Annual Report 2010–2011

The Science Media Centre of Canada | Annual Report 2010–2011 CONTENTS Introduction 1 Message from the Chair 2 Message from the Executive Director 4 The SMCC by the numbers 6 Highlights 6 Key achievements 8 Objectives 9 Benefits 9 Champions 10 Editorial Advisory Committee 11 Board of Directors 11 Research Advisory Panel 12 Charter Members 13 Supporters 14 Staff 14 Financials 15

THE SCIENCE MEDIA CENTRE OF CANADA 1867 St.Laurent Blvd MAIN NUMBERS: PO Box 9724, Station T Ottawa, ON OTTAWA (613) 249-8209 K1G 5A3 CALGARY (403) 456-2109 HALIFAX (902) 442-6909 EMAIL: [email protected] MONTRÉAL (438) 288-3909 FAX: 613-990-3654 VANCOUVER (604) 248-4209 www.sciencemedia.ca GTA (647) 729-1909 ACCESSIBILITY NEUTRALITY RESPONSIVENESS CONNECTIONS

EVIDENCE-BASEDCREDIBILITY DEPTH PERSPECTIVE VALUE-ADDED INCLUSIVENESS RELATIONSHIPS RAPID RESPONSE ACCURACY QUALITY OBJECTIVITY COLLABORATION PROACTIVE EFFICIENCY

TRANSPARENCY

1 Annual Report 2010–2011 Inform public debate with evidence-based accurate science. Improve the quality and quantity of reporting in all fields of science. Increased public engagement with science issues through media coverage of science that is accurate, incisive and evidence-based. Public debate and policy decisions will benefit.

The vision of the Science Message from Media Centre of Canada is to “inform public debate the Chair of with evidence-based accurate science”. Knowing that the Board science is in everything we are, experience, and will become, the SMCC fills a unique role in terms of bringing science and the media closer together to the benefit of Canadians and public policy decision makers. The Science Media Centre of Canada Media Centre The Science

2 organizational values

With the right vision and values, This is where I believe the SMCC Let me take this opportunity to thank our execution of strategy has been can continue to play an important role those organizations and individuals impressive as we close on our first full when it comes to Canada building in who have financially supported the year of operation. In 2011, there have the 21st Century, where the future of SMCC – we could not do what we been a number of groundbreaking science is now. It is a time where we do without you! stories where science is the common must not only understand the poten- denominator; the earthquake in Japan; tial new technologies that are being Finally, while the Board of Directors new viral therapies for cancer; the early discovered, but how they impact our has been fully engaged in the gover- evolution of mammals, to name a few. lives, where they present an opportunity nance of the SMCC, we have been In each case, the SMCC has been a or a threat, and why we must be very fortunate to have the dedication, catalyst for a number of public conver- diligent in their application. passion and strategic focus of our sations about the role and impact Executive Director, Penny Park and of science. If knowledge is the new currency in her team. The SMCC team may be an increasingly interdependent and small in terms of size, but they punch While the world is becoming increasingly competitive world, then science is well above their weight in terms of complex, so is science…and it becomes the foundation upon which innovation impact, relevance and connectedness. essential to demystify what science rests, and it is essential that we means and what role it can play in understand what it means to us I look forward to continuing to work our daily lives. As Carl Sagan said as a society. with all of you as we move forward to ensure that the public discourse

“somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known”. This is where In closing, while the SMCC is still in of science allows us to reach our the SMCC can advance the public its early days, there is an important full potential as a nation. dialogue on those science-based foundation and track record of success issues that will have a clear impact from which to build and remain a on our quality of life and overall vibrant and relevant organization. standard of living.

Glenn G. Brimacombe Annual Report 2010–2011 Chair 3 4 The Science Media Centre of Canada THE EXECUTIVE issues we face today have some element issues we facetodayhave someelement control, many, dare Isaymostofthe regulating fightsinhockey toriot change adaptationstrategies, from From safeinjectionsitestoclimate of Canada. and innovation have forthe future science, engineering,technology, health all ofwhomrecognize theimportance in boththepublicandprivate sector, academics, scientists,andindividuals a communityofCanadianjournalists, from able todothis,thankssupport journalists andcommunicatorswere The SMCC’s smallteamofdedicated section). (How many?See our‘By theNumbers’ or webinars inbothFrench andEnglish. backgrounders andin-depthbriefings comments, tweets, experts weekly alerts, promised September 27 We doorsas openedourvirtual thanks are inorder. an infinite amountof of firsts –and for that It’s beenabrilliantyear A yearofFirsts 21 Aquarium. Ateamoffive connected by and mostrecently from the Vancouver scientifiques du Quebec in Montreal from l’Association descommunicateurs and Technology Museum inOttawa, offices supplied bytheCanadaScience st century technology began generating technologybegangenerating century MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR th –from our They continue toprovide invaluable of Ethics Selection andExpert Policy. guidelines fortheSMCCwith aCode mental insettingupstrong journalistic Peter Calamai.TheEAC were- instru Committee chaired by foundingdirector Thanks as well toour Editorial Advisory right experts. and advice,helpdirect ustothe notice toprovide scientificperspective themselves available onshockinglyshort our Research Panel, Advisory who make We tothank musttakethisopportunity the British The dailynewspaper Guardian. garnering kudosfrom theombudsmanof and monitoring,we sentouttwo–one explainingradiationlevels grounders a needforsomeplainspeakingback- monitoring andradiationeffects. Seeing innuclearengineering,radiation experts and internationaljournalistslookingfor the teamfieldeddailycallsfrom Canadian rewarding. During theFukushima crisis, Our first year hasbeenwonderfully and heard. evidence basedresearch isatthetable– butstrivesof view toensure thatsolid SMCC doesnotpromote anyonepoint andaccuratebackground. The experts timeline, gettingaccesstocredible science is here journalistsontheir tosupport journalistic community. TheSMCC by avibrant informed public,served A healthydemocracydemandsan much tocontributethediscussion. needn’t bethewholestory, butithas of science.Evidence-based research

first year. you willagree, it’s beenawonderful would have beenpossibleandIthink noneofthis their visionandsupport oninthereport. see further Without funders, theextensive listyou can recognition mustgotoourmany Of courseaspecialthanksand more accurate. so thatnextyear we canbeeven consider contributingtothisendeavor sive. Perhaps oneofourreaders will expen- media monitoringbeingvery our own investigation onthe web – gatheredis imperfectly through which you canseebelow. Thedata Indicators, tomonitorourimpact developed someKey Performance With helpfrom KPMGwe have warm words alongtheway. ofsupport their own crazyschedulestooffer governance, buttheytooktimefrom world ofSMCsfrom technologyto invaluable adviceonthework-a day New Zealand. Not onlydidtheyprovide the SMCsinU.K.,Australia and the helpofour“sister” organizations– We couldn’t have openedwithout Suzanne Corbeil. our unwavering beacon,foundingChair, constant andwisestrategiccouncil Of coursethankstoourBoard fortheir credibility andusefulnessforjournalists. guidance onbestpracticestoensure Executive Director Penny Park

Registered Journalists by Quarter

250

200

150

100

0 September December March June 2010 (open) 2010 2011 2011

Bilingual French English The response from the growing number of journalists who use our service has been Releases by Type overwhelmingly positive: 14 18 6 Heads Up

I’VE HEARD THE 112 Expert Comment SMCC IS CAPABLE Backgrounders 75 OF MAGIC Webinars Other –Nature

THERE’S CERTAINLY Media Hits – Who are we reaching? A BUZZ RE: THE Location of recorded media hits Types of outlets MEDIA CENTRE IN THE SCIENCE JOURNALISM COMMUNITY AND I’M EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO WORK International Journals

National Magazines

WITH YOU GUYS Regional Online news and blogs –Canadian Science Diverse hits: (e.g. Nature News, Print Writer’s Association Fox News, Ars Technica, Globe Radio and Mail…) TV

Diverse media: (e.g. CBC,

CTV, Postmedia, the Tyee…) Annual Report 2010–2011 5 6 The Science Media Centre of Canada Web hitsto ExpertsComments(cumulative) 1,200 1,500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Web hitsto Backgrounders (cumulative) 300 600 900 500 0 0 (February 22) Earthquakes Impacts of Oil Sands industry – Dec 15 Lost African innovations – Dec 12

THE SMCC Cell phone study – Dec 6 NUMBERS A Canadian at Cancun Conf. – Dec 6 2010, one of warmest years – Dec 2 Stuxnet – Nov 26 (March 11) Early universe recreated – Nov 26 Tsunamis EU bans BPA in baby bottles – Nov 26 Biodiversity Webinar – Nov 17 Antihydrogen – Nov 17 Genetic tests DTC – 5 Nov

BY THE Bar code of life – Nov 1 Monitoring Radiation Status of Vertebrates – Oct 27 (April 1) Research Integrity – Oct 22 NOAA Report – Oct 21

HIGHLIGHTS Medical Isotopes – Oct 15 Marine Life – Oct. 6

Christchurch Earthquake – Feb 18 (October 15) Isotopes Queensland Floods – Jan 14 Medical Extreme Precipitations – Feb 16 Cardiac Imaging & Cancer – Feb 7 Locked-in syndrome – Feb 23 radioactive plume – Mar 17 (March 14)

Cannabis – Mar 2 Radiation Earthquake Hazard Stillbirths – April 14 and the Canadian Seismic Research Network – May 4 Lancet article on epidural stimulation – May 20 IARC monograph, cell phones and cancer Afforestation Study – June 19 our The SMCCopenedthedoors of financial andmoral supportof We are honored to count onthe charter members. immediately, and63inthefollowing days. Twenty-five stories were generated adequate environmental monitoring. of reclamation tothenecessityfor from thefeasibility explain everything and three otherpanelistsjoinedinto deadline. Dr. Steve Hrudey, panelchair, ofanimpending without thecrush to theresearchers forin-depthquestions thoroughly digestthereport, andaccess wanting toensure journaliststimeto hold anembargoedonlinebriefing, The RSCapproached theSMCCto widemediaattention. this report deserved major environmental andhealthimpacts, of ment todateofthefullspectrum comprehensive evidence-basedassess- Industry. Promising tobethemost Health Impacts ofCanada’s Oil Sands Panel Report ontheEnvironmental and launching theirmuch-anticipatedExpert The Royal Society ofCanadawas Oil SandsScience Fall 2010: 42 and continued supportofour We are thankfulfor thestrong the Vancouver Aquarium. space graciously madeavailable by 3rd supporters. office, in Vancouver, with 130

Courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory Summer 2011: 50th Anniversary of the discovery of the Stem Cell

Stem cells, discovered in Toronto by Till and McCulloch, were turning 50. The International Consortium for Stem Cell Research’s annual meeting was taking place in Toronto, and the Ontario Science Centre had developed an exhibit that included design student’s fabrics inspired by stem cells. What better time to talk about pluripotency? The SMCC hosted a background briefing with renowned Canadian scientists Mick Bhatia and Connie Eaves, to talk about Winter 2011: disaster continued to change by the induced pluripotent and cancer stem cells, Fukushima, Japan minute, we enlisted 18 radiation experts as well as Dominique McMahon, who across the country to answer questions studies stem cell tourism. Twenty-four from national and international media. It seemed like a disaster movie: First journalists came, including CBC and the a magnitude 9 quake followed by a In all, the SMCC sent out 19 releases – Globe and Mail, and three radio spots 14 meter tsunami. When the Fukushima comments, alerts to information sessions, were generated immediately as well nuclear plant’s cooling systems were and backgrounders, garnering thanks as background articles that weekend. swamped...things went from bad to from journalists and even recognized by worse. Information out of Fukushima the British newspaper The Guardian. was conflicting and increasingly grim. The SMCC answered six media requests the first day, suggested 18 experts, Canada has extensive nuclear engineer- and logged more than 2,000 web hits ing expertise and many scientists and to backgrounders. We fielded interna- engineers stepped up to help make sense tional requests including one from our of the tragedy and explain everything newest sister organization, the Japan from the intricacies of Boiling Water Science Media Centre resulting in the Reactors to radionuclides. Initially, the translation of a Canadian researcher’s SMCC sent backgrounders and expert work into Japanese. comments. As the Fukushima nuclear Neural stem cell image cell stem Neural by Radha Chaddah courtesy Cell Network of the Stem

Joining Penny Park, Executive Director, The 7 members of our Editorial 225 Releases in both languages. the SMCC now has 3 media officers Advisory Committee shape a clear operating 24 hours a day, 7 days policy on who it approaches for 112 Heads-Up media alerts. a week and 1 Partnership and scientific expertise and develops Administration Coordinator. a code of ethics. 75 Expert Comments.

We have built a solid database includ- We provide services in both official 6 Online briefings (webinars) directly ing more than 1300 researchers languages, often contacting experts generating well over 50 stories. with regional, language and gender within half an hour of breaking news. representation. 6 Backgrounders released We developed Key Performance for breaking news. 223 journalists registered Indicators (KPIs) helping us monitor to access embargoed material. our performance and ensuring we $897,680.93 raised since provide effective services. the incorporation of the SMCC. Annual Report 2010–2011

7 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS JULY 1ST, 2010 The SMCC becomes a charity, meeting all the requirements for charitable registration AUGUST 2010 under the Income Tax Act. Gilles Provost becomes the SMCC’s 2nd media officer. The veteran science journalist sets up the Montreal SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 Office in space provided by L’Association des commu- 1ST Editorial Advisory Committee Meeting. nicateurs scientifiques du Québec (ACS). SEPTEMBER 20, 2010 Charter membership tops 100. Montreal Inaugural Event at the Montréal Science Centre Sponsored by L’Oreal Canada. SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 SMCC Opens its Virtual Doors. SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 1st “tweet” generated by SMCCanada on Twitter.com. SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 New extended deadline for the Charter membership. OCTOBER 6, 2010 1st “Experts Comment” sent on the Census of Marine Life. OCTOBER 15, 2010 1st “Backgrounder” issued on the shortage OCTOBER 18, 2010 of medical isotopes. 1st Heads-Up sent out to registered journalists. This becomes a very popular weekly service NOVEMBER 8, 2010 alerting journalists to important science stories 1st Annual General Meeting in Ottawa with panel coming out in the days ahead. discussion “Fact and Fiction from the Frontlines of Science Communication”. NOVEMBER 9, 2010 Halifax Inaugural Event “Science and the Media: Lost in Translation” This NOVEMBER 17, 2010 event was part of a national series on Science and its 1st WEBINAR / On-line briefing for journalists Publics created by the Situating Science Knowledge Embargoed Release of the Council of Canadian Cluster and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Academies “State of Biodiversity Research in Canada”. Affairs (CCEPA) with help and support from Halifax Global, Genome Atlantic, Nova Scotia Health Research FEBRUARY 8, 2011 Foundation (NSHRF), Quantum Communications, 1st Journalism 101 Bootcamp novaknowledge and Dalhousie University. Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology hosts “Journalism 101 for Scientists” workshop with participants from the FEBRUARY 15, 2011 U Waterloo community, including the Institute for Quantum SMCC partners with the Canadian Journalism Computing and the Perimeter Institute. Foundation (CJF) to present “The Vaccine-Autism Link Controversy: A Science Journalism Case Study with MAY 5, 2011 London Sunday Times investigative journalist Brian Deer. Alexis Cooper joins as interim Media Officer to test a pilot Vancouver bureau in space provided by Vancouver Aquarium. JUNE 9, 2011 Calgary Inaugural Event with “A Night with Jay Ingram: The Brave New World of Science in the Media”. JUNE 21, 2011 Supported by The University of Calgary, The University Vancouver Inaugural Event with “A night with Jay of Alberta and L’Oreal Canada. Ingram: The Brave New World of Science in the Media”. Supported by Vancouver Aquarium and The University JUNE 27-28-29, 2011 of British Columbia World Federation of Journalists Conference in Qatar. 1ST meeting of the 6 international Science Media Centres operating in the U.K., Australia, The Science Media Centre of Canada Media Centre The Science New Zealand, Japan, Denmark and Canada meet and formalize their collaboration. 8 OBJECTIVES For the year ahead

• Explore original fundraising options, • Expand the service by increasing • Offer Science 101 bootcamps secure stable funding and continue the number of webinars and briefings, quarterly to journalists, topics in the goal to raise $2.5 million and adding visuals, animations include risk and numeracy. to cover our annual operating cost and multimedia to help with visual • Report to our funders through and expand our range of activities. story telling. quarterly Newsletters, comprehen- • Develop specialized tools to assess • Offer Journalism 101 bootcamps sive reports, invitations, events, more accurately our effectiveness, quarterly to researchers in institu- seminars, workshops and training. reach and impact. tions across Canada – providing • Broaden our scope of new • Increase the number of registered researchers a glimpse into the world supporters, encourage champions journalists. of journalism, its norms and values. and funders alike. BENEFITS

• Media training partner For (Journalism 101) For public journalists • Partner and venue for co-hosted policy sector • Experts database with no institu- national news conferences • Accurate, evidence-based scientific tional bias information in the news media • Repository for science graphics, • Help when you need it video, animations, photographs • Objective source for scientific assessment amidst partisan voices • Autonomy secured • Experienced partner when science by 10% funding rule controversy hits the headlines • Inform public debate on the science around contentious issues • Newsy science backgrounders, • Support for small communications “Heads-Up”alerts & briefings teams • Early notice of emerging issues • Journalist staff members • Help for non-specialist journalists • Editorial Advisory Committee covering science For corporate of senior journalism experts • Local conferences listed sector on national portal • Researchers listed in experts database For For communications • Rapid response on inaccurate or researchers incomplete coverage of science- based issues staff • Expert support for media briefings • More science coverage • Viewpoint sought for media • Screened interview requests in Canadian media briefings

• Researcher media preferences • Greater access to Canadian • Repository for science graphics, noted researchers by international video, animations, photographs media • Feedback from media • Training and workshops Annual Report 2010–2011

9 10 The Science Media Centre of Canada CHAMPIONS doing plenty oftelevision. Currently Jayis ChairoftheBanffScience Communications program, andisstill The Order ofCanadain2009. of Alberta andhasreceived several otherawards for hiswork. Hewasawarded Jay hasreceived five honorary degrees, isaDistinguished AlumnusoftheUniversity He haswritten twelve books,whichhave beentranslated into twelve languages. as host wasinthespringof2011. is notable for beinganightly one-hourprime-timescience show. Hislast show newsmagazine @ In 1995hebecame thehost ofthenew Discovery Channelshow, thedaily a contributing editor withOWL Magazine. and several CanadianScience Writers’ Awards. Duringthattimehewasalso Quarks from 1979to 1992,earningtwo ACTRA awards –onefor best host – and anM.Scfrom theUniversity ofToronto. Hehosted CBCRadio’s Quirksand Jay Ingram hastwo degrees inmicrobiology, aB.Sc.from theUniversity ofAlberta Jay Ingram Linda Hughesisthe19 Linda Hughes sectors through herwork andvolunteer activities. of Canada.Shehasextensive experience inthesocialservices andnot-for-profit science communications, andistheFounding ChairoftheScience MediaCentre governments andamongavariety ofpartners. Suzanneiscommitted to advancing in advancing thepublicagendainS&Tandbuildingstrong relationships with to buildmathematical capacity indeveloping countries. Shehasbeenakey player Global Outreach withthePerimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics–working for Innovation for more than9years. More recently sheacted astheDirector of Vice-President ofExternal RelationsandCommunications attheCanadaFoundation Suzanne CorbeillaunchedConsultingInc,in2009after servingas Suzanne Corbeil a leading figure inCanadianmedia for more than20 years. Former Publisherand President oftheEdmonton Journal,Hugheshasbeen Capital Region. College Foundation and aformer chairoftheboard oftheUnited Way oftheAlberta and the Edmonton Community Foundation. Sheis a founding member of theNorQuest Commission andserves ontheboards for theRoyal Alexandra Hospital Foundation Deeply committed to hercommunity, sheisamemberoftheEdmonton Homeless discovery.ca, whicheventually became Daily Planet.Daily Planet th Chancellor oftheUniversity ofAlberta.

P. Thomas (Tom) Jenkins

P. Thomas Jenkins is Executive Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer for OpenText™ Corporation (NASDAQ: OTEX, TSX: OTC) of Waterloo, Ontario, a US$1 Billion enterprise software firm and the largest software company in Canada. Mr. Jenkins has been with OpenText since 1994. In addition to his OpenText responsibilities, Mr. Jenkins is Chair of the Govern- ment of Canada’s Research and Development Policy Review Panel which will report in October 2011 and was tasked with reviewing the $7 billion of federal public spending on research to assist the Canadian economy in becoming more innovative. He is also Chair of the federal centre of excellence Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN), and a member of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Mr. Jenkins received an MBA in entrepreneurship & technology management from Schulich School of Business at York University, an M.A.Sc. in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto and a B.Eng. & Mgt. in Engineering Physics and Commerce from McMaster University. He is a recipient of the Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSERC) post graduate scholarship, the University of Toronto Scholar- ship, the McMaster Chancellors Scholarship, the 2009 Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year, and the 2010 McMaster Engineering L.W. Shemilt Distinguished Alumni Award.

Ms. Jeannette Kopak EDITORIAL BOARD OF Director, Business ADVISORY DIRECTORS Development & Operations Great Northern Way Campus – COMMITTEE Mr. Glenn Brimacombe (Chair) Masters of Digital Media Program President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Calamai Mr. Paul Lewis Association of Canadian Academic Board of Youth Science Canada President and General Manager Health Care Organizations Adjunct Professor, Carleton University Discovery Channel Director of the Canadian Science Mr. Donald W. Campbell Mr. Don Newman Writers’ Association Senior Strategy Advisor Chair of Canada 2020 Davis LPP Jeffrey Dvorkin Sr. Advisor Bluesky Lecturer and Director, University Mr. Tom d’Aquino Strategy Group of Toronto Scarborough Campus Senior Counsel and Chair of Business Columnist iPOLITICS Journalism Program. Executive Strategy and Public Policy Group Dr. Peter Nicholson Director, Organization of News Gowlings Past President Ombudsmen. Ms. Esther Gaudreault Council of Canadian Academies Jim Handman Executive Director Mr. Iain Stewart Executive Producer, Association francophone Assistant Vice-President, Research Quirks and Quarks, CBC pour le savoir Dalhousie University Kathryn O’Hara Dr. Randy Goebel Mr. René Vézina CTV Chair in Science Broadcast Vice President, Columnist Journalism, Carleton University Post Secondary Investments Les Affaires

Chair, Alberta Innovates Academy David Secko Alberta Innovates – Professor of Journalism Technology Futures EX-OFFICIO Concordia University Professor of Computing Science MEMBERS Pierre Sormany at the University of Alberta Ms. Suzanne Corbeil Chief News Editor Dr. Kevin Keough Radio-Canada Corbeil Consulting Inc Executive Director Ms. Penny Park Christie Nicholson Alberta Prion Research Institute

Multimedia science journalist, President Annual Report 2010–2011 freelance 11 RESEARCH ADVISORY PANEL

Mick Bhatia Vicky Kaspi Vern Paetkau Director and Senior Scientist, Canada Research Chair Professor Emeritus, McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer in Observational Astrophysics Biochemistry and Microbiology Research Institute (SCCRI) Lorne Trottier Chair University of Victoria Professor, Department of R. Howard Webster Foundation Nils Petersen Biochemistry and Biomedical Fellow of the CIAR NINT Principal Investigator, Nano Life Sciences Professor of Physics, McGill University Sciences and Director General McMaster University Physics Department Professor, Department of Chemistry Eddy Carmack Daniel Krewski University of Alberta Director, R. Samuel McLaughlin Senior Research Scientist Robert Reisz Centre for Population Health Risk and climate oceanographer Professor of Palaeontology Assessment Institute of Ocean Sciences University of Toronto Fisheries and Oceans Canada Professor, University of Ottawa Molly S. Shoichet Donald E. Low Tim Caulfield Tier 1 Canada Research Chair Microbiologist-in-Chief, Department Canada Research Chair in Tissue Engineering of Microbiology, Mount Sinai Hospital in Health Law and Policy Professor of Chemical Engineering & Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians Professor, Faculty of Law Applied Chemistry, Chemistry and and Surgeons of Canada and School of Public Health Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering Professor and Head of the Division Senior Health Scholar with University of Toronto of Microbiology in the Department of the Alberta Heritage Foundation Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Richard Wassersug for Medical Research and Department of Medicine Professor, Department of Anatomy Research Director, University of Toronto and Neurobiology, Dalhousie University Health Law Institute Honorary Associate Professor, School University of Alberta Andrew D. Miall of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University Professor, University of Toronto, Aled Edwards Department of Geology Andrew Weaver Professor at the Banting and Best Inaugural holder of the Gordon Canada Research Chair in Climate Department of Medical Research Stollery Chair in Basin Analysis Modelling and Analysis University of Toronto and Petroleum Geology at the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences Director and CEO of the Structural University of Toronto University of Victoria Genomics Consortium President: Academy of Science, Senior Scientist at the Clinical Genomics Royal Society of Canada (2007-2009) Samuel Weiss Centre, University Health Network Professor , Department Jatin Nathwani of Cell Biology & Anatomy/ Louis Fortier Professor and Ontario Research Chair Pharmacology & Therapeutics Canada Research Chair on the in Public Policy and Sustainable Member, Genes and Development Response of Arctic Marine Ecosystems Energy Management, Faculty Research Group, Faculty of Medicine to Climate Change of Engineering and the Faculty University of Calgary Université Laval of Environment at the University Director – Hotchkiss Brain Institute Jeffrey Hutchings of Waterloo Executive Director WISE David Miller Canada Research Chair in Marine Professor of Biochemistry, Conservation and Biodiversity Carleton University Chair, Royal Society of Canada Expert NSERC Industrial Research Chair Panel on Ocean Climate Change and Biodiversity Vice-President of the Canadian Society For Ecology and Evolution Professor of Biology, Dalhousie University The Science Media Centre of Canada Media Centre The Science

12 CHARTER MEMBERS

Actüa Canadian Institute for Dow AgroSciences Pacific Institute for the Advanced Foods and Advanced Research Canada Inc. Mathematical Sciences Materials Network Canadian Institute for Dr. Calvin Stiller Perimeter Institute Agriculture & Agri-Food Health Information Engineers Canada Peter Nicholson Sr. Canada Canadian Institutes of Environment Canada Polytechnics Canada Alberta Innovates – Health Research Ernest C Manning Awards PrioNet Canada Bio Solutions Canadian Light Source Inc. Foundation Professional Institute Alberta Innovates – Canadian Meteorological Fields Institute of the Public Service Health Solutions/Alberta and Oceanographic for Research in of Canada (PIPSC) Heritage Foundation for Society Mathematical Sciences Queen’s University Medical Research Canadian Museum GE Canada Red River College Alberta Innovates Technology of Nature GlaxoSmithKline Research in Motion Futures (formerly Alberta Canadian Science and Great Northern Rita Smith Ingenuity) Technology Museum Way Campus Royal Society of Canada Amgen Corporation Halifax Global Ryerson University ArcticNet (ULaval) Canadian Science Imperial Oil Foundation Sanofi Pasteur Ltd Association Canadian Writers’ Association Institut national de la Sarah E. Pepall Community Colleges Canadian Society for recherche scientifique Saskatchewan Research Association des communi- Chemical Engineering Institute for Quantum Council cateurs scientifiques du (constituent society Computing (University Science Alberta Foundation Québec of CIC) of Waterloo) Simon Fraser University Association of Canadian Canadian Society for Institute of Particle Physics SNOLAB (Queen’s University) Academic Healthcare Chemical Technology International Development Social Sciences and Organizations (constituent society Research Centre Humanities Research Association of Chemical of CIC) KPMG Council Profession of Alberta Canadian Society for L’Oreal Canada Sunnybrook Health Association of Universities Chemistry (constituent Lang Michener Sciences Centre and Colleges Canada society of CIC) Let’s Talk Science Sustainable Development Banff International Canadian Society for Mark Miller Media Link Ltd Technology Canada Research Station for Exercise Physiology (3ML) Syngenta Mathematical Innovation Canadian Society MaRS Discovery District The Discovery Channel and Discovery (UBC) of Microbiologists McGill University The Weather Network Bayer CropScience Inc CANARIE McLaughlin-Rotman TorStar Corporation Canada Foundation Carleton University Centre for Global Health TRIUMF for Innovation CBC Radio Canada (UHN and University of TVO Canada’s Research- Centre for Drug Research Toronto) Université de Montréal Based Pharmaceutical and Development McMaster University Université du Québec Companies Chemical Institute Memorial University à Montréal Canadian Association of Canada of Newfoundland University of Alberta of Physicists Chemical Institute Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. University of British Canadian Association of Canada (CIC) - MITACS Columbia of University Teachers Chemical Education Fund Mount Saint Vincent University of Calgary Canadian Astronomical Chemistry Industry University University of Guelph Society Association of Canada National Research Council University of Manitoba Canadian Consortium (formerly Canadian Natural Resources Canada University of New Brunswick for Research Chemical Producers’ Natural Sciences and University of Ontario Canadian Federation Association CCPA) Engineering Research Institute of Technology for the Humanities Corbeil Consulting Council University of Ottawa

and Social Sciences Council for Biotechnology Networks of Centres University of Saskatchewan Canadian Federation Information Canada of Excellence University of Victoria of Earth Sciences Council of Canadian Nils Petersen University of Western Canadian Foundation for Academies O’Brien Publishing (CTB) Ontario Climate and Atmospheric CropLife Canada Ontario Centres Vancouver Aquarium Sciences Dalhousie University of Excellence York University Canadian Health Services Delphi Group Ontario Ministry of Youth Science Canada Research Foundation Research & Innovation Annual Report 2010–2011

13 14 The Science Media Centre of Canada P Discovery Channel AusSMC Canada Foundation for Innovation P P Alberta Innovates Technology Futures Alberta Innovates Health Solutions AMGEN Bronze ($10,000–$24,999) Research Council and Engineering Natural Sciences Platinum ($100,000andover) SUPPORTERS MaRS Discovery District L’Oreal Canada KPMG Halifax Global Genome Atlantic Dalhousie University Canadian Journalism Canadian Centre for Ethics Association descommunicateurs Natural Resources Canada GE Canada CropLife Canada Canadian HealthServices Association ofUniversities Association ofCanadian artners (In-Kind) artners ($1,000–$4,999) atrons ($5,000–$9,999) Foundation (CJF) in PublicAffairs (CCEPA) scientifiques duQuébec Research Foundation and Colleges ofCanada Community Colleges Council for Biotechnology Canada Science andTechnology & Innovation of Research Ontario Ministry Waterloo Institute for Vancouver Aquarium The University ofCalgary The University ofBritishColumbia The University ofAlberta Situating Science Quantum Communications novaknowledge Nova Scotia HealthResearch Montréal Science Centre Peter Nicholson University ofOttawa University ofOntario Institute University ofGuelph Syngenta Social Sciences andHumanities Ryerson Universities Information Canada Museum Corporation (in-kind) Nanotechnology (WIN) Foundation (NSHRF) of Technology Research CouncilofCanada Interns Geneviève Beaunoyer Lorraine Gouin Manager/Partnerships Coordinator Hazel Stoute Media Officer – Vancouver Alexis Cooper Media Officer –Montréal Gilles Provost/Stéphanie Thibault Media Officer –Ottawa Ami Kingdon Executive Director Penny Park STAFF and graphics) Translator (except for Financials Denis Laberge Design Paradisal ImageryInc. Jay Ingram’s photo Kevin Fransisco Linda Hughes’ photo University of Alberta Suzanne Corbeil’s photo Dwayne Brown Studio,Ottawa Penny Park’s photo Steve Stober Photography Glenn Brimacombes’ photo Photoluxstudio CREDITS SCIENCE MEDIACENTREOFCANADA FINANCIALS June 30,2011 15 Annual Report 2010–2011 16 The Science Media Centre of Canada Ottawa, Ontario Chartered Accountants, Licensed PublicAccountants HENDRY WARREN LLP accordance withCanadiangenerally accepted accounting principles. of CanadaasatJune30,2011andtheresults ofitsoperations andcash flows for the year thenendedin financial statements present fairly, inallmaterial respects, thefinancialpositionofScience MediaCentre In ouropinion,except for thepossible effects ofthematter describedintheBasisfor QualifiedOpinion,the Qualified Opinion excess ofrevenue over expenditures, assets andnet assets. we were not able to determine whetheranyadjustments mightbenecessary to revenue from donations, our verification ofthese revenues waslimited to amounts recorded inthe records oftheAssociation and and donations,thecompleteness ofwhichisnotsusceptible to satisfactory auditverification. Accordingly, In common with many not for profit organizations, the Association derives revenue from member contributions Basis for QualifiedOpinion audit report. We believe thattheauditevidence we have obtained issufficientandappropriate to provide abasis for our the financial statements. ableness ofaccounting estimates madebymanagement,aswell asevaluating theoverall presentation of control. Anauditalsoincludesevaluating theappropriateness ofaccounting policiesusedandthereason- circumstances, butnotfor thepurposesofexpressing anopinionontheeffectiveness oftheentity’s internal presentation ofthefinancial statements inorder to designaudit procedures thatare appropriate inthe those riskassessments, theauditors consider internal control relevant to theentity’s preparation andfair ment oftherisksmaterial misstatement ofthefinancial statements, whetherdue to fraud orerror. Inmaking the financial statements. Theprocedures selected dependontheauditors’ judgment,includingtheassess - An auditinvolves performing procedures to obtain auditevidence abouttheamountsanddisclosures in whether thefinancial statements are free from material misstatement. we comply withethical requirements andplanperform the auditto obtain reasonable assurance about our auditinaccordance withCanadiangenerally accepted auditingstandards. Thosestandards require that Our responsibility isto express anopiniononthesefinancial statements basedonouraudit. We conducted Auditors’ Responsibility whether dueto fraud orerror. is necessary to enable thepreparation offinancial statements thatare free from material misstatement, with Canadiangenerally accepted accounting principles andfor suchinternal control asmanagementdetermines Management isresponsible for thepreparation andfair presentation ofthesefinancial statements inaccordance Management’s Responsibilityfor theFinancialStatements for theyear thenended,andasummaryof significant accounting policiesandother explanatory information. the statement offinancialpositionasatJune 30,2011andthe statements of loss andnetassets and cash flow We have audited theaccompanying financial statements ofScience MediaCentre ofCanada,which comprises To theDirectors ofScience MediaCentre ofCanada: INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT October 5,2011 Director Approved onbehalfoftheBoard: Net assets Current liabilities Liabilities andNetAssets Property, plantandequipment(Note 5) Current assets Assets 2010 for figures comparative with 2011, 30, June Statement ofFinancialPosition Deferred revenue Accounts payable and accrued charges Prepaid expenses Accounts receivable Cash $ $ $ $ 535,599 256,243 279,356 236,886 535,599 526,994 286,563 238,247 42,470 8,605 2,184 2011 $ $ $ $ 345,143 306,702 345,143 345,143 345,143 38,441 38,441 2010 – – – – 17 Annual Report 2010–2011 18 The Science Media Centre of Canada Expenditures Revenues 2010 for figures comparative with 2011, 30, June ended Year of ChangesinNetAssets Statement ofL See accompanying notes to the financial statements. financial the to notes accompanying See Net assets, endofyear Net assets, beginningofyear over expenditures (Deficiency) excess of revenues Travel andmeetings Telephone andcommunications Salaries andwages Rent Professional services Office Insurance Fundraising expenses Communications and marketing Bank charges andinterest Amortization Advertising andpromotion Interest income Grant revenue Donation revenue Outreach andtechnical support Charter membercontributions oss andStatement $ $ (50,459) 256,243 306,702 458,462 291,742 408,003 163,114 243,000 19,809 17,254 16,897 22,484 58,837 21,434 1,170 3,422 2,249 2,204 1,686 2011 960 200 3 $ $

306,702 125,551 160,969 342,120 337,120 181,151 86,312 19,609 33,160 6,744 5,000 5,322 3,794 5,210 2010 133 685 – – – – – – Investing activities Operating activities 2010 for figures comparative with 2011, 30, June ended Year C ash Flow Statement See accompanying notes to the financial statements. financial the to notes accompanying See Cash, endofyear Cash, beginningofyear (Decrease) increase incash Cash usedininvesting activities Purchase ofproperty, plantandequipment Cash (usedin)provided byoperating activities Changes inworking capital balances (Note 6) Item notaffecting cash Amortization over expenditures Net (deficiency) excess of revenues $ $ (106,896) (10,854) (96,042) (47,832) (10,854) (50,459) 238,247 345,143 2,249 2011

$ $ 345,143 345,143 345,143 163,992 181,151 2010 – – – – 19 Annual Report 2010–2011 20 The Science Media Centre of Canada 2. Significant accounting policies 1. Organization 2010 for figures comparative with 2011, 30, June Notes to theFinancialStatements at nocost for afive monthperiodduringthe year. L’Association descommunicateurs scientifiquesduQuébec àMontréal provided office space andmaterials financial statements. There isno formal agreement between the Vancouver AquariumandtheOrganization. The Vancouver Aquariumprovides office space andoffice supportin Vancouver whichisnotthe reflected in and theOrganization isineffect untilDecember 31,2013. support inOttawa whichisnotreflected inthefinancial statements. Theagreement between CSTMC The CanadaScience andTechnology MuseumCorporation (CSTMC)provides office space andoffice evidence exists, inthefinancial statements. only thoseamountsover $5,000thatwould otherwisehave beenpurchased, andfor whichvaluation On occasion, in-kindcontributions are madeto theOrganization. ItistheOrganization’s policyto record In-kind contributions Charter memberfees are recognized intheyear they are received asthey donotapply to aspecificperiod. estimated andcollection isreasonably assured. are recognized asrevenue whenreceived orreceivable iftheamountto bereceived can bereasonably are recognized asrevenue intheyear inwhichtherelated expenses are incurred. Unrestricted contributions The Organization follows thedeferral methodofaccounting for contributions. Restricted contributions Revenue recognition year ofacquisition. method over three years andoneyear respectively. One-halfofthe annualamountisclaimedinthe Computer hardware andcomputer software are stated atcost andare amortizedusingthestraight line Property, plantandequipment principles andreflect the following policies: The financial statements have beenprepared inaccordance withCanadiangenerally accepted accounting under theIncome Tax Acteffective July 1,2010. under theCanadaCorporations Actasanot-for-profit organization andbecame a registered charity the results ofsuchresearch available to reporters. TheOrganization wasincorporated onJune30,2009 educational resources to journalists, researching science related issues asthey emerge, andmaking purpose ofadvancing thepublic’s knowledge andengagementwithscience through theprovision of Science MediaCentre ofCanada(theOrganization) isanot-for-profit organization established for the 5. Property, plantandequipment 4. New accounting framework 3. Capital disclosures 2010 for figures comparative with 2011, 30, June Notes to theFinancialStatements currently plansto adopt GAAP for notfor profit organizations effective July 1,2012. or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for not-for-profit organizations. TheOrganization 2012, not-for-profit organizations mayadopteitherInternational FinancialReportingStandards (IFRS) applicable to Canadiannot-for-profit organizations. Effective for fiscal years1, beginningonorafter January In 2010,theCanadianInstitute ofChartered Accountants (CICA) issued anew accounting framework other eventuality affecting theflow of revenue. costs of$700,000to $800,000to ensure ongoingoperations intheevent ofaneconomic downturn or It istheintention oftheBoard ofDirectors to establish anetasset reserve equalto oneyear’s operating Organization isnotsubjectto externally imposedcapital requirements. as governed byitsby-laws,andto broaden thespectrumunderwhichitsmandate isdelivered. The its capital managementisto ensure thatithassufficient cash resources to continue to fulfilitsmandate The Organization’s capital consists ofnetassets. TheOrganization’s primaryobjective withrespect to Actual results could differ from thesereported estimates. financial statements reflect alladjustments necessary to present fairly the resultsoftheperiods presented. and theamountsofrevenues andexpenses duringtheperiod.Inopinionofmanagement,these of assets andliabilities,disclosure ofcontingent assets andliabilitiesatthedate ofthefinancial statements, principles requires managementto make estimates andassumptions thataffect thereported amounts The preparation ofthesefinancial statements in conformity withCanadiangenerally accepted accounting Use ofestimates Computer hardware Computer software $ $ 10,854 1.320 9,534 Cost $ $ Accumulated Amortization 1,589 2,249 660 $ $ Net Book (continued) Value 7,945 8,605 2011 600 $ $ Net Book Value 2010 – – – 21 Annual Report 2010–2011 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

June 30, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010

6. Changes in working capital balances Changes in working capital balances have provided (used) cash as follows:

2011 2010 Accounts receivable $ (286,563) $ 125,551 Prepaid expenses (2,184) – Accounts payable and accrued charges 4,029 38,441

Deferred revenue – 236,886 $ (47,832) $ 163,992

7. Financial instruments The Organization’s financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued charges.

The fair values of the Organization’s cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued charges approximate their carrying value due to their relatively short periods to maturity.

It is management’s opinion that the Organization is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. The Science Media Centre of Canada Media Centre The Science