Get Science Right campaign wraps up this year's series of town halls in Toronto

OTTAWA, May 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Leading researchers in Toronto are meeting with the public to share their concerns about what is happening to science in Canada at a town hall meeting tonight at University of Toronto's Emmanuel College, 75 Queen's Park Crescent at 7pm.

Moderated by science journalist Dan Falk, panellists will describe how scientific work in Canada is being affected by federal and provincial government policies and what this means for Canadians. Members of the audience are invited to join the discussion with questions and comments. 

The event tonight will begin with introductory remarks from CAUT executive director James L. Turk. Following his introduction will be a dynamic discussion with panellists Richard Peltier, Director of the Centre for Global Change Science and Professor of Physics at University of Toronto; Brenda Gallie, world-renowned ophthalmologist and Professor of Medicine at University of Toronto, and Chandler Davis, one of Canada's most distinguished mathematicians and Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at University of Toronto.

"The Canadian Association of University Teachers has sponsored town hall meetings in cities across Canada to allow scientists and researchers to talk with the public about the state of research and science in Canada," said James L. Turk. "What we are hearing is that misguided government science policies have compromised fundamental research, the closure of vital research centres and research libraries, and discontinued the collection of essential data. These actions are undermining Canada's place as a scientific leader."

Turk said the town halls are a chance for the public and the scientists to look at what is happening and discuss what should be done. Another round of town halls will resume in September.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers is the national voice of 68,000 academic and general staff at universities and colleges across the country. For more information on CAUT's "Get Science Right" Campaign, visit getscienceright.ca.

Twitter hashtags: #getscienceright #cdnpoli #cdnpse

SOURCE: Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT)

Angela Regnier, Communications Officer, Canadian Association of University Teachers; 613-726-5186 (o); 613-601-6304 (cell); regnier @caut.ca (email)