A new partnership between two renowned institutions will explore ways in which both science and the arts are connected and further develop the skills people in each discipline face. Last Thursday (Feb.
A new partnership between two renowned institutions will explore ways in which both science and the arts are connected and further develop the skills people in each discipline face.
Last Thursday (Feb. 7), The Banff Centre hosted a roundtable discussion to announce its partnership with The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), a move that began with an idea between the leaders of each organization.
Originally established in 1982, CIFAR is an independent research institute focused on bringing together internationally respected scholars/scientists and addressing major global questions and challenges.
"When I became president I was very aware of the fact that the strength of CIFAR is we're a virtual organization, but it's also our weakness," explained Alan Bernstein, president of CIFAR.
"Jeff (centre president Melanson) and I had just become presidents for two respected organizations, so we had a natural discussion about how he wanted to change The Banff Centre and how I wanted to move CIFAR. In that conversation we started talking about something we could do together, so that's kind of where it all started."
With this new partnership, CIFAR will now have a permanent home for its Global Academy, which provides research forums and leadership programs for young scholars.
"These young people who are coming from around the world, they're actually really carefully chosen," Bernstein said about the Global Academy. "They're exceptionally bright people and they will go on, most of them, to great careers in research.
"Many will rise to leadership positions very quickly," he added.
Because of the centre's various programs dealing with leadership specifically, the CIFAR president is confident this merger will help those who might be lacking in that certain skill.
"Scientists typically don't have leadership opportunities," he said. "One idea would be to open up a program here at The Banff Centre for young people who are Global Academy, and also any bright young Canadian scholar or scientist, to participate in a leadership program."
Giving scholars and scientists the chance to communicate and work together with artists in residence at The Banff Centre, or even collaborate with the numerous events and performances that take place, are a few of the opportunities to identify similar objectives.
"The arts and the world of research and science ultimately have the same broad objective, which is understanding the world and making it a better place, but we do it in completely different ways," said Bernstein. "There's a different kind of culture around the arts compared to research and science."
Citing Renaissance painter Leonardo Da Vinci, who was interested in finding a practical solution to flight, Bernstein indicated there has always been a connection between art and science.
"There actually is a history of the arts and science being one," he said. "It kind of separated when science became very specialized. I think people who are not in science are intimidated by science. I think it would be great if we could do something about that issue of intimidation."
From The Banff Centre's perspective, Melanson said he is looking forward to having more advanced scholars on campus and opening the door for social sciences.
"It's really going to be critical to not only The Banff Centre's future success, but our capacity to address bigger issues facing the world," the president said.
"The Banff Centre is the centre for the development of big ideas," he added. "In my mind the more big thinkers we can bring to our campus the better."
Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen was also present at the discussion and was pleased to hear what this will do for the town in terms of bringing more scholars and scientists to the area.
"The Banff Centre continues to revision and to some degree re-identify who they are and what they can be," the mayor said. "As The Banff Centre continues to expand and look at new opportunities, it's just generally a high level of benefit to Banff.
"I think there is a naivety in town about what occurs up there and the people who visit the facility for their own growth," she added. "It really is recognized as a world-renowned facility and we should be proud of it. I'm delighted with the direction they're taking."
Although the partnership is still new and both parties are exploring different ideas on how exactly they will collaborate together, CIFAR is planning to hold many of its ongoing research meetings at The Banff Centre.
"I hope it turns out to be very productive for both organizations in that we accomplish some specific goals," Bernstein said.
"Both the Banff Centre and CIFAR are Canadian-based global organizations and I think this partnership is a great opportunity for the province of Alberta to use this partnership as a window to the world because that's what both organizations are all about."
