I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 111 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research.
Before we begin, I would ask all in-person participants to read the guidelines written on the updated cards on the table. These measures are in place to help prevent audio and feedback incidents, and to protect the health and safety of all participants, particularly our interpreters.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. I'd like to remind all members of the following points. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. All comments should be addressed through the chair. Members, please raise your hand if you wish to speak, whether participating in person or via Zoom. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. Thank you, all, for your co-operation.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(i) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, October 31, 2024, the committee commences its study of the impact of the criteria for awarding federal funding on research excellence in Canada.
It's now my pleasure to welcome, as an individual, Dr. Eric Kaufmann, professor at the University of Buckingham, by video conference; Dr. Jeremy Kerr, professor of biology at the University of Ottawa and chair of NSERC's committee on discovery research; and Dr. Yuan Yi Zhu, assistant professor of international relations and international law, Leiden University, also by video conference.
Up to five minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with rounds of questions.
Dr. Kaufmann, the floor is yours for an opening statement of up to five minutes.