A Conversation with Canada’s Chief Science Advisor Interview
Did you know that the Government of Canada has a Chief Science Advisor? They provide advice on ways to ensure that scientific knowledge is considered in public policy decisions and that government science is available to the public. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Mona Nemer to discuss the role of evidence in her work and in government decisions, and to ask her your biggest questions about evidence.
Do you have a burning question for Canada’s Chief Science Advisor? Send them in or vote on your top question here!
Speakers
Dr. Mona Nemer
Canada’s Chief Science Advisor
Before becoming the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer was Professor and Vice-President of Research at the University of Ottawa and Director of the school’s Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University and did post-doctoral training in molecular biology at the Institut de Recherche Clinique de Montréal and Columbia University.
The Chief Science Advisor's key functions are as follows:
Before becoming the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer was Professor and Vice-President of Research at the University of Ottawa and Director of the school’s Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University and did post-doctoral training in molecular biology at the Institut de Recherche Clinique de Montréal and Columbia University.
The Chief Science Advisor's key functions are as follows:
- Provide advice on the development and implementation of guidelines to ensure that government science is fully available to the public and that federal scientists are able to speak freely about their work
- Provide advice on creating and implementing processes to ensure that scientific analyses are considered when the Government makes decisions
- Assess and recommend ways to improve the existing science advisory function within the federal government
- Assess and recommend ways for the Government to better support quality scientific research within the federal system
Vanessa Sung
Interim Executive Director at Evidence for Democracy
Vanessa Sung is the Interim Executive Director at Evidence for Democracy. After completing her PhD in Biochemistry at McGill University, she joined the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada as a policy advisor, where her efforts were focused on strengthening connections between the science, policy, and political communities. As a graduate student, Vanessa was Co-President and member of the Board of Directors at Science & Policy Exchange, a student-led non-profit that facilitates multisectoral dialogue and empowers the student voice in diverse science policy issues. Vanessa is an enthusiastic advocate for increased community and civic engagement from scientists, and is dedicated to creating positive impact at the intersection of science, public policy, and social justice.
Vanessa Sung is the Interim Executive Director at Evidence for Democracy. After completing her PhD in Biochemistry at McGill University, she joined the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada as a policy advisor, where her efforts were focused on strengthening connections between the science, policy, and political communities. As a graduate student, Vanessa was Co-President and member of the Board of Directors at Science & Policy Exchange, a student-led non-profit that facilitates multisectoral dialogue and empowers the student voice in diverse science policy issues. Vanessa is an enthusiastic advocate for increased community and civic engagement from scientists, and is dedicated to creating positive impact at the intersection of science, public policy, and social justice.
