Science at sea: Dal VP Martha Crago helps launch gov't science expansion

This week (May 6-15) is “Science Odyssey,” a national celebration of Canada's achievements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with more than 300 events planned across the country.

As part of the week’s activities, Dalhousie Vice-President Research Martha Crago was in Ottawa yesterday moderating an event at the Museum of Nature featuring two federal ministers, government scientists and high school and university students.

Students from Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, Elmwood High School and viewers tuning in live on YouTube watched as the Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced his department will begin hiring 135 new science-related personnel across the country in the coming weeks.

“This is DFO’s largest science recruitment in recent history,” he said. “We’ll be hiring scientists, biologists, engineers and others. These folks will be working in our labs, in the field, on the water aboard our vessels.”

The hiring is part of a nearly $200-million investment by the Government of Canada in aquatic sciences over the next five years.

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, also spoke at the event, encouraging the young people in attendance and those tuning in online to consider careers in the sciences.

“I want to encourage you to be curious, to ask questions, to consider a future [in science,] whether it’s in the aquatic sciences or in astronomy, computer science, ecology, economics, engineering, medicine, in oceans,” she said. “Regardless of whatever field you choose, there’s one thing you should know: there is no better time to pursue a career in science, and I hope you’re all as excited about the future as I am.”

Dr. Crago facilitated an engaging question-and-answer session with the ministers, as well as three federal scientists: Lisa Loseto and Denis Gilbert from Fisheries and Oceans and André Martel of the Canadian Museum of Nature. They discussed the challenges in translating research to policy, the skill sets needed by today’s scientists, and how Indigenous knowledge can inform scientific research.

“It was a great discussion,” said Dr. Crago. “I was really pleased to see such great engagement from both the panelists and the students who were there, and the news that was announced couldn’t be better for both current and future ocean scientists.”

Watch the full discussion on YouTube: