UW & PI to Host International Conference to Help Advance Science
Policy-making
WATERLOO, ON, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ - The end of the Quantum to Cosmos Festival
marks the beginning of preparations for the Waterloo Global Science Initiative
(WGSI), an international science conference expected to take place in Waterloo
Region in spring, 2011.
The global gathering will see international researchers, business leaders and
public policy decision-makers help identify actions in the science and
technology arena that must be taken in order to seize opportunities in the
decades ahead and monitor progress against those actions.
The WGSI will focus on the role that science and technology can play in
addressing the world's most fundamental social, environmental and economic
challenges. The conference will provide leading thinkers with a forum in which
to view the long term and identify clear actions. Areas of provincial,
national and global concern may include energy, quantum information and water
resources.
WGSI will operate as a partnership between the University of Waterloo and the
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. A Board, Advisory Council and
Scientific Advisory Committee will be drawn from a variety of organizations,
including universities across the province.
"Ontario understands the value of world-class science to the future of our
economy, our environment and our society as a whole," says John Milloy,
Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation. "The WGSI will bring the world to
our doorstep and shine a light on the important work of Ontario as a global
thought leader, a global policy leader and unequivocal champion for innovation
as the key driver for prosperity."
David Johnston, President of the University of Waterloo, says, "The growing
complexities of our world require exceptionally clear thinking if we are to
grow the knowledge economy and benefit the province and Canada. Taking a long
term view is critical to spotting opportunities early in order to identify and
sustain responsible social and economic development. UW and PI are well
positioned to help keep Ontario ahead of the innovation curve and position the
province for success in specific research fields."
Neil Turok, Director of Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, says,
"Science and technology will be vital to our future. Through wise investments,
Ontario and Canada are already emerging as global knowledge leaders. WGSI will
help with identifying key challenges and opportunities, thereby ensuring the
best possible decisions are taken."
Waterloo Region can provide an ideal location for the conference due to its
international reputation for innovation throughout the full research chain -
involving basic research, experimentation and commercialization. The region is
highly regarded outside of Canada for its efforts in spurring the transition
from a manufacturing base to a knowledge-based economy. The location is highly
accessible to the world, yet provides the intimate environment required to
facilitate a highly focused gathering of top leaders.
About UW:
In just half a century, the University of Waterloo, located at the heart of
Canada's Technology Triangle, has become one of Canada's leading comprehensive
universities with 28,000 full- and part-time students in undergraduate and
graduate programs. Waterloo, as home to the world's largest post-secondary
co-operative education program, embraces its connections to the world and
encourages enterprising partnerships in learning, research and discovery. In
the next decade, the university is committed to building a better future for
Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create
solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow.
About Perimeter Institute
Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is an independent,
non-profit, scientific research and educational outreach organization where
international scientists cluster to push the limits of our understanding of
physical laws and develop new ideas about the very essence of space, time,
matter and information. Located in Waterloo, Ontario, PI also provides an
award-winning outreach program for students, teachers and the general public
in order to share the joy of research, discovery and innovation. In
partnership with the Governments of Ontario and Canada, Perimeter Institute
continues to be a successful example of private and public collaboration in
science research and education. www.perimeterinstitute.ca
SOURCE Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
University of Waterloo: Martin van Nierop, Director, Communications and Public
Affairs, vanierop@uwaterloo.ca, (519) 888-4881; Perimeter Institute: Angela
Robinson, Communications Coordinator, arobinson@perimeterinstitute.ca, (519)
569-7600 x5051
