Shoukri & Barber named to Premier’s Research and Innovation Council

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Barber_Shoukri.jpg” caption=”Mamdouh Shoukri and Doug Barber join Premier’s Innovation Council. “]Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president of research and international affairs, and Doug Barber, distinguished professor-in-residence in the Faculty of Engineering and member of the Board of Governors, have been appointed to the Ontario Research and Innovation Council. Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation, Dalton McGuinty, made the announcement last week as part of his strategy to strengthen Ontario's innovative economy and to maximize the province's opportunities for growth and prosperity.

The 13-member council – made up of leaders in innovation, research, business and academia – will look at how and where innovation happens in the province. It will advise the government on a strategy that keeps Ontario's economy strong by capitalizing on its ability to transform creative, cutting-edge ideas into long-lasting economic advantages.

Shoukri is encouraged by the McGuinty government's strong stance on innovation and firmly believes it's the only way to ensure that Ontario remains competitive. And, he's excited to be a part of the process the Premier has so clearly defined.

“McMaster is regarded as a leader in innovation, particularly when it comes to linking research and education to social development,” he says. “Being recognized for that and having the chance to put our practice to a broader use is extremely satisfying. Personally, I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work in collaboration with this group to develop a strategy for Ontario's future competitiveness.”

As for Barber, he too is looking forward to being part of the process, especially as it relates to encouraging entrepreneurship and growing companies – two areas in which he, personally, has enjoyed tremendous success.

“This committee packs an incredible amount of experience which we'll be able to draw upon to develop the right innovation strategy for Ontario. Having worked in both academia and industry, I know the value and importance of sharing our knowledge and how essential that is when it comes to competitiveness.”

Specifically, the council will: