A simple guide to enjoying a safe Halloween in the midst of COVID-19.
The 2020 Sandford Fleming Medal is awarded to Professor Timothy Caulfield, University of Alberta
Remembering Deborah Zamble, RCIScience Board Member
Local Scientists Share Their Research, One Sidewalk at a Time
Our #SidewalkScience campaign made it on to CBC London news this morning, thanks to astrophysicist Dr. Parshati Patel’s contributions! The campaign invites scientists across the country to share their research with neighbours using nothing more than a spot on the sidewalk and a piece of chalk.
RCIScience Stands with Peaceful Protesters
We stand with those who protest peacefully against racism.
The vision of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science is for an informed public that embraces science to build a stronger Canada. Through our own organization's history, we can find examples of injustice and exploitation in the name of science. We can and must learn from this history, and from present-day examples, and work to make science as inclusive as possible.
In recent years, we have actively worked to choose diverse topics and voices in our programs. We believe this is one way we can help build a stronger country and a better future.
Please consider donating or volunteering your time to an organization that is working to bring more voices to science, such as Visions of Science, LotusSTEMM, HERvolution or others operating in your area.
Live Programs Cancelled Until Further Notice
Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, RCIScience has decided to cancel live programs through March 2020.
This decision was not taken lightly. As you may be aware, we have not had a mass cancellation of programs since the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1919.
Infectious disease experts suggest that the practice of social distancing will help curb the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the burden on our healthcare system. At RCIScience, we listen to what scientists say. We are going into "social distance" mode, and urge all of you to do the same.
We hope to move some of our programs to an online format, but in the meantime, if you need to scratch that science itch, please explore our website, visit our YouTube channel and follow our social media channels - @RCIScience on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
We will make regular updates to our website, voicemail message and will keep in touch via our newsletter. And remember, you can always reach us at information@rciscience.ca to ask questions and share your concerns.
We look forward to seeing you again soon
- RCIScience Staff & Board
Tragic Loss for Science Community
The Royal Canadian Institute acknowledges the great loss to Canada and the world represented by the people who perished on Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, including scientific researchers, professionals and students with fulfilling careers and bright futures.
Our thoughts are with their families and colleagues.
We thank the Canadian Science Policy Centre for their work collecting information on all of those with connections to the academic and scientific communities in Canada.
2019 Fleming Medal for Excellence in Science Communication
The #VoteScience Campaign: An Opportunity to Advocate for Science in the Elections
Remembering Peter Calamai, 2007 Fleming Medal Winner
Remembering Penny Park, 2014 Fleming Medal Winner
Penny Park, 2014 Fleming Medal Winner passes away. We remember Penny as a friend and adviser to the RCIScience Program Committee. She made vital contributions to science journalism in Canada. In her words, “Media abhors a vacuum, and when experts are not readily available, that vacuum can be filled with unreliable information.” She tried to fill that vacuum through all of her work, but especially with the Science Media Centre of Canada.
The 2018 Sandford Fleming Medal
The 2018 Science Scholarship
The 2018 William Edmond Logan Award
RCIScience Honorary Patron Announcement
The Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience) is delighted to welcome Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, as our Honorary Patron.
As Canada’s longest-running public, scientific society, RCIScience applauded Her Excellency’s appointment to the role of Governor General.
Our politicians need to understand why science matters
In response to the dismissal of Ontario’s chief scientist, our Chair and Vice-Chair, Peter Love and Reinhart Reithmeier, wrote an opinion piece for The Star outlining why science matters, why there is no room for 'Fake News' and why, more than ever, we need to foster a society that embraces science to build a stronger Canada.
Toronto vs Raccoons
Two years ago, Toronto thought it had finally outsmarted raccoons rummaging through its garbage. The answer? Green bins with a latch. But all that has been called into question after a raccoon was caught on video opening an aforementioned green bin (and making it look rather easy!). Incoming RCI Science Vice-Chair, Dr Suzanne MacDonald, is an animal behaviour specialist and spoke to Metro Morning about Toronto's sneaky raccoon population.
Helping Refugees Feel Welcome Through Science
Our very own Board Trustee, Dr Sapna Sharma, spoke to Metro Morning to share details of the SEEDS program - a volunteer initiative that aims to welcome newly arrived refugees to Canada through experiential explorations in science outreach. From visiting a blue whale exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum to conducting science experiments, Sapna's initiative is hugely impactful, and we're proud to be part of the program.
For more information on the SEEDS program or for details on how to donate, please visit SEEDS at YorkU.