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Dr. Pierre Coulombe
National Research Council Canada
A fitting tribute
During my time at NRC, I have had the good fortune to be part of a world class organization known for research excellence, and to see the impact of our work. As my role as president comes to an end, I am more convinced than ever of the value of NRC's contribution to Canada's industry, economy and quality of life.
When I look back at the past five years, I feel deeply satisfied by the challenges and rewards of my tenure. And I find much to be proud of. Our strategy, Science at Work for Canada, has guided NRC's evolution into an organization that is uniquely equipped to increase the competitiveness of Canadian industry. Our work in key industry sectors and community clusters has successfully capitalized on Canada's potential to develop highly valued technologies that stand out in a global economic environment.
I'm also proud of who we are: the lead agency in government for science. Our researchers are expanding human knowledge across the science spectrum. NRC's publication citation impact factor is 40 percent above the world average. Our work in areas from aerospace and attosecond science to nutrisciences and nanotechnology is second to none.
I could talk at length about our achievements, but these are just the facts. Ultimately, science is about more than facts; it's about inspiration, passion, and having the insight to see possibilities where others don't. World leading science requires people with the dedication to find solutions where none exist, to keep going in the face of obstacles, and to venture continually into the unknown.
While I'm proud of all we've accomplished, what I'm proudest of are the people I've had the privilege to work with ' exceptional scientists whose commitment to discovery has had an enormous impact on our daily lives and our future. Scientists like Dr. Guylène Proulx, whose fire safety research, including her study of human behaviour during emergencies, has been credited with saving countless lives, and who was honoured posthumously this year with the Order of Canada. Or Dr. Christian Marois, whose team captured the first ever images of planets circling a star outside our solar system. His work has revolutionized astronomy research and was named by Time and Science as one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of 2008.
These two people represent the diversity of our science, and its impact on how we see ourselves and the world around us. There are countless similar stories at NRC, and thousands more individuals who bring the highest level of personal and professional excellence to the work they do. I am proud of them all, and it's a tribute to them that NRC is what it is today.
As I move on to new roles in Canada's science and technology sector, I will continue to watch NRC's progress with interest. I will always hold the people of this organization in the greatest respect. I am humbled to have worked with them and have no doubt that their efforts will continue to serve Canada well in the years to come.
Pierre Coulombe 
