Government of Canada Announces $84 Million in Scholarship and Fellowship Funding

Montreal, Quebec, March 27, 2002 – Mr. Maurizio Bevilacqua, Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development, on behalf of Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), announced today that 2,121 young university researchers – 1,887 at the postgraduate level and 234 at the postdoctoral level – will be receiving $84.3 million to pursue their studies in the natural sciences and engineering fields. Winners are enrolled at more than 60 Canadian universities.

"The NSERC scholarships and fellowships are awarded to Canada's most promising, up-and-coming researchers," said Mr. Bevilacqua. "By investing in our researchers, we are investing in our future. This funding will give them the opportunity and resources to help Canada become one of the top five nations investing in R & D."

"We want Canada to move from 14th place to one of the top five countries in the world for research and development – attracting and retaining the best and brightest minds," said Mr. Rock.

As part of this effort to place Canada at the forefront of the global knowledge-based economy, the Government of Canada has launched a new initiative to address skills and innovation challenges for the next decade. On February 12, Industry Canada released a blueprint entitled Achieving Excellence: Investing in People, Knowledge and Opportunity, one of two papers that lay out the government's goals, targets and priorities. The discussion includes ways of creating knowledge and bringing ideas to market more quickly, ensuring a skilled workforce, modernizing business and regulatory policies, and strengthening communities by supporting innovation at the local level.

The announcement was made at a luncheon address that Mr. Bevilacqua gave to the Montreal Economic Institute. He concluded by congratulating a group of successful applicants present for the event.

NSERC President Tom Brzustowski, who also attended the Montreal event, said that NSERC scholarships and fellowships help young researchers develop into valuable members of Canada's R&D community.

"Science and engineering are among the most rewarding careers available to young people," said Dr. Brzustowski. "Studies show that graduates who receive NSERC scholarships will enjoy above- average employability and income, and will contribute to R&D for many years after completing their studies."

NSERC is a key federal agency investing in people, discovery and innovation. The Council supports both basic university research through research grants, and project research through partnerships among universities, governments and the private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.

For more information about Canada's Innovation Strategy or to obtain a copy of either Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians or Achieving Excellence: Investing in People, Knowledge and Opportunity, please call 1-800-O CANADA (1-800-622-6232) or visit www.innovationstrategy.gc.ca.

For more information, contact:

Arnet Sheppard
Communications
NSERC
Tel.: (613) 995-5997 cell (613) 725-7624
Fax: (613) 943-0742
E-mail: axs@nserc.ca