16th August 2011 Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa Science and Technology Counsellors Network!
It’s always a sad time in the office, when we have to say goodbye and send our interns on to their next adventures. Rasna, one of our most recent interns here at the High Commission is off, but not far from our minds. I have a few blogs that she had written for us that I will be posting in the coming weeks. The blog below is her impressions of the most recent Ottawa Science and Technology Councillors Network (OSTCN) meeting, that was recently hosted by the US Embassy.
The OSTCN came out of a meeting/suggestion with/by the Swiss embassy here in Ottawa, followed by some footwork by a few of us on the ground. The goal of course is to get acquainted with our fellow science attachés in the Ottawa area, to share best practise, and to create events where Canadian science based departments and agencies (SBDAs), industry, and other interested parties can speak about their international priorities to an audience with a vested interest.
Win – Win!
Without further ado, here are Rasna’s impressions of our most recent OSTCN event:
Ottawa Science and Technology Counsellors Network
On Wednesday May 18th, Science Officers from various High Commissions and Embassies across Ottawa gathered for the 2nd Ottawa Science and Technology Counsellors Network meeting hosted at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Ottawa. I had the opportunity to attend this event alongside Nicole, our Science and Innovation Network Team Lead. The event primarily allowed networking with science experts and diplomats across the globe as well discuss about the present and future role of science in decision-making processes. An interesting presentation was given on The Changing Strategic Role of Science in Diplomacy and Trade by the executive director of the former Office of the National Science Advisor in the Canadian Government. The diverse role of science and technology was discussed with emphasis on themes such as globalization, science diplomacy, bilateral agreements, and R&D partnerships to name a few. I was able to gain insight on the cross policy projects that Canada and its global partners have participated in. The event facilitated dialogue between governments allowing them to express their interests and concerns to achieve a common goal. Furthermore, it was fascinating to observe first hand how science experts and policy makers collaboratively identify opportunities and activities to accommodate scientific findings in the political sphere. While at the event, I also had the chance to mingle and gain perspectives from various other science officers and diplomatic attachés. All in all, I really enjoyed the event.
The word is out that the 3rd meeting of the Ottawa Science and Technology Counsellors Network will be hosted at the British High Commissioner’s residence this autumn. So stay tuned!