Grant: Industrial Research Chairs

The NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Risk Science will conduct a broad program of research and trainingin risk science, particularly with respect to the assessment and management of risks associated withtechnological development. The program involves the development and application of new methodologies forcharacterizing risks and attendant uncertainties as fully as possible, as well as options for managing those risks.A knowledge transfer component is included in order to promote the use of evidence-based risk managementstrategies for addressing risks of national and international concern. Overall, the program will promote thedevelopment of risk science, a field that remains underdeveloped in Canada.Examples of important contemporary technological risk issues that will be addressed include carbon captureand storage, hydraulic fracturing, and wireless telecommunications. The Chair will develop principles to guidedecision making on complex technological risk issues, that will help in selecting the most appropriateregulatory, economic, advisory, community based, or technological risk management solutions. Understandingpublic perceptions of technological risks and effective risk communication are important components of theresearch program.The Chair will work with both scientists and policy makers in the federal government, thereby helping toensure that the best available methods in risk science are used in addressing risk issues of importance toCanadians. Recognizing the transboundary nature of technological risk issues such ambient air pollution fromindustrial facilities and motor vehicles, the Chair will also work closely with international experts in riskscience in the United States and Europe. The Chair will contribute significantly to advanced training in riskscience, thereby increasing the number of highly qualified personnel in this field in Canada. The researchprogram of the Chair will ultimately benefit Canadian society by helping to ensure that that Canada remains aleader in the development and commercialization of new technologies in a safe and sustainable manner.