Research Nova Scotia Inaugural Board Appointed
Today, Dec. 4, the Research Nova Scotia Act was proclaimed, its regulations enacted, and the 12 members of the inaugural board appointed.
Research Nova Scotia was created to advance world-class research in our universities and Nova Scotia Community College. It will co-ordinate provincial research investments, attract research funds from other sources, and better support Nova Scotia researchers who are developing new technologies and solving real-world business problems.
“Government is committed to creating a strong research and development environment in Nova Scotia - one that drives innovation and economic growth,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. “I’m pleased to welcome Research Nova Scotia board members to their new roles as they lead the organization in its important work.”
Research Nova Scotia is an independent organization accountable to a board of directors.
The members of the Research Nova Scotia board are:
- Alice Aiken, vice-president, research and innovation, Dalhousie University
- Don Bureaux, president, Nova Scotia Community College
- Chuck Maillet, vice-president, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Mary Bluechardt, president, Mount Saint Vincent University
- David Dingwall, president, Cape Breton University
- Allister Surette, president, Université Saint-Anne
- Duff Montgomerie, deputy minister, Department of Labour and Advanced Education
- Bernie Miller, deputy minister, Department of Business
- Denise Perret, deputy minister, Department of Health and Wellness
- Nicholas Nickerson, chief scientist and co-founder, Eosense
- Jeffrey Norrie, chief science officer, Breathing Green Solutions
- David Woolnough, retired from a career in research
“I am honoured to serve on the board,” said Ms. Aiken. “This organization will not only drive the research agenda for all institutions in Nova Scotia but also ensure that our researchers can continue to contribute to building a bolder, brighter future for all of us.”
The board meets for the first time on Dec. 20. Among the first orders of business will be recruitment of a chief executive officer and determine how the board and corporation will operate.
In 2016-17, government established the Research Nova Scotia Trust with a $25 million initial investment. This was a first step towards the creation of Research Nova Scotia. Another $20 million was invested in 2017-18.
To date, the trust has provided $18.7 million in funding to 44 research projects. Any remaining funds will be moved from the trust to Research Nova Scotia on April 1.
Research Nova Scotia brings together funding, staff and programs from the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust and Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation. It will support initiatives in areas like ocean science and technology, health and wellness, information and communications technology, clean technology, life sciences, social innovation and resource sectors.