About Us
The Liaison Committee acts as an interface to the Canadian physics research community, operating at arm’s length from both the CAP and NSERC. Our primary focus is to identify, discuss and analyze opportunities that the Canadian physics research community could seize or build on, and challenges that it may face, in its quest to be at the forefront of research at the international level. In particular, we are identifying factors that are crucial for the success to date of Canadian physics, and making recommendations as to how the Canadian physics research community could build on its leading role on the international stage and improve the research climate for physics in Canada. This is based on quantitative analysis of factual information, which includes input received from the Canadian physics research community.
Our Mandate
- Identification, discussion and analysis of opportunities that the Canadian physics research community could seize or build on, and challenges it may face, in its quest to be at the forefront of research at the international level.
- Communication, discussion and analysis of issues brought forward by the Canadian physics research community and their suggestions concerning NSERC’s programs.
- Discussion of topics on which NSERC is consulting the community and preparation of responses on these topics.
- Discussion of matters that may help to inform the Group Chair for their participation in the Committee on Grants and Scholarships (COGS).
CAP/NSERC Liaison Committee News and Resources
The Committee’s Terms of Reference as well as recent news, activities and reports can be found at http://www.phys-cap-nserc.org.
Committee Membership
- Sjoerd Roorda, Université de Montréal – Chair of the LC (term ends June 2025)
- Alexander Moewes, University of Saskatoon – Quantum and Soft Condensed Matter Physics (term ends June 2024)
- Martin Connors, Athabasca University – Near-Earth and Space Physics (term ends June 2023)
- Brigitte Vachon, McGill University – Subatomic Physics (term ends June 2024)
- Valerio Faraoni, Bishop’s University – Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (term ends June 2025)
- Joseph Thywiessen, University of Toronto – Atomic and Molecular Physics, Optics and Lasers, and Plasmas (term ends June 2023)
- Christopher Bergevin, York University – Biomedical and Biological Physics (term ends June 2025)
- Alison Sills, McMaster University – Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Cosmology (term ends June 2023)
Ex Officio Members:
NSERC Representatives
- Kevin Lapointe, Team Leader, overseeing the Physics and Computer Science portfolio within the Mathematical, Environmental and Physical Sciences Division of NSERC’s Research Grants and Scholarships Directorate
- Elizabeth Boston, Director of NSERC’s Mathematical, Environmental and Physical Division within the Research Grants and Scholarships Directorate
- Catherine Harrison, Program Officer within Research Grants and Scholarships Directorate
- Ed Irving, Manager, College and Community Innovation Program, Research Partnerships Directorate, Colleges, Commercialization, and Portfolio Planning
- Kris Poduska, Group Chair of NSERC’s Physics Evaluation Group
CAP Representatives
- Chitra Rangan, CAP Director of Academic Affairs
- Francine Ford, CAP Executive Director