Monthly Archives: April 2012

Joram Lindenstrauss 1936-2012

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Ghoussoub

“I am very sad to tell you that my father Joram died this morning, the 29th of April, in his home”, wrote Elon. I knew that Joram had been seriously ill for some time now, but the cryptic email brought more … Continue reading →

Posted in Honouring friends | 3 Comments

Anyone for a Canadian “Golden Goose Award”?

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Ghoussoub

Are you old enough to remember the heyday of the late Senator William Proxmire “Golden Fleece awards” given to so called “wasteful” science in the US system? Well, luckily my science policy soulmate, Paul Dufour, claims that he is, and he … Continue reading →

Posted in Op-eds, R&D Policy | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Computer Science in the world of Gatorade and Disney

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Ghoussoub

“Math and computer science are hard. Why bother?” read the caption, which appeared in the latest Forbes Magazine. The article entitled, “University of Florida Eliminates Computer Science Department, Increases Athletic Budgets. Hmm,” describes Dean Abernathy’s restructuring plan for the College of Engineering. “Any faculty … Continue reading →

Posted in Op-eds, R&D Policy | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Tri-council: Beyond the press releases of their presidents

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Ghoussoub

The press releases of the presidents of CIHR and NSERC regarding their 2012 budget allocations are out. They are almost identical. Are they also trying to save on communication? NSERC’s is entitled “Economic action plan 2012”, yet  the meeting of Friday the 13th … Continue reading →

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US republicans more supportive of science than …

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Ghoussoub

…. their counterparts in the democratic party! I know, I know, you have all been eagerly awaiting “the deficit reduction action plan” of Canada’s three research councils. You will surely not get it from the “rosy” picture portrayed in the messages of … Continue reading →

Posted in R&D Policy | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Call your VP-Research before Friday the 13th at the Tri-council!

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Ghoussoub

“My Mathematics” is going well lately. It is not always the case, so blogging has taken the backseat. It is unfortunate because much needs to be communicated before tomorrow’s meeting in Ottawa between the VPs-Research of Canada’s universities and Tri-council officials. … Continue reading →

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Turmoil at the Tri-council?

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Ghoussoub

The VPs-Research of all universities across Canada have been invited to a Tri-Council meeting “around Research and Innovation” in Ottawa. Officials are being very tight-lipped about the content of the meeting, which is scheduled for April 13th. What is it … Continue reading →

Posted in R&D Policy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Another milestone in scientific communication

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Ghoussoub

The Banff International Research Station (BIRS) has announced that its new physical meeting space at the beautiful TransCanada Pipelines Pavilion in Banff Canada,  is now accessible to the scientific community in virtual space, via live video streaming and high quality video … Continue reading →

Posted in Banff International Research Station | 3 Comments