Strategic Plan 2020 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation

www.fedorukcentre.ca Contents Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation Introduction 2 (Fedoruk Centre) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Vision, Mission and Values 3 Saskatchewan. The Fedoruk Centre is funded by Innovation From Vision to Impact 4 Saskatchewan.

Advancing the Impact Areas 5 111-54 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon SK S7N 2V3 Four Strategic Goals 13 ph. 306.966.3375

Strategic Initiatives 14 Find out more at: www.fedorukcentre.ca

Initiatives, Targets and Measuring Success 15

The Way Forward 19

Appendix: Saskatchewan’s Nuclear History 20

1 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Introduction

Saskatchewan has a distinguished history of leadership University of Saskatchewan. Then, the strategic initiatives in nuclear research and development, including several were developed to address the strategic goals and to world firsts—most notably the achievements in nuclear balance the degree and timing of investments reasonably medicine in which Sylvia Fedoruk played a significant across the impact areas. Finally, indicators and targets role. Combined with the province’s wealth of uranium and were defined to evaluate the success of the initiatives in extensive research and training capacity in the life, physical, achieving the strategic goals. An appendix at the end and environmental sciences, these historical achievements of this document provides the context which led to the provide Saskatchewan with tremendous potential to establishment of the Fedoruk Centre and which has shaped contribute to the future of nuclear innovation. the principles and direction of this strategic plan.

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation: Strategic Plan Through wise investments, the recruitment of research 2020 provides a broad direction to ensure that the Fedoruk leaders and the formation of partnerships, the Fedoruk Centre’s investments will deliver social and economic value Centre will place Saskatchewan at the forefront of nuclear to Saskatchewan. This strategic plan lays the foundation for research and development. This in turn will create a set of strategic initiatives that aim to capitalize on current conditions where Saskatchewan people will be engaged in strengths, address gaps and create powerful synergies, the creation, interpretation and discussion of knowledge enabling the Fedoruk Centre to fulfill itsV ision: related to nuclear science, technology and innovation.

To place Saskatchewan among global leaders The Fedoruk Centre is committed to realizing this vision for in nuclear research, development and training the benefit of the people of Saskatchewan, Canada and the through investment in partnerships with world. academia and industry for maximum societal and economic benefit.

This strategic plan grew out of high-level observations of the strengths, capacities and opportunities for Saskatchewan in four areas of impact in nuclear research and development: nuclear medicine, materials research, energy and the environment. Strategic goals were identified, respecting the objectives of the primary stakeholders, the Province of Saskatchewan and the

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 2 Vision, Mission and Values

Vision • Accountability: The Fedoruk Centre fosters a To place Saskatchewan among global leaders in nuclear culture of responsibility and voluntary participation research, development and training through investment in its activities and investments, while demonstrating in partnerships with academia and industry for maximum accountability to the people of Saskatchewan, Canada societal and economic benefit. and the world. Mission • Transparency: The Fedoruk Centre ensures an open and accessible environment in its decision-making and The Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation business processes. meets the needs of the people of Saskatchewan and Canada by making investments in programs and projects, managing facilities, and facilitating long-lasting partnerships that will deliver positive impacts in nuclear Outcome science and technology. Value Proposition By 2020, the Fedoruk Centre will The Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation enables Saskatchewan universities to place themselves establish a research and innovation among global leaders in nuclear research and training, creating conditions for the province to advance beyond the capacity to support a vibrant resource economy of uranium mining into the value-added nuclear sector in Saskatchewan. areas of nuclear innovation in medicine, materials research, power generation and environmental stewardship. Guiding Values The Fedoruk Centre demonstrates: • Excellence: The Fedoruk Centre’s activities and investment decisions ensure the achievement of excellence in scientific innovation and community engagement. • Collaboration: The Fedoruk Centre’s activities and investments facilitate the creation of partnerships – in Saskatchewan, Canada and the world – among experts in academia, industry, governments and the public.

3 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 From Vision to Impact

Through consultation with the stakeholders and the provincial research community, it was agreed that the Fedoruk Centre would achieve its Vision through The Fedoruk investment and partnerships in three areas of activity: • Programs: Establishing multi-disciplinary clusters Centre’s Areas of of academic activity by supporting the appointment of new research leaders at Saskatchewan institutions Impact: and the inclusion of nuclear components in existing courses and academic programs. • Projects: Investing in research and development • M edicine: Advancing nuclear projects that engage partners from academia, medicine, instruments and methods industry and other research institutions in Saskatchewan and beyond, with target outcomes • Materials: Advancing knowledge including new business opportunities within the of materials through nuclear province, as well as creating educational and career techniques for applications in opportunities for young Canadians at the leading edge of nuclear technology. energy, health, environment, transportation and communication • Facilities: Supporting and providing good stewardship of selected nuclear infrastructure • Energy: Improving safety and in Saskatchewan, ensuring it is maintained in a engineering of nuclear energy competitive state of readiness in support of research, development and training. systems, including small reactors

These activities will enable the Fedoruk Centre to build • Environment: Managing the risks a base of local expertise with national and international and benefits of nuclear technology partners, in order to make significant contributions for society and our environment to Saskatchewan’s economy in four principle areas of impact: Medicine, Materials, Energy and Environment.

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 4 Advancing the Impact Areas

Medicine: Nuclear Medicine, Instruments and Methods Nuclear medicine research involves the use of medical isotopes and radiation to study living systems and to diagnose and treat disease. Applications range from diagnosing and treating cancers, to assessing organ function, to developing animal models of diseases and better understanding of biochemical pathways in humans, animals and plants.

Context and Capacity: • A 65-year track-record of excellence in cancer care and research • New cyclotron facility (operational in 2015) for research, training and clinical services • Advanced medical imaging capabilities, including the Canadian Light Source, Positron Emission Tomography (PET-CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) • A nationally unique breadth of human, animal and plant sciences located together on one campus • Expertise in the development of radiation detectors for medical applications

Opportunities to: • Maximize the potential of the Cyclotron Facility, strengthening provincial research leadership in nuclear medicine, such as molecular imaging, radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical research • Attract research leadership, highly qualified personnel and trainees to the Cyclotron Facility: research physicians and veterinarians, radiochemists, radiopharmacists, physicists, engineers and technologists • Apply medical isotopes to molecular imaging techniques at the intersection of human, animal and plant health Photo credit: GE Healthcare • Develop hybrid medical imaging technology, combining PET–CT, MRI, advanced X-ray imaging and other modalities in partnership with the medical imaging technology sector • Transfer knowledge from nuclear medical research to clinical tests PET-CT Scanner combines the 3D imaging of a CT scanner with the and therapies in partnership with clinicians ability to pinpoint the uptake of radioisotopes in tissues such as cancer tumours or heart muscle damaged by a heart attack.

5 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Advancing the Impact Areas

Medicine: Nuclear Medicine, Instruments and Methods

The Way Forward: With a new cyclotron facility and associated nuclear substances laboratory scheduled to become operational by 2015, there is an urgent need to fill gaps in relevant leadership to fully exploit and develop the new facility and complement the existing capacity in the life sciences. The Fedoruk Centre has already invested in a number of research projects in nuclear medicine and is anticipating an early investment in the establishment of a long-term research program on the application of nuclear imaging to life sciences in humans, animals and plants, led by the University of Saskatchewan.

Photo credit: Advanced Cyclotron Solutions Inc. TR 24 Cyclotron—the same model will be operated by the Fedoruk Centre to produce radioisotopes for research, innovation and clinical use in Saskatchewan’s PET-CT scanner.

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 6 Advancing the Impact Areas

Materials: Nuclear Techniques for Materials Research Nuclear techniques, such as neutron scattering and irradiation, are relevant to materials research in a number of sectors important to Saskatchewan’s economy, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and oil and gas. These same techniques are crucial to research and development in the nuclear energy sector in areas such as the design of fuels and reactor components.

Context and Capacity: • More than 30 years of applied research and training using nuclear techniques with a SLOWPOKE II research reactor • A strong materials science community – employing complementary techniques at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre • Established roles in international scientific networks in nuclear physics with materials research applications such as the GlueX Project* Photo credit: Saskatchewan Research Council

Opportunities to: • Expand expertise in materials research with nuclear methods • Apply nuclear techniques to the oil and gas, transportation and manufacturing sectors • Incorporate nuclear techniques into existing materials Inside the Saskatchewan Research Council’s SLOWPOKE II reactor, which has been providing and energy systems training and research programs materials research services since the early 1980s. • Form partnerships and collaborations with nuclear facilities and expertise outside the province, such as Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

*www.gluex.org

7 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Advancing the Impact Areas

Materials: Nuclear Techniques for Materials Research

The Way Forward: As home to the Canadian Light Source and other advanced structural science facilities, Saskatchewan has a materials science community that is strong in non-nuclear techniques. There is potential for this community to increase the application of nuclear techniques to their research, accessing the facilities and expertise of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and other nuclear research organizations. As a first step towards developing this potential, the Fedoruk Centre will work with the provincial research community to develop and identify opportunities for research and leadership growth in this area.

Neutron scattering is used to assess Photo credit: Canadian Neutron Beam Centre the properties of materials, such as this stress map of a weld.

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 8 Advancing the Impact Areas

Energy: Nuclear Energy and Safety Systems Work in this impact area encompasses the development of small modular reactor technology, new fuels, next generation reactor designs and energy distribution strategies. The continued development of nuclear power as a safe, reliable and zero carbon-emitting source of energy contributes directly to adding value to Saskatchewan’s uranium.

Context and Capacity: • Sixty years of uranium mining and processing, and home to international and Canadian corporate headquarters • Thirty years of nuclear fusion-related experience with Canada’s only tokamak fusion reactor • A record of engineering research and development in power generation, transmission and distribution, controls and turbines • Expertise and training programs in thermal, fluid, electrical and controls engineering • Expertise in radiological detection and protection Photo credit: University of Saskatchewan

Opportunities to: • Expand nuclear and energy systems engineering training within existing programs • Apply current expertise in control systems development and thermal and fluid engineering to safety systems in ‘Generation IV’ and small modular reactors Plasma inside the University of Saskatchewan’s STOR-1M tokamak, the only nuclear fusion • Increase capabilities in radiation detection and research device of its kind in Canada. monitoring for workplaces and medical practice • Develop novel materials and designs for nuclear reactor components and fuels • Form national and international partnerships with industry and organizations, such as Hitachi and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

9 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Advancing the Impact Areas

Energy: Nuclear Energy and Safety Systems

The Way Forward: Saskatchewan currently has limited capacity related to the design and safe operation of nuclear power systems. Nevertheless, the province’s research community has knowledge and expertise that can be readily brought to bear on the increasingly urgent need to consider energy options beyond fossil fuels – particularly coal – for power generation in Saskatchewan. As the crucial first step in advancing this area of impact, the Fedoruk Centre is working to identify research and technology development opportunities, and the associated leadership gaps, with the greatest potential for significant social and economic benefit to the people of the province and beyond.

Photo credit: McMaster University

View of the core of the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, McMaster University. Research reactors are a valuable tool for studying nuclear energy systems and for practical training.

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 10 Advancing the Impact Areas

Environment: Managing risks and benefits of nuclear technology for society and environment Environmental research includes both the physical environment, through disciplines such as earth sciences, hydrology, environmental chemistry, ecology and toxicology, and the social environment such as public policy, sociology, education and economics.

Context and Capacity: • History of assessment, management and mitigation related to uranium mining and processing • Expertise in the management and storage of nuclear waste, from high-level to low-level • Expertise in water-related transport of materials, such as radionuclides, through the environment and their toxicological effects on humans and the environment • Infrastructure – including the Canadian Light Source, Toxicology Research Centre, Social Sciences Research Laboratories, Global Institute for Photo credit: D. Janz Water Security • Academic strengths in social environmental research– public policy, environment and sustainability, northern governance and public health

Opportunities to: • Develop tools for the detection and evaluation of risks of radionuclides in the environment Collecting fish and water samples in northern Saskatchewan. The province is • Research the concept of risk using multi-disciplinary a renowned centre of expertise in water-related environmental research. approaches; how risk is assessed, communicated and understood • Model and assess options for long-term waste storage • Explore long-term social, economic and environmental implications of power generation options • Develop decision support tools and models related to siting of nuclear power plants and waste repositories • Engage communities in cross-cultural discussions on science, technology, values translation and the Duty to Consult with First Nations

11 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Advancing the Impact Areas

Environment: Managing risks and benefits of nuclear technology for society and environment

The Way Forward: Two factors signal readiness to advance this impact area: first, there is existing academic expertise, in the environmental sciences and the social sciences and public policy, with a research interest in nuclear issues; and second, the public’s growing sense of urgency around environmental risk factors related to energy production. The Fedoruk Centre anticipates an early investment in a long-term program, led by the University of Saskatchewan, to develop the leadership needed to align existing strengths to the effects of nuclear technology on the environment. The Fedoruk Centre is also working with the provincial universities to develop a research program on increasing understanding of the socio-economic, public policy and cultural impacts of nuclear technology.

Engaging in evidence-based conversation about nuclear research at the Fedoruk Centre’s nuclearFACTS forum.

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 12 Four Strategic Goals

A Balanced Approach to Impact To achieve its strategic outcome and advance research, development and training in its four impact areas, the Fedoruk Center has identified four goals. Each goal is part of a balanced whole, ensuring that the strategic plan addresses the intentions of the key stakeholders and the people of Saskatchewan. The Fedoruk Centre’s initiatives are selected, prioritized and timed to meet these goals in strengthening capacity, building leadership and expertise in the province’s nuclear sector, and ensuring the sustainability and accountability of the Fedoruk Centre’s initiatives and facilities over the long term.

Goal 1: Goal 2: Build Nuclear Expertise and Capacity Enhance Innovation The Fedoruk Centre will build expertise and develop The Fedoruk Centre will enhance innovation as a capacity in Saskatchewan in nuclear research, driver of economic diversification in Saskatchewan, development and training for positive impacts in the working with the provincial research community and areas of nuclear medicine, materials research, nuclear industry to add value to Saskatchewan’s resources energy and safety, and environmental and social and contribute to economic prosperity through the aspects of nuclear technology. This will be done by application of expertise to the development of new attracting and developing research leadership in the nuclear technologies and processes. province that supports innovation and the formation of collaborations that extend around the world.

Goal 3: Goal 4: Engage Communities and Ensure Accountability and Increase Understanding Sustainability The Fedoruk Centre will create opportunities for The Fedoruk Centre will manage its resources communities – researchers, decision makers and the accountably and transparently and operate its public – to engage in evidence-based discussion and infrastructure safely and efficiently, ensuring the dialogue about nuclear research and development in sustainability of Saskatchewan’s nuclear development order to increase understanding of the risks, benefits capacity for the long-term benefit of the people of and potential impacts of nuclear technologies. Saskatchewan.

13 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Strategic Initiatives

Having established a framework of purpose and strategic goals for the Fedoruk Centre, and having considered the current strengths, gaps and opportunities for advancement of areas in which the Fedoruk Centre could achieve positive impacts for Saskatchewan, it is time to propose what the Fedoruk Centre will do. The following table shows a list of planned initiatives, indicating the goal or goals that each one addresses and the approximate timeframe when the initiative will be undertaken. Larger dots indicate the goal that is most strongly addressed by a given initiative. The initiatives are described in the following pages, along with targets and indicators of success.

Implementation Goals Timeframe nnovation ommunities ccountability ccountability apacity mprove U nder - mprove idterm (2014-16) idterm ong-term (2017-19) ong-term mmediate or underway mmediate Initiatives B uild N uclear Expertise and C I Enhance Engage C and I standing A Ensure and S ustainability I M L Assess research capacity through initial project calls • • Build research capacity through biannual calls for project proposals • • • • • Staf and develop the Cyclotron Facility • • • • • Commission and operate the Cyclotron Facility • • • • • Support research leadership: • • • Nuclear medicine • • • Nuclear technology and the physical environment • • • • • Public policy and social aspects of nuclear development • • • • • Nuclear energy and safety • • • • • Nuclear techniques for materials research • • • • Expand partnerships to support research and innovation • • • • • Encourage technological and social innovation • • • • • • Support Innovation in communicating and translating knowledge • • • • • • Engage the public through outreach events • • • • • • Communicate with the public about impacts of research supported • by the Fedoruk Centre • • • •

Measure public understanding • • • • Secure Cyclotron Facility funding • • • • • Develop internal policies and procedures • • • • Leverage resources to ensure long-term sustainability • • • • • • •

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 14 Initiatives, Targets and Measuring Success

Goal 1: Build Nuclear Expertise and Capacity

Initiatives: Assess research capacity through initial project calls: Launch initial calls for proposals to gauge capacity in the four areas of impact. Build research capacity through biannual calls for project proposals: Hold biannual calls for research projects in the four impact areas to build capacity, develop partnerships and train highly qualified personnel. Staff and develop the Cyclotron Facility: Recruit talented experts to operate the Cyclotron Facility at a high state of readiness, supporting first class research and training activity. Commission and operate the Cyclotron Facility: Create a centre for research, training and clinical service. Support research leadership: Support the recruitment of world-calibre research leadership to establish research and training programs and foster collaboration. Targets: g Operate the Cyclotron Facility by 2015, producing radiopharmaceuticals for humans by 2016. g Attract Saskatchewan’s researchers to nuclear science and technology by issuing two calls for project proposals annually from 2013 to 2019. g Establish academic leadership in Saskatchewan universities in the impact areas: • Nuclear Medicine in 2014 • Physical Environment in 2014 • Social Environment by 2015 • Nuclear Energy and Safety by 2015 • Nuclear Techniques for Materials by 2016 Outcomes and measures of success: Increased expertise, research and training capacity in the Fedoruk Centre’s four impact areas as measured by: a Growth in numbers of researchers using the Cyclotron Facility a Double the number of researchers engaged in nuclear research and training of highly qualified personnel in nuclear subjects and disciplines by 2020 a Double the number of research publications, presentations and patents generated by Saskatchewan researchers in the areas of impact

15 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Initiatives, Targets and Measuring Success

Goal 2: Enhance Innovation Photo credit: Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization Initiatives: Expand partnerships to support research and innovation: Form partnerships with industry and government research organizations to leverage the Fedoruk Centre’s resources, including industrial use and support of the cyclotron and contributing to grants to research leaders and Saskatchewan institutions. Encourage technological and social innovation: Support research projects, in partnership with industry, that support the emergence of new knowledge and technologies with high potential for commercialization, economic development and beneficial social impacts. Support innovation in communicating and translating knowledge: Support research leaders in communicating the value of nuclear research, development and training to potential industrial partners, policy makers and the public. Targets: g Secure a minimum of one industry partner per year to 2018 to support expansion of the Cyclotron Facility and long-term leveraging of investments. g Support nuclear research with the potential to lead to innovation through semi-annual calls for project proposals with partners beyond academia. g Participate in three national or international conferences annually to build awareness of the Fedoruk Centre and its activities among the nuclear research community and nuclear industry. Outcomes and measures of success: Increased innovation and commercial application of technology and knowledge arising from supported research as measured by: a Growth in number of patents granted and commercialized, researcher-industry partnerships and start-up enterprises a Increased research impacts as measured by citations of publications, new methods and practices, cases of expert advice provided to decision makers and development of new public policy a Secure private sector investment between $5 million and $10 million in support of the Fedoruk Centre’s activities and impact areas, over the period 2013 to 2019

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 16 Initiatives, Targets and Measuring Success

Goal 3: Engage Communities and Increase Understanding

Initiatives: Engage the public through outreach events: Hold events, including an annual nuclearFACTS forum, for researchers to report on impacts of their work, and to engage the research community, decision makers and the broader public. Communicate with the public about impacts of research supported by the Fedoruk Centre: Explore broader issues related to the pros and cons and risks and benefits of nuclear development. Measure public understanding: Working with the Fedoruk Centre’s community of experts, develop ways to effectively measure public opinion and understanding of nuclear issues. Targets: g Establish an annual nuclearFACTS forum and facilitate a minimum of two other public events, independently or with partner organizations. g  Provide $30,000 per year in grants to support partnership engagement, conference participation and training of Saskatchewan researchers and students in the nuclear domain. g By 2015, develop communications tools to position the Fedoruk Centre as a primary source of fact-based information on nuclear issues and to assess community awareness. g By 2015, develop tools for the measurement and communication of information related to nuclear issues. Outcomes and measures of success: Engaged communities with an increased understanding of nuclear issues as measured by: a Growing numbers of participants in the Fedoruk Centre’s public engagement and outreach activities a Increased requests for expert advice and support from both inside and outside of Saskatchewan a Positive trends in polling results, voluntary anecdotes and feedback

17 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Initiatives, Targets and Measuring Success

Goal 4: Ensure Accountability and Sustainability The Cyclotron Facility under construction

Initiatives: Secure Cyclotron Facility Funding: Seek out partnerships and investment to support the Cyclotron Facility’s long-term capital and operating funding needs. Develop internal policies and procedures: Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures related to internal resource controls, accountability, grants and information reporting. Leverage resources to ensure long-term sustainability: Establish networks of research institutions, industry and governments to ensure long-term support for nuclear development capacity. Targets: g Complete the business plan for the Cyclotron Facility by 2015, and establish a secure pathway to sustainable operations beyond 2017. g Recover operating funding invested in the Cyclotron Facility capital project by 2017. g Provide high-quality annual financials and progress reports on time for acceptance by stakeholders. g Establish a leverage ratio of 3:1 by 2020 of investments by industry and other partners in activities supported by the Fedoruk Centre. Outcomes and measures of success: The Fedoruk Centre’s operations are accountable and sustainable as measured by: a Demand for access to the Cyclotron Facility has reached full capacity for research, training and clinical products a The Fedoruk Centre has successfully recouped its initial investment in the Cyclotron Facility by the end of 2017, through partnership or sponsorship by the private sector a Annual financial audits return few minor findings annually and no major concerns; annual operating expenses are kept below 20 percent a Cash and in-kind contributions from third party sources leverage Fedoruk Centre funding by 3:1 by 2020

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 18 The Way Forward

It must be acknowledged that the Fedoruk Centre has with the projects, programs and facility operations that embarked on a challenging journey. The province has a align with the Fedoruk Centre’s strategic plan. By doing wealth of uranium resources; nevertheless, it is a long- so, the Fedoruk Centre, its community of researchers term mission to increase the current capacity in the four and their partners will be successful in placing areas targeted for impact. The Fedoruk Centre must Saskatchewan among global leaders in nuclear research, therefore focus on the long-term when a sustainable mix development and training, realizing economic, social and of research, training and economic activity in the nuclear environmental benefits for the people of Saskatchewan, domain will be established in Saskatchewan, taking every Canada and the world. opportunity along the way to involve industry partners

The Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation is named in memory of The Honourable Sylvia Fedoruk, former lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan, nuclear medicine pioneer and trailblazer. Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, Dr. Fedoruk studied Physics at the University of Saskatchewan. There she obtained a Master’s degree in Physics as the sole female member of the team working to develop an effective cobalt-60 radiation therapy machine. Dr. Fedoruk’s work involved developing the calculations to predict and control the radiation dose delivered to a patient. In 1951, her calculations were used in the world’s first successful treatment of a patient using cobalt-60 radiation. The methods developed by Sylvia Fedoruk have gone on to save people around the world. Every day, more than 45,000 radiation treatments are delivered to patients in more than 80 countries. Dr. Fedoruk’s many contributions to nuclear medicine and public policy were recognized with numerous awards including the Order of Canada, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the Order of St. John and five honorary doctorates from universities across Canada, including the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina. The Fedoruk Centre builds upon this legacy while working to create opportunities for Saskatchewan’s next generation of leaders in nuclear research to create knowledge that will benefit people around the world.

19 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 Appendix: Saskatchewan’s Nuclear History

For over 60 years, Saskatchewan has made significant Harold Johns, with trailblazing work on dosage contributions to nuclear development. Since the first calculation and control by his then-graduate student, uranium mine commenced operations in 1953, the Sylvia Fedoruk; and the design and construction of the province has been one of the world’s major suppliers of Saskatchewan Accelerator Laboratory (SAL), under the uranium, accounting for 17 percent of global output.1 direction of Professor Leon Katz, which opened in 1964. SAL was a focal point for international nuclear physics Saskatchewan’s legacy in nuclear research extends even research and eventually became a part of the Canadian further, from the first nuclear physics research programs Light Source synchrotron. in the late 1930’s to pioneering advances in nuclear medicine starting in the 1940’s. The first betatron in Other significant nuclear research activity in the Canada (and the second in the world) was acquired province includes the U of S Plasma Physics Laboratory, by the University of Saskatchewan in 19482 for basic established in1958 and the site of Canada’s only research and education in physics, radiochemistry, tokamak for fusion research,3 and a SLOWPOKE II radiation biology and as a source of powerful X-rays for research reactor which has been owned and operated treating cancer. by the Saskatchewan Research Council since 1981.4 Faculty from the University of Regina and the University The betatron led to Saskatchewan’s next two of Saskatchewan are active contributors to several milestones in nuclear science: the development of international nuclear physics collaborations and the first successful cobalt-60 radiation therapy device experiments, including TRIUMF and CERN.5 in 1951, led by University of Saskatchewan Professor

Gunnar Uranium Mine, northern Saskatchewan The Betatron–the second of its kind in the world

The Saskatchewan Accelerator Laboratory Cobalt-60 radiation therapy

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 20 Emergence of a Vision for a Centre for Nuclear Innovation

In 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan global leaders in nuclear research, development and commissioned the Uranium Development Partnership training through investment in partnerships with (UDP) to explore and assess opportunities to add value academia and industry for maximum societal and beyond the extraction of uranium resources through economic benefit.T he Centre was renamed in October research, innovation and training. 2012 to honour the memory of Sylvia Fedoruk, one of Saskatchewan’s nuclear pioneers, as the Sylvia Fedoruk Recommendations that came out of the UDP process Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation (Fedoruk included: Centre). • Create a centre of excellence for nuclear research and training, developing programs to support emerging opportunities in select areas of the nuclear sector including prospects for longer-term commercialization.6 • Develop research programs in nuclear medicine, materials sciences using neutrons, as well as programs for the design of advanced small reactors, in partnership with the university community and other research centres.7 • Enhance communication and dialogue with the public regarding nuclear issues, sustainability and energy Premier Brad Wall, Sylvia Fedoruk, Minister Rob Norris and then-University of Saskatchewan production options, assessing and responding to the President Peter MacKinnon after the announcement of funding to establish an institute for nuclear studies, which became the Fedoruk Centre, March 2, 2011. need for information and aiding understanding.8 • Form a group of experts to determine investment priorities in targeted areas of nuclear research.6

In 2010, the University of Saskatchewan further explored the concept of a nuclear research institute. On March 2, 2011, the province announced a commitment of $30 million over seven years to establish a “new centre for research in nuclear medicine and materials science at the U of S”. In December 2011, the Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation was established as a not- for-profit subsidiary of the University of Saskatchewan, with the purpose of placing Saskatchewan among

1Cameco Corporation (2012), Uranium Operations. http://www.cameco.com/common/pdf/media/factsheets_publications/ Cameco_Uranium_Operations_Fact_Sheet_2012.pdf 2University of Saskatchewan Archives (undated), Events in the History of the University of Saskatchewan – 1948: First Betatron in Canada, http://scaa.usask.ca/ gallery/uofs_events/articles/1948.php. 3http://plasma.usask.ca/storm/index.php 4SLOWPOKE II unit 12, power: 16 kWt, first criticality March 1, 1981. http://www‐naweb.iaea.org/napc/physics/research_reactors/database/rr%20data%20base/ datasets/report/Canada%20%20Research%20Reactor%20Details%20‐%20SLOWPOKE,%20SASKATCHEWAN.htm 5http://www.uregina.ca/science/physics/index.html 6Uranium Development Partnership (2009), Capturing the full potential of the uranium value chain in Saskatchewan, pg. 87. 7Government of Saskatchewan (2009), The Government’s Strategic Direction on Uranium Development, pg. 12. http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?mediaId=1029&PN=Shared 8Perrins, D. (2009), Future of Uranium Public Consultation Process, http://www.er.gov.sk.ca/uranium‐development

21 Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 From Vision to Business Framework

The original business framework envisioned that, with community. As a result, it was intended that the $30 million from the Province of Saskatchewan, the Fedoruk Centre would create opportunities for Fedoruk Centre would attract partner contributions evidence-based discussion about nuclear science from industry and other sectors to address its purpose and technology. In doing so, the Fedoruk Centre will through balanced investments in three key activities: build a base of local expertise, well-connected with experts, industry and research organizations outside • Programs: Establishing multi-disciplinary clusters of Saskatchewan, to inform policy decisions on nuclear of academic activity by supporting the appointment issues and investment for maximum impact in areas of of new research leaders in Saskatchewan and the strategic value to the province. inclusion of nuclear components in existing courses and academic programs. The original business framework also noted that “nuclear science and technology” could make •  Projects: Investing in research and development significant contributions to Saskatchewan’s economy projects that engage partners from academia, in four principle areas of impact: Medicine, Materials, industry and other research institutions in Energy, and Environment. Saskatchewan and beyond, with target outcomes including ongoing and new business activities and opportunities within the province, creating educational and career opportunities for young Areas of Canadians at the leading edge of nuclear technology. •  Facilities: Supporting and providing good Impact: stewardship of selected nuclear infrastructure in Saskatchewan, ensuring it is maintained in a • M edicine: Advancing nuclear medicine, instruments and methods competitive state of readiness in support of research, development and training. • M aterials: Advancing knowledge of The business framework intended that activities materials through nuclear techniques supported by the Fedoruk Centre would be open to for applications in energy, health, environment, transportation and public view and conducted in a way that fostered communication conversations between researchers and the general • Energy: Improving safety and engineering of nuclear energy systems, including small reactors

• Environment: Managing the risks and benefits of nuclear technology for society and our environment

Saskatchewan’s Future in Nuclear Innovation | Strategic Plan 2020 22 Medicine. Materials. www.fedorukcentre.ca Energy. 111-54 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon SK S7N 2V3 306.966.3375 Environment.