On March 18, Montreal's business community gathered at the Conseil des relations internationales de Montréal (CORIM) for an inspiring talk by Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Director General of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), on the theme of “Research and innovation: Quebec's competitiveness depends on going global”.
In front of an audience of nearly 350, Mr. Giraldeau made a compelling case for greater investment in research and innovation, recalling their central role in Quebecers' competitiveness, prosperity and quality of life: “The growth of our collective wealth and our ability to maintain our social safety net depend directly on our research and innovation capacity.”
Photo credit: Gabriel Fournier
Photo credit: Gabriel Fournier
During his speech, Mr. Giraldeau highlighted the impact of INRS in the Quebec innovation ecosystem, emphasizing its unique and successful model of research and training directed towards strategic issues. “INRS stands between the classic university model and engineering schools. It's a rare breed, generating scientific advances that have a direct impact on the Quebec economy and society,” he explained. He also emphasized the important contribution of international students and researchers to Quebec's capacity for innovation.
“My main concern is that [the] reduction in access to international students deprives Quebec of a considerable and essential research capacity and innovation potential. As Director General of INRS and as an academic, but above all as a citizen, I hope I have convinced you of the importance of embodying, in our decisions and actions, the critical link between our capacity to innovate and that of our quality of life, and our openness to the international stage.”
Luc-Alain Giraldeau, General Manager, INRS
Following his speech, Marie-Pierre Ippersiel, INRS alumna (PhD in Urban Studies, 2004) and President and CEO of PRIMA Québec, spoke with Mr. Giraldeau. In particular, they discussed the essential role of international students in scientific research. “Our master's and doctoral students, whether from here or abroad, are working on crucial issues for Quebec and generating knowledge that feeds our capacity for innovation,” he stressed. He also spoke of the need for a national conversation on the attractiveness of careers in science to fuel innovation.
Photo credit: Gabriel Fournier
Photo credit: Gabriel Fournier
Among the topics discussed, the future of quantum photonics and the energy transition aroused keen interest. Mr. Giraldeau pointed out that INRS's scientific teams play a leading role in these forward-looking sectors, collaborating with local and international partners to develop disruptive technologies.
The event was also marked by the presence of numerous INRS alumni, graciously invited by the INRS Foundation.
The Foundation team is proud to have contributed to the success of this event by inviting the business community and the scientific, student and graduate community of INRS to discuss this key issue for the future of Quebec. The event was a great opportunity to raise the profile of INRS, strengthen the links between scientific research and the success of socio-economic milieus, and highlight the importance of innovation for our collective future.
In conclusion, Mr. Giraldeau invited the business and research communities to join forces to advance science and innovation in Quebec: “Let's work together to build a more prosperous and internationally competitive Quebec. Innovation is our best asset.”