In order to increase the transparency of its logistics support allocation process, the Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) Advisory Board, at its fall meeting in 1992, approved the creation of a Scientific Screening Committee. It comprises university-based researchers from across the country. Members represent the major scientific disciplines and have extensive experience in the Arctic, as well as a solid knowledge of PCSP's operations. Membership is based on a three-year rotation.
In setting up the Committee it was made clear that:
"PCSP will never be able to base its decisions regarding support exclusively on the scientific merits of the various projects. Unavoidably, logistics considerations will have to be taken into account. We do recognize the need for a review of applications for support particularly for those initiated from outside of Canadian government departments. The scientific screening system will ensure that applications are reviewed fairly and equitably; it will also make the review-of-applications process more transparent for all users."
Evaluation Criteria:
The PCSP Science Screening Committee reviews academic, non-Canadian and non-government organization proposals from a science merit perspective. The committee's evaluation is based on:
- the clarity of the project's objectives and its feasibility
- the scientific merit of the project, clarity of the project’s objectives and project feasibility
- the applicant(s)'s scientific productivity based on the record of publications for the past five years, and,
- in the case of university programs, the involvement of students.
The Committee may consult other scientists if required.
The recommendations of the Scientific Screening Committee are submitted to the Director of Polar Shelf. These recommendations are an essential part of allocation decisions in which scientific merit is considered, along with resource availability and ultimately logistics feasibility.
A summary of comments by the Scientific Screening Committee is sent in writing to each affected applicant after the Committee has deliberated and PCSP has completed its planning for the year.
PCSP Science Screening Committee Members
Dr. Scott Lamoureux (Chairperson of the PCSP Science Screening Committee)
Associate Professor, Department of Geography
Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario
Dr. Benoît Beauchamp
Professor, Department of Geoscience
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Luke Copland
Associate Professor, Department of Geography
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario
Dr. Gilles Gauthier
Professor, Department of Biology and Centre of Northern Studies
Laval University
Québec, Québec
Dr. Vincent St. Louis
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Dr. Peter Whitridge
Associate Professor, Department of Archaeology
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John’s, Newfoundland
