NSERC and National Defence Team Up to Stimulate Technology Research

Ottawa, May 10, 1996 – The Hon. David Collenette, Minister of National Defence, and the Hon. Jon Gerrard, Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development, and Western Economic Diversification), today announced that the federal government is investing $25 million over the next five years in technology, jobs and growth by supporting research in Canadian universities.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Department of National Defence (DND) will support unclassified university-based research in areas of dual civilian and military application. Most projects will involve three-way collaborations between university researchers and those in DND and the private sector. Industry will be expected to provide one-third of the project costs, with NSERC and DND sharing the remainder.

"This initiative helps to ensure that DND's R&D; contributes effectively to the generation of jobs, new knowledge and growth," said Mr. Collenette. "It is an indication that DND takes its role as a contributor to the national system of innovation very seriously," he added.

"The DND-NSERC partnership exemplifies the type of leadership and co-operation that the federal government is promoting in its new Science and Technology strategy," said Dr. Gerrard. "It will strengthen the ability of Canada's private sector to develop new products and services and create new jobs."

Dr. Tom Brzustowski, President of NSERC, said, "In evaluating research proposals, DND and NSERC will focus on those proposals which develop partnerships and offer the greatest potential for the generation of knowledge through unclassified research and the use of that knowledge through technology spin-offs. The participation of the private sector in applying new knowledge is vital."

Mr. Ken Peebles, the Chief of Research and Development, noted, "The Research and Development Branch of DND responds to the R&D; requirements of the Canadian Forces by drawing not only on in-house capabilities but also on those of industry, universities and other government departments. This new initiative with NSERC will help strengthen the relationship between universities and industry in their support of DND's R&D; requirements."

The deadline for the submission of proposals from university researchers is June 15, 1996. Research topics for the inaugural competition include the following areas: electronics (particularly technologies for secure transmission of information); undersea systems; information systems; air vehicles; naval platforms; mobility systems; surveillance systems; human systems integration; and life support systems.

The review mechanisms will be those already used successfully in the NSERC Research Partnerships Program. Awards made in this first competition will be announced in October 1996.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 1996 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. It is an example of how the federal government is setting its spending priorities to better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

For more information, please contact: