Washington, D.C., Thursday, February 11, 2016

Thank you all for joining us at the Embassy of Canada. 

Many of us are in Washington this week for the annual gathering of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This year’s theme of Global Science Engagement aligns perfectly with our gathering this evening.

We do indeed have a great opportunity before us—an opportunity to engage internationally to deepen our learning.

In fact, this opportunity might be more accurately cast as a responsibility. Many of the challenges we face are global, and therefore we have a global need for solutions.

Of course, circumstances vary from country to country and institution to institution, but through the kind of science diplomacy we’re practicing this week we can work together for mutual benefit.

Our diverse strengths and perspectives represent a distinct advantage. Very often it’s those differences—when paired with common goals and a shared commitment to excellence—that lead to the most exciting discoveries and developments.

This is certainly true when it comes to science and research collaboration.

Of course, scientists will tell you they’ve always engaged across borders. Think back to the Copernican Revolution, which wasn’t complete until Copernicus’ ideas had been tested and refined by Tycho Brahe in Denmark, Johannes Kepler in Germany, Galileo Galilei in Italy and Sir Isaac Newton in England—and that journey of discovery continues today aided and abetted by telescopes and computer power that Copernicus could never have dreamed of.

And thinking back as well as forward, let’s not forget: Copernicus himself learned a lot from the criticisms of the Ptolemaic model by the Arabic thinker Averroes, who lived in Córdoba, in present-day Spain.

Today, 500 years later, the need to collaborate and engage globally is even more pronounced owing to the incredible complexity and cost of much of the research being done.

Fortunately, as never before, we have the means at our disposal to collaborate globally on scientific research. The growth of global networks and the ongoing revolution in digital communications means so much is possible.

Our shared task is to explore every avenue and seize every opportunity for engagement. Let’s celebrate our successes, and let us ask ourselves: what are the gaps, and how do we improve?

That’s what brings us all here today. That’s our responsibility as leaders.

Canadians are enthusiastically involved in learning and discovery on the world stage, and Canada is a dedicated partner in the international learning community.

Thank you again for being here and for taking full advantage of this chance to network and engage. I wish you the very best.