindsight is 20/20—or so they say today. But what happened to foresight? It’s Nov. 7, 2001. The place is Ottawa. The meeting is with

Linking science, health and policy more effectively: foresight for the next normal

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | September 10, 2020
  • OTTAWA—Hindsight is 20/20—or so they say today. But what happened to foresight? It’s Nov. 7, 2001. The place is Ottawa. The meeting is with
What will be the plan after the pandemic is managed? Who will show the necessary leadership and how will citizens participate meaningfully? Will we see more effective national coordination on research, innovation, and health strategies? Can we become technologically sovereign with vaccines, medical devices and equipment while maintaining our global science outreach? Will we go beyond the mere rhetoric of being prepared for the next global emergency, writes Paul Dufour. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Whither science in the Canadian ministry?

  • With the elimination of the standalone science minister in the Trudeau administration, some in the research community have expressed concern that this has downgraded
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 12, 2020
The innovation minister’s mandate includes ensuring that the prime minister and cabinet receive regular briefings from her on cross-government science priorities. On Feb. 6, Chief Science Adviser Mona Nemer, left, sat down with Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains and parliamentary secretary Will Amos. Photograph courtesy of Twitter

Whither science in the Canadian ministry?

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 12, 2020
  • With the elimination of the standalone science minister in the Trudeau administration, some in the research community have expressed concern that this has downgraded

Whither science in the Canadian ministry?

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 12, 2020
  • With the elimination of the standalone science minister in the Trudeau administration, some in the research community have expressed concern that this has downgraded
The innovation minister’s mandate includes ensuring that the prime minister and cabinet receive regular briefings from her on cross-government science priorities. On Feb. 6, Chief Science Adviser Mona Nemer, left, sat down with Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains and parliamentary secretary Will Amos. Photograph courtesy of Twitter

When excellence meets equity: re-imagining research chairs

  • OTTAWA—“Our government recognizes that when our institutions better reflect the diversity of Canada, science and research are stronger and their impacts on the lives
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | September 9, 2019
Canada’s research system has been built around the constant tensions of excellence versus equity (including its oft-charged politico-geographic dimension). It should come as no surprise that there is a healthy debate today as to what academic research chairs represent in their contributions and impacts to knowledge discovery and to the advancement of society. Excellence has met up with equity and diversity as key criteria in this changing context. Image courtesy of Pexels.com

When excellence meets equity: re-imagining research chairs

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | September 9, 2019
  • OTTAWA—“Our government recognizes that when our institutions better reflect the diversity of Canada, science and research are stronger and their impacts on the lives

When excellence meets equity: re-imagining research chairs

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | September 9, 2019
  • OTTAWA—“Our government recognizes that when our institutions better reflect the diversity of Canada, science and research are stronger and their impacts on the lives
Canada’s research system has been built around the constant tensions of excellence versus equity (including its oft-charged politico-geographic dimension). It should come as no surprise that there is a healthy debate today as to what academic research chairs represent in their contributions and impacts to knowledge discovery and to the advancement of society. Excellence has met up with equity and diversity as key criteria in this changing context. Image courtesy of Pexels.com

Time for action on neglected Naylor report advice

  • OTTAWA—As the Trudeau government gears up for the coming election year, recommendations from the 2017 expert panel on Canada’s Fundamental Science Review, chaired by
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | October 17, 2018
While the federal government has boosted funding for fundamental science research, as recommended by an expert panel chaired by former University of Toronto president David Naylor, pictured, it hasn't moved on other key panel advice, argues Paul Dufour. Caz Zyvatkauskas photograph courtesy of the University of Toronto

Time for action on neglected Naylor report advice

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | October 17, 2018
  • OTTAWA—As the Trudeau government gears up for the coming election year, recommendations from the 2017 expert panel on Canada’s Fundamental Science Review, chaired by

Time for action on neglected Naylor report advice

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | October 17, 2018
  • OTTAWA—As the Trudeau government gears up for the coming election year, recommendations from the 2017 expert panel on Canada’s Fundamental Science Review, chaired by
While the federal government has boosted funding for fundamental science research, as recommended by an expert panel chaired by former University of Toronto president David Naylor, pictured, it hasn't moved on other key panel advice, argues Paul Dufour. Caz Zyvatkauskas photograph courtesy of the University of Toronto

The usefulness of relevant knowledge: the Naylor Expert Panel revisited

  • OTTAWA—We suggest that government funding of basic research should emphasize quality rather than quantity—that the social sciences, multidisciplinary efforts, and projects relevant to Canadian
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 7, 2018
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and chief science adviser Mona Nemer, pictured on Sept. 26, 2017, the day he announced her appointment to the top job. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The usefulness of relevant knowledge: the Naylor Expert Panel revisited

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 7, 2018
  • OTTAWA—We suggest that government funding of basic research should emphasize quality rather than quantity—that the social sciences, multidisciplinary efforts, and projects relevant to Canadian

The usefulness of relevant knowledge: the Naylor Expert Panel revisited

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 7, 2018
  • OTTAWA—We suggest that government funding of basic research should emphasize quality rather than quantity—that the social sciences, multidisciplinary efforts, and projects relevant to Canadian
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and chief science adviser Mona Nemer, pictured on Sept. 26, 2017, the day he announced her appointment to the top job. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Galvanizing a go-global education strategy

  • A report this month from the Study Group on Global Education, made up of Canadian businesspeople and academics, offers some revealing insights on preparedness
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | November 22, 2017
Student groups need to be given every opportunity to have a real say in international learning and experience abroad, says Paul Dufour. The Hill Times file photograph

Galvanizing a go-global education strategy

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | November 22, 2017
  • A report this month from the Study Group on Global Education, made up of Canadian businesspeople and academics, offers some revealing insights on preparedness

Galvanizing a go-global education strategy

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | November 22, 2017
  • A report this month from the Study Group on Global Education, made up of Canadian businesspeople and academics, offers some revealing insights on preparedness
Student groups need to be given every opportunity to have a real say in international learning and experience abroad, says Paul Dufour. The Hill Times file photograph

Inclusive and responsible innovation coming full circle

  • OTTAWA—To say that trendy titles for creative ideas are making a comeback in policy circles would be an understatement. The semiotics surrounding this embrace
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | October 2, 2017
Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains and Business Council of Canada CEO John Manley, pictured Oct. 18, 2016 at the Public Policy Forum's Growth Summit. There is much to build on, ranging from the federal government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, to the recommendations issued by the Naylor review of fundamental science along with the strategies of provincial governments, and the work of science organizations and academic research now underway, writes Paul Dufour.

Inclusive and responsible innovation coming full circle

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | October 2, 2017
  • OTTAWA—To say that trendy titles for creative ideas are making a comeback in policy circles would be an understatement. The semiotics surrounding this embrace

Inclusive and responsible innovation coming full circle

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | October 2, 2017
  • OTTAWA—To say that trendy titles for creative ideas are making a comeback in policy circles would be an understatement. The semiotics surrounding this embrace
Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains and Business Council of Canada CEO John Manley, pictured Oct. 18, 2016 at the Public Policy Forum's Growth Summit. There is much to build on, ranging from the federal government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, to the recommendations issued by the Naylor review of fundamental science along with the strategies of provincial governments, and the work of science organizations and academic research now underway, writes Paul Dufour.

The aggrieved and the beguiled: experts and evidence in troubled times

  • Is it not a curious fact that in a world steeped in irrational hatreds which threaten civilization itself, men and women—old and young—detach themselves
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | June 5, 2017
We are fortunate that we can indeed recognize our scholars and their contributions to improving the human condition. A case in point is the annual event to award Killam Prizes offered by the Canada Council and presented by Canada’s indefatigable Governor General David Johnston, writes Paul Dufour. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

The aggrieved and the beguiled: experts and evidence in troubled times

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | June 5, 2017
  • Is it not a curious fact that in a world steeped in irrational hatreds which threaten civilization itself, men and women—old and young—detach themselves

The aggrieved and the beguiled: experts and evidence in troubled times

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | June 5, 2017
  • Is it not a curious fact that in a world steeped in irrational hatreds which threaten civilization itself, men and women—old and young—detach themselves
We are fortunate that we can indeed recognize our scholars and their contributions to improving the human condition. A case in point is the annual event to award Killam Prizes offered by the Canada Council and presented by Canada’s indefatigable Governor General David Johnston, writes Paul Dufour. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

From ‘InnovAction’ to innovation, it’s time to get serious

  • This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Mulroney government’s Canadian Strategy for Science and Technology (InnovAction), the 15th anniversary of the Chrétien government’s two-pronged innovation
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 8, 2017
A piece of equipment in the Canadian Light Source Research Office's Medical Isotope Project in Saskatoon. Canada's National Research Council is a partner in the project. Photograph by Mark Ferguson, courtesy of the Canadian Light Source Research Office

From ‘InnovAction’ to innovation, it’s time to get serious

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 8, 2017
  • This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Mulroney government’s Canadian Strategy for Science and Technology (InnovAction), the 15th anniversary of the Chrétien government’s two-pronged innovation

From ‘InnovAction’ to innovation, it’s time to get serious

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 8, 2017
  • This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Mulroney government’s Canadian Strategy for Science and Technology (InnovAction), the 15th anniversary of the Chrétien government’s two-pronged innovation
A piece of equipment in the Canadian Light Source Research Office's Medical Isotope Project in Saskatoon. Canada's National Research Council is a partner in the project. Photograph by Mark Ferguson, courtesy of the Canadian Light Source Research Office

The rise of the knowledge disruptors

  • “As we develop science policy we need to look beyond the short-term context, beyond the research that looks immediately promising. If we’re blinded by
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | November 23, 2016
Parliamentarians and staffers on the Hill in 2013 check out experiments by Let's Talk Science, a national, charitable organization focused on youth education in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

The rise of the knowledge disruptors

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | November 23, 2016
  • “As we develop science policy we need to look beyond the short-term context, beyond the research that looks immediately promising. If we’re blinded by

The rise of the knowledge disruptors

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | November 23, 2016
  • “As we develop science policy we need to look beyond the short-term context, beyond the research that looks immediately promising. If we’re blinded by
Parliamentarians and staffers on the Hill in 2013 check out experiments by Let's Talk Science, a national, charitable organization focused on youth education in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Priority setting in the knowledge ecosystem

  • As the federal government contemplates a considered course on fundamental science and the Council of Canadian Academies reboots another assessment of the state of
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | July 13, 2016
Science Minister Kirsty Duncan—pictured, right, last November with Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay—recently appointed an advisory panel to review federal support for fundamental science. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Priority setting in the knowledge ecosystem

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | July 13, 2016
  • As the federal government contemplates a considered course on fundamental science and the Council of Canadian Academies reboots another assessment of the state of

Priority setting in the knowledge ecosystem

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | July 13, 2016
  • As the federal government contemplates a considered course on fundamental science and the Council of Canadian Academies reboots another assessment of the state of
Science Minister Kirsty Duncan—pictured, right, last November with Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay—recently appointed an advisory panel to review federal support for fundamental science. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Taxing times at a temple of science, NRC at another crossroads

  •   OTTAWA—There is probably no knowledge institution in this country that has received more policy attention during the course of its history than the
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 9, 2016
The sign at the National Research Council headquarters in Ottawa. Ultimately, what the 1964 Mackenzie report serves to remind us is that getting the right people together with the right receptor at the right time with the right conviction can be more critical to any success than ideal org charts, vision-less policy, and weak leadership, writes Paul Dufour. Photograph courtesy of Peregrine981

Taxing times at a temple of science, NRC at another crossroads

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 9, 2016
  •   OTTAWA—There is probably no knowledge institution in this country that has received more policy attention during the course of its history than the

Taxing times at a temple of science, NRC at another crossroads

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | May 9, 2016
  •   OTTAWA—There is probably no knowledge institution in this country that has received more policy attention during the course of its history than the
The sign at the National Research Council headquarters in Ottawa. Ultimately, what the 1964 Mackenzie report serves to remind us is that getting the right people together with the right receptor at the right time with the right conviction can be more critical to any success than ideal org charts, vision-less policy, and weak leadership, writes Paul Dufour. Photograph courtesy of Peregrine981

The cause for fairer science, because it’s 2016

  • OTTAWA—When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his famous remark—”because it’s 2015″—about gender parity in his newly-appointed Cabinet last year, it attracted a lot of
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 8, 2016

The cause for fairer science, because it’s 2016

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 8, 2016
  • OTTAWA—When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his famous remark—”because it’s 2015″—about gender parity in his newly-appointed Cabinet last year, it attracted a lot of

The cause for fairer science, because it’s 2016

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | February 8, 2016
  • OTTAWA—When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his famous remark—”because it’s 2015″—about gender parity in his newly-appointed Cabinet last year, it attracted a lot of

So you want to be a chief sciences adviser?

  • OTTAWA—Kirsty Duncan, the new science minister, has been mandated by the PM to appoint a chief science officer—more commonly known as a chief scientist
Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | January 11, 2016
Science Minister Kirsty Duncan is responsible for appointing a chief science adviser. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

So you want to be a chief sciences adviser?

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | January 11, 2016
  • OTTAWA—Kirsty Duncan, the new science minister, has been mandated by the PM to appoint a chief science officer—more commonly known as a chief scientist

So you want to be a chief sciences adviser?

Opinion | BY PAUL DUFOUR | January 11, 2016
  • OTTAWA—Kirsty Duncan, the new science minister, has been mandated by the PM to appoint a chief science officer—more commonly known as a chief scientist
Science Minister Kirsty Duncan is responsible for appointing a chief science adviser. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
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