Thank you, Ms. Aubrey, for coming here. We really look forward to working with you.
Mr. Ciobanu, I noticed that you were in India a couple of months back, signing agreements. Welcome back to Canada.
I am from Ottawa, and I personally know a number of scientists and research staff who work for NRC, and trust me, during the last several years, we had quite an earful from the people working at NRC
Basic research is very important, not only for Canada, but I think all strong economies invest in basic research. We also know that the knowledge is passed on from generation to generation, not just by books or by codes; it's also passed on through personal interaction. From the cuts in the basic research during the last few years, I think we may have lost a generation of knowledge there.
As I mentioned, the scientists complained not just about dropping innovation, but they said there was an urgent need for a strategy to support NRC staff in transition as research programs end. They also complained about the lack of opportunities for them to participate in scientific conferences, maybe due to the cuts that were there. I also understand that there's a working group of NRC scientists and researchers who already do work with NRC senior management to address various issues.
Do you have any plans to meet them?