NSERC, SSHRC invest $500K in new age Agri-Food research chair

July 13, 1999 (Ottawa) -- Canada's agricultural sector will benefit from a $500,000 federal investment in research at the University of Saskatchewan. Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale, speaking on behalf of Industry Minister John Manley, announced the investment today at the inauguration of the NSERC/SSHRC Chair in Managing Knowledge-Based Agri-Food Development, at Innovation Place near the University.

Chairholder Dr. Peter Phillips will examine intellectual property rights related to agri-food research and commercialization, as well as marketing of new biotechnology products and ways of gaining access to international markets. In addition, the chair will provide a focal point for broader debate and understanding of the ethical and social issues associated with this new technology.

Minister Goodale said: "Our ability to innovate in the future will depend as much on our creativity in the research lab as in our ability to develop a cadre of experts who know how to manage the innovation process efficiently and effectively."

Dr. Jim Miller, a SSHRC council member and U of S history professor, speaking on behalf of SSHRC president Dr. Marc Renaud expanded on these points saying, "Technological change is above all a process of human change. As the recent history of agri-food biotechnology clearly indicates, the successful implementation and popular acceptance of technological change depends as much on human attitudes and understanding as it does on scientific innovation, marketing savvy, and legal skills."

Dr. Phillips will also train students in how to manage technological change in the agri-food industry, develop courses for company executives, and provide advice and analysis to the industry on issues related to technological change.

Speaking on behalf of NSERC President Dr. Tom Brzustowski, Council member Dr. Peter Loewen said: "The education element of this Chair is as important as its research function. We need more Canadians who understand the effects of technological change in the agrifood sector, who can explain what it means, and who can make sound decisions."

NSERC (the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) fosters the discovery and application of knowledge through the support of university research in the natural sciences and engineering and the training of highly qualified people. The Council promotes the use of this knowledge to build a strong national economy and improve the quality of life of all Canadians. NSERC awards grants and scholarships through a competitive process and builds partnerships among universities, governments and the private sector.

SSHRC helps build the knowledge and intellectual capital Canada needs to secure its future. SSHRC:

• supports research and training that can help us understand a rapidly changing human society;

• promotes knowledge-sharing among research producers and users in different sectors to help them tackle emerging issues and opportunities.

University of Saskatchewan - http://www.usask.ca

For backgrounders and further information contact

Robert Roy, NSERC,
at (613) 992-9001

or

Pamela Wiggin, SSHRC,
at (613) 992-0691