Canadian Showcase: Attracting the world's brightest minds and top talent

There are tremendous opportunities for researchers from around the world to build partnerships, conduct research and develop their skills in Canada. That was the message delivered by Gary Goodyear, Canada's Minister of State for Science and Technology, at the Mitacs Globalink Symposium held recently in Ottawa. The theme of this inaugural Globalink event, which attracted a wide range of respected panellists and participants, was "Canada as an International Innovation Destination."

"Our government is furthering Canada's science and technology advantage by ensuring that we attract the brightest minds in the world through investments in research and by commercializing promising ideas," said Minister of State Goodyear, who delivered the event's opening remarks. He spoke about the government's recent efforts to support research and innovation and attract international talent. Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, also spoke and announced nearly $9 million in new funding for Mitacs programs.

The Mitacs Globalink program brings top international students to Canada for summer research internships under the supervision of Canadian university faculty members. These students not only develop their skills but also build rich networks, meeting Canadian entrepreneurs, business leaders and academics through the activities and events organized by Mitacs. The program gives talented foreign students first-hand knowledge of Canada's innovation landscape and the broad spectrum of opportunities available in Canada. Through Mitacs Globalink, over 270 top undergraduate students from India, China, Brazil and Mexico will be undertaking world-class research this summer at 28 Canadian universities from coast to coast. For more information, visit the Mitacs website.

Canada in the international spotlight

Researchers and students from around the world had the opportunity recently to see some of Canada's leading-edge science and to meet some of our country's most visionary thinkers. Earlier this year, Vancouver hosted the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting. The conference, which was being held outside the U.S. for the first time in 30 years, welcomed a record-breaking 12,478 participants from more than 50 countries. Nearly a year in the planning, the popular Canada Pavilion provided a collaborative space for more than 45 partners to showcase Canadian research excellence. Among the week's events were tours of Vancouver's leading science facilities, a daily coffee hour with scientists, a press breakfast on ocean science, which attracted more than 130 experts and journalists, and Family Science Days, which attracted members of the general public in record numbers—more than 6,400.

For more information on Canada hosting the AAAS annual meeting and the Canadian science showcase, visit the Canada at AAAS website.