The ISSP Blog

Director, ISSP
Chair, Positive Energy, uOttawa

Originally published by The Hill Times on March 10, 2021

The power outage in Texas is a devastating reminder of the importance of energy security. It’s a powerful cautionary tale of why decision-makers need to keep electricity reliability top of mind. 

Senior Fellow, ISSP, uOttawa
Canada China Forum Advisory Board

Originally published in the Toronto Star on March 10, 2021

China has become dangerously comfortable with the practice of detaining foreign nationals on fabricated charges. This tactic is often referred to as “hostage diplomacy,” but we should not call it that. There is nothing diplomatic about it. 

Senior Fellow, ISSP, uOttawa
Principal, Paulicyworks

If scientific leadership and global knowledge partnerships are to be the benchmarks of a new post-pandemic image then clearly both Canada and the US have an opportunity to reimagine their unique science and technology relationship. The bilateral summit held on February 23 between Justin Trudeau and Joe Biden mapped out some key areas of interest, many of which will require attention to ongoing and long term investments in knowledge and research.

Communications and Engagement Officer,
HealthBridge Foundation of Canada

Faculty Affiliate, ISSP
Full Professor, Disease Modelling, Faculty of Science, uOttawa

The lack of culturally responsive health care services to people of African descent living in Canada has been a long-standing barrier to health care. There is an urgent need for healthcare professionals to develop awareness, sensitivity and knowledge about the needs of the clients from different cultural backgrounds.

Director, Clean Economy (B.C.)
Pembina Institute

As Canada and the world look to achieve more ambitious climate targets, accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to lower-carbon and carbon-neutral energy sources is more important than ever. Today, hydrogen is increasingly being discussed as a promising fuel that could reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned in several sectors, such as transportation, buildings, and heavy industry.

Senior Fellow and former Fulbright Research Chair in Science and Society, ISSP uOttawa
President Emeritus of the Center for Policy on Emerging Technologies, Washington, DC

When Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked some weeks back when he thought a semblance of normality would return, he replied Q3 or Q4 of 2021; now he’s less sure, as the emergence of new variants bringing increased transmissibility and/or vaccine resistance has thrown a series of spanners in the works. But his remarks offer us a ballpark expectation from the expert best-placed to judge; all being well, we’re around half-way through.

Faculty Affiliate, ISSP
Full Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, uOttawa

As we mark Black History Month, we are reminded of the increased burden of COVID-19 on African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities and the urgent need for evidence-based, racially responsive healthcare. In both the ACB and healthcare provider communities, pandemic-related challenges are real and mounting. 

Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Communication, University at Albany, State University of New York; Faculty Affiliate, ISSP, uOttawa

Professor, Department of Psychology; Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York

Clinical Associate Professor and Executive Director, Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, State University of New York

COVID-19 has inflicted disproportionate harms on minority communities, from poorer health and education outcomes to higher unemployment. What are the structural causes for health disparities in these communities?

Positive Energy Advisory Council Member
Deputy Director, ARC Energy Research Institute

The opening words of Canada’s new hydrogen strategy state, “For more than a century, our nation’s brightest minds have been working on the technology to turn the invisible promise of hydrogen into tangible solutions.” It is with a mix of optimism and pragmatism that I say the promise of hydrogen can finally be realized. 

Senior Fellow, ISSP
Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University

Hydrogen is an important part of Canada’s energy future. A key obstacle to a full-fledged hydrogen economy lies in identifying a sustainable, low-cost method of hydrogen production with reduced dependence on fossil fuels.