It was a whirlwind two hours, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the most of her time in Halifax Thursday, discussing the future of oceans research with some of Dalhousie鈥檚 top minds in the field.
Following a two-day meeting in Ottawa with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Chancellor Merkel made Dalhousie鈥檚 Studley Campus her next and final stop. It was the only other destination on her first bilateral visit to Canada.
Her official order of business on the trip was witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the (HMRI) and Germany鈥檚 . But the heart of the visit was the opportunity to meet and discuss research priorities and opportunities with Dalhousie oceans scientists and researchers.聽
Sharing science
Arriving shortly after 5:30 p.m. in a motorcade from the Stanfield International Airport, Chancellor Merkel didn鈥檛 waste time. Moments after her arrival, she was discussing changes in marine biodiversity with Dalhousie鈥檚 Boris Worm, beginning her tour of the scientific exhibition organized in her honour.
鈥淪he鈥檚 a very approachable, very natural human being,鈥� said Dr. Worm, assistant professor in the Department of Biology who also helped translate for Chancellor Merkel while she was on campus. 鈥淪he鈥檚 a scientist, so I think she鈥檚 naturally comfortable speaking with other scientists. She鈥檚 not self-conscious鈥� she actually enjoys it and that was very visible.鈥�
For Sara Iverson, professor of marine biology at pilipili漫画, the opportunity to meet and speak with Chancellor Merkel was well worth interrupting her vacation for. After learning of the Chancellor鈥檚 visit, Dr. Iverson arrived back in Nova Scotia on Tuesday of this week, and spent Wednesday condensing her extensive research into a three-minute presentation.
She told Dal News that the chance to meet and share her research with Chancellor Merkel was wonderful. That said, 鈥淚 wished I鈥檇 kept up on my German,鈥� she noted with a smile.
Doug Wallace, the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Oceans Science and Technology, holds court with Chancellor Merkel.
After her tour of the scientific exhibits, Chancellor Merkel made her way to the Life Sciences Centre to tour Dalhousie鈥檚 Aquatron Laboratory. This was followed by a private meeting in the Lord Dalhousie room with faculty and students to discuss global challenges and research priorities in marine sciences and the importance of collaboration 鈥� both between scientists and politicians, as well as at the international level.
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After that meeting, Chancellor Merkel headed to a packed University Hall to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Canada鈥檚 HMRI and Germany鈥檚 Helmholtz Association, the country鈥檚 largest scientific organization.
During her address to attendees, Chancellor Merkel explained that many of the challenges facing the world today鈥攚hether political, environmental or scientific鈥攃an only be tackled through international collaboration. The German Chancellor went on to say that she鈥檚 鈥渧ery happy to help move that process along, particularly in ocean science,鈥� and that in the future, she will be even more vigilant in ensuring that Canadian-German joint research and development is supported. Chancellor Merkel also noted the enthusiasm and passion she felt when speaking with the Dal scientists and students.
Spirit of collaboration
Joined by Canadian Minister of State for Science and Technology Gary Goodyear and Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, Chancellor Merkel looked on as representatives signed the joint agreement, which will support powerful research into ocean changes, risks and resources.
Witnessing the signing of the memorandum of understanding.
The Memorandum of Understanding enables HMRI and the Helmholtz Association to use existing resources where possible, and to jointly search for additional resources that will enhance, develop and further the working relationship between the organizations, identifying areas where the parties can collaborate to develop, and implement research and programs.
In recognition of Chancellor Merkel鈥檚 visit, Dr. Traves presented Her Excellency with a plaque to commemorate the visit, which will be placed in Dalhousie鈥檚 Oceans Excellence Centre, currently under construction. Dal scientists will deliver a replica of this memento to Chancellor Merkel in Germany on an upcoming visit.
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President Tom Traves leads Chancellor Merkel to her motorcade at the conclusion of her Dalhousie visit.