Whatever this quotation means, it is apparent that science and government, in any country and in this century, are inexorably intertwined, hopefully to mutual advantage.
On the domestic scene, where physicists and astronomers appear to be normally on the same wavelength, so to speak, both perform effectively and cooperatively; individually and in teams; with their feet on the ground and their heads in the cosmos. Both sit, in mixed metaphor, at the feet of the giants on whose shoulders they stand, and view the future with the same passion already devoted to the past. They look to government for support. Sir Brian Medawar, in 1967, commented that
“no scientist is admired for failing in the attempt to solve problems that lie beyond his or her competence. The most one can hope for is the kindly contempt earned by Utopian politicians. If politics is the art of the possible, research is surely the art of the soluble. Both are immensely practical-minded affairs. Good scientists study the most important problems they think they can solve. It is after all, their professional business to solve problems, not merely grapple with them.”
In this country, problem solving by scientists is largely supported by federal funds, and in that context, it should be noted that Canada has recently, in high summer, bumbled through a general election, with results that surprised many citizens and delighted none. The old adage that “a week is a long time in politics” never rang more true than in June of 2004 in this country. Neither politicians, citizens, or pollsters seemed to have a handle on the campaign as it developed, but as the results are reviewed and the dust settles, physicists may take heart from the return to Ottawa of several friends and colleagues that have demonstrated support in strong measure, for discovery, innovation, and the funding councils, as essential elements of the engine of the economy. Successive throne speeches in Ottawa have recently indicated this to be the case. The return to Parliament of Peter Adams MP for Peterborough is particularly welcome to his friends and colleagues in the Canadian Association of Physicists who have followed his role in the evolution and successes of the Government Caucus on Post-Secondary Education and Research, in advising and cajoling the government to support science as a matter of enlightened national self-interest. The influence of this committee, which he has chaired for some time, on budgetary considerations, and overall federal support for higher education has been considerable, and the support of the Prime Minister has been evident from the acceptance of several initiatives proposed.
In a special mini-theme issue of Physics in Canada, in 2001, Peter Adams, and Reg Alcock MP, currently President of the Treasury Board, contributed penetrating articles on “Research in Parliament” and “Investing in the Pursuit of Knowledge”, respectively. The advice given in these articles has been invaluable to all physicists hoping to lobby for support for their research projects, whether academic or technical. The fact that the Standing Committee for Industry had at that time received an annual report from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council without understanding that the ‘NSERC’ references throughout the oral presentation were to the ‘acronym’ for that Council, showed that much background work must be done by scientists to ensure that their communications both written and verbal are understandable and sensible to the politicians they hope to influence. Anne McLellan MP, since her time as Minister for Natural Resources, and Ralph Goodale MP as Finance Minister with a background in Agriculture and the Wheat Board, are both knowledgeable in the importance of science and scientists to Canada, and must be valuable interpreters of scientific affairs at the Cabinet table. The Speaker of the House, Peter Millikan MP for Kingston and the Islands is also valuable to the scientific community because of his interest and participation in conferences on science and public policy.
As the new government moves ahead with its considered agenda, it will be important for the CAP to inform all parties of its initiatives, and its perception of national needs in science. There are many MPs of all parties who will be ready and willing to participate in dialogue on scientific issues, in the prevailing minority situation. Physicists must not miss out on the opportunities ahead; so go for them. We are active, creative, and alive!
In January 2005, we enter the anniversary of Einstein’s ‘miraculous’ year, and that will be a time to look both backward and forward like Janus, the Greek god for whom January is named. There are many events and writings being planned for 2005, covering precursors of some of Einstein’s work, and the discoveries of others in adjacent but largely unrelated fields of physics. Letters to the Editor of this journal, and articles appropriate to this celebration and anniversary, will be gratefully received, and the earlier the better!
Physics in Canada is in good shape, and so is this journal. With the help of our readers we can make 2005 a truly memorable one. Have a good summer.
Jasper McKee, P.Phys.
Editor, Physics in Canada
The comments of readers on this Editorial are more than welcome.
Editorial Board welcomes articles from readers suitable for, and understandable to, any practising or student physicist. Review papers and contributions of general interest are particularly welcome.