I call the meeting to order.
Good morning, everybody. Welcome to meeting number two of the Standing Committee on Science and Research.
Pursuant to the motion of the committee on June 18, 2025, the committee is meeting to study the impact that the criteria for awarding federal funding have on research excellence here in Canada.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. Pursuant to the Standing Orders, members are attending in person, in the room, and remotely by using the Zoom application. I think all of the members are in person right now for this one.
Before we continue, I would like to ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the 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 of the participants, including the interpreters.
You will also notice a QR code on the card. It links to a short awareness video.
I would like to make few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. To those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. Those of you on Zoom can select the appropriate channel for “floor”, “English” or “French” at the bottom of your screen. Those in the room can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. Members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. Members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best as we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
I would like to welcome our three witnesses for this panel. We are joined virtually by Gita Ljubicic, professor at McMaster University. We are joined in person by Steven Pinker, Johnstone family professor of psychology, Harvard University. The third witness for today is Azim Shariff, professor at the University of British Columbia. He has joined us via video conference.
Welcome, and thanks a lot for coming.
With that, we will go to the witnesses.
The first one will be Ms. Gita Ljubicic. You will have five minutes for your opening remarks. Please go ahead.