Science North Science Cafés

Do well-meaning foreign aid NGO projects really have a long-lasting positive impact in the communities they are trying to help? What are the factors behind successful projects, and how can you ensure that your aid is really helping?

Headlines have been dominated by recent announcements of the closing and withdrawal of funding of several of Canada’s leading environmental research stations, including the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) and Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Lab (PEARL). What is the public value of these research stations? What is the impact that these closures will have on the future of environmental science and policy in Canada?

Panelists included:

Zen MarianiPhD Candidate, University of TorontoResearch conducted at PEARL

Heidi Swanson, PhDPostdoctoral Fellow, University of AlbertaFounding Director of Save ELA

John Gunn, PhDDirector, Living With Lakes Centre, Laurentian UniversityCanada Research Chair in Stressed Aquatic Ecosystems

Moderator: Amy HensonStaff Scientist, Science North

Headlines have been dominated by recent announcements of the closing and withdrawal of funding of several of Canada’s leading environmental research stations, including the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) and Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Lab ...

Headlines have been dominated by recent announcements of the closing and withdrawal of funding of several of Canada’s leading environmental research stations, including the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) and Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Lab ...

Scientific research pushes the boundaries of what we know and uncovers new truths about the world around us. But how is scientific truth established? With sometimes contradictory findings in the news, how do we know what to believe? And since mistakes sometimes slip by the peer-review system, would involving non-scientists boost the integrity of new research?

Panelists included:

Charles RamcharanAssociate Professor, Department of Biology and Cooperative Freshwater Biology Unit, Laurentian University

Chantal BarriaultSenior Scientist, Research and Evaluation, Science NorthCo-Director, Science Communication Graduate Program, Laurentian University

Moderator: Dana MurchisonStaff Scientist, Science North

Scientific research pushes the boundaries of what we know and uncovers new truths about the world around us. But how is scientific truth established? With sometimes contradictory findings in the news, how do we know what to believe?

Scientific research pushes the boundaries of what we know and uncovers new truths about the world around us. But how is scientific truth established? With sometimes contradictory findings in the news, how do we know what to believe?

Depression is a serious mental health concern that not only affects brain and behavior—it affects the entire body. While depression is a common mental illness among the general population, it is even more likely to occur in those with type 2 diabetes. There is evidence that depression is both a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and a risk factor for developing serious complications in people with type 2 diabetes.

Doctors and researchers are realizing that physical health and mental health are more interconnected than we ever thought. But are we aware enough of the effects of mental illness on the whole body? Are we doing enough to prevent those who are dealing with illness from developing depression? And would a better understanding of the physical aspects of mental illness help to break down the stigma that still surrounds it? Discuss these questions and more with experts at this event.

Panelists included:

Dr. Norbert SchmitzAssociate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Associate Member, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University

Discussant: Gary PetingolaDiabetes Social Worker, Sudbury Outpatient Centre, Health

Moderator: Dana MurchisonStaff Scientist, Science North

Depression is a serious mental health concern that not only affects brain and behavior—it affects the entire body. While depression is a common mental illness among the general population, it is even more likely to occur in those with type 2 diabetes.

Depression is a serious mental health concern that not only affects brain and behavior—it affects the entire body. While depression is a common mental illness among the general population, it is even more likely to occur in those with type 2 diabetes.