Dr. Shernaz Bamji, newly appointed president of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN), spoke to the importance of investing in fundamental scientific research as part of her five minute testimony before the parliamentary committee. She cited the work of colleague and former Director of the Life Sciences Institute Dr. Pieter Cullis, as evidence of the importance of Canadian biomedical research. “It is of the utmost importance for the health of Canadians, and people around the world,” she said. Without such critical investment, Dr. Bamji added, we will not be prepared the next time, “and there will be a next time,” in reference to the current pandemic.
Below is a recording of Dr. Bamji posted on Youtube by CAN.