U of S president appointed to Canada's Science, Technology and Innovation Council

University of Saskatchewan President Ilene Busch-Vishniac has been appointed to the Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC) by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

By Jennifer Thoma
As the Government of Canada's external advisory body on science, technology and innovation policy issues, STIC is composed of senior, highly accomplished individuals from the business and academic communities, as well as federal deputy ministers. Members, selected from across the country, cover many sectors of the Canadian economy and have varied competencies and areas of specialization.

"I am truly honoured to be a part of this distinguished council and look forward to continuing the momentum created by the extraordinary work of those members before me," said Busch-Vishniac. "I will bring renewed perspectives while contributing to the expertise, knowledge and experience on the council as a whole."

STIC Chair Howard Alper welcomed Busch-Vishniac's appointment to the Council, and noted "A robust and vibrant science, technology and innovation system is critical to Canada's economic and societal well-being. The experience and insights that Ilene brings to STIC will make a great contribution to our work."

Through its advice, STIC plays a vital role in helping federal government decision makers address complex science, technology and innovation policy issues. The council also produces biennial public "State of the Nation" reports that measure Canada's science, technology and innovation performance against international standards of excellence. The reports provide a common evidence base for decision-makers across governments, industry and academia, thereby helping to shape Canada's future in science, technology and innovation.

"We applaud Ministers Moore and Holder for the inclusion of an important voice from the post-secondary sector," said Busch-Vishniac "I look forward to being an advocate for a wider understanding of the relevance of science and technology-oriented basic and applied research to meet Canada's innovation challenges."

Busch-Vishniac holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is an accomplished acoustics researcher, holding nine patents on electromechanical sensors, and a strong advocate for engineering education.

Monique Haakensen, an adjunct professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at the U of S was also recently appointed to the council.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Thoma

Media relations

University of Saskatchewan

306-966-1851

jennifer.thoma@usask.ca