Part of the Chief Science Advisor’s mandate is to assess and recommend ways for the federal government to better support high-quality scientific research within the federal system – including the Arctic.
The Office of the Chief Science Advisor works to strengthen the role of science in Arctic and polar policy, and to promote Canada’s research presence in the North. This includes supporting efforts to improve coordination across federal departments and encouraging collaboration with domestic and international partners.
Arctic research safety
As interest in Arctic research continues to grow, ensuring the safety of both domestic and international researchers working in this challenging environment is essential to achieving scientific excellence.
Arctic research safety roundtable
On May 28, 2025, the Chief Science Advisor of Canada convened a roundtable of fifteen Arctic science experts to explore Arctic research safety risks, their compounding factors, and the best practices for mitigating them.
The Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) and the Rapid Rise of Northern Research
In 2023, the Office of the Chief Science Advisor released a report titled The Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) and the Rapid Rise of Northern Research. The report recommends adapting federal support to reflect changing research priorities, expanding the role of northern and Indigenous communities in scientific efforts, and investing in digital technologies that enhance fieldwork. It also calls for broader access to northern infrastructure and urges Canada to develop a coordinated Arctic research strategy to strengthen its position as a global leader in northern science.