From left to right: Dr. Brent Else (University of Calgary), Dr. Douglas Wallace (Dalhousie University) and Dr. Fanny Noisette (Institut des Sciences de la mer, Université du Québec à Rimouski).(la version en français suit la version en anglais)
MEOPAR is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded major funding over 5 years under Canada’s new Strategic Science Fund (SSF).
Announcement by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The Strategic Science Fund is aimed at mobilizing the expertise and resources of independent, third-party science and research organizations (TPOs). Awards are based on a principles-based framework that includes competitive, transparent processes. The first SSF competition was, therefore, extremely competitive.
MEOPAR is an independent not-for-profit that was established more than a decade ago to support collaborative, networked, leading-edge research and mobilization of knowledge, and help train the next generation of marine professionals: all missions that can now continue and develop thanks to this award. The organization, currently hosted by Dalhousie University, supports research, mobilization of knowledge and networking of diverse organizations across Canada. It is led by Scientific Directors from across the country: Douglas Wallace (Dalhousie University, NS), Fanny Noisette (Institut des sciences de la mer, Université du Québec à Rimouski, QC) and Brent Else (University of Calgary, AB).
The SSF award to MEOPAR will advance Canada’s capacity to observe, predict and respond to marine environmental and technological challenges leading to enhanced resilience of ocean-connected communities and industries in the face of climate change and other pressures and opportunities.
The extensive peer-review noted MEOPAR provides a “high value proposition overall on a national issue of federal jurisdiction (oceans), building off a successful track record”. Its proposal presented “a strong justification for an arm’s-length coordinating mechanism to ensure a robust, well-connected and coordinated Canadian ocean research ecosystem.”
Dr Fanny Noisette : “I am excited to support new opportunities that can empower communities in connection with ocean research. Coastal areas face a variety of complex challenges under climate change, with uncertainties for Indigenous and non-indigenous coastal communities This SSF funding will be a game-changer to allow development of community–led research and empower local leaders in marine sciences.”
Dr Brent Else: “I look forward to enabling Canada’s ocean experts to make efficient and effective use of ships, marine stations, and specialized instruments in pursuit of emerging challenges and opportunities. We need to make sure our researchers – in communities, universities, and government – can get to the sea and conduct excellent research. SSF funding will help make that happen in a coordinated fashion”.
Doug Wallace has been MEOPAR’s Scientific Director for 11 years: “I’m delighted that the Strategic Science Fund allows MEOPAR to continue its work with all our amazing partners across the country. I’m especially pleased to be able to build on scientific leadership from across Canada both in our advisory bodies and in the persons of Brent Else from Calgary, Alberta and Fanny Noisette from Rimouski, Quebec. Together, we have a coordinated Canadian approach firmly in sight.”
For all questions, contact info@meopar.ca
