Fostering a capacity for respectful, objective discussions about nuclear S&T
Dr. John Root, Executive Director
Presentation to Alberta Innovates – SMR Learning Series 2021 February 23 The Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation Inc. (Fedoruk Centre)
• Established in 2011 under Canada Not for Profit Corporations Act • Independent Board of Directors (3-12 members) • Sole Member is the University of Saskatchewan • Funded by an Agreement with Innovation Saskatchewan plus revenues from third parties
• Purpose: “To place Saskatchewan among global leaders of nuclear research, development and training through investment in partnerships with academia and industry for maximum societal and economic benefit.”
Articles of Incorporation, Amended 2012 Oct 5 www.fedorukcentre.ca Key Activities
1. Programmatic Partnerships with Saskatchewan Institutions a. Nuclear Imaging Program for life sciences (plants, animals, humans) • With University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina 2015-2020 b. Policy and public engagement with nuclear science and technology • With Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy 2017-2021
2. Project funding for research led by Saskatchewan scientists Since 2012, the Fedoruk Centre has awarded over $6.5 million to 38 projects for research in nuclear medicine/imaging, materials research, energy, environment and social impacts.
3. Operate the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences (SCCS) a. Support research and innovation in nuclear imaging for life sciences (~ 75%) b. Manufacture FDG for PET-CT medical scanning in regional hospitals (~ 25%)
4. Consultative Service for public, policy-makers and others
Strategic Plan 2025 A Fedoruk Centre Programmatic Partnership Johnson Shoyama Graduate School for Public Policy Centre for the Study of Science and Innovation Policy (CSIP)
• “Advancing Convergence and Collaborative Research through Major Research Facilities (MRFs)”, led by Peggy Schmeiser at the University of Saskatchewan; • “Does deliberative engagement improve public understanding of future energy choices?”, led by Margot Hurlbert at the University of Regina; and • “Finding a Niche: Northern Communities as Protected Spaces for SMRs”, led by Jeremy Rayner at the University of Saskatchewan. A Project funded by the Fedoruk Centre
Led by Prof. Esam Hussein (University of Regina), Saskatchewan researchers and students apply their disciplines to understand Practical, Regulatory and Economic Viability of introducing a nuclear power option to Saskatchewan:
• Safety • Environment • Treaties • Workforce • Geography • Geology • Water Resources • Transportation networks • Communication networks Project advisory committee meets • Electrical grids researchers and students - Oct 2017 • Respectful consultation • etc Organizing peer-to-peer project reporting Convening Public Discussions Supporting social research Engaging 206 people from 13 communities Regina Moose Jaw Saskatoon Estevan Weyburn Yorkton La Ronge Prince Albert Mel fort Swift Current Lloydminster North Battle Ford Watrous
Does deliberative engagement improve public understanding of future energy choices, including nuclear? (M Hurlbert, U Regina) Explaining the idea of ‘small modular reactors’