Queen’s professor and Canada Research Chair in Environmental Change John Smol (Biology) assumed the role of president of the Academy of Science, Royal Society of Canada, for a three-year term, on Sunday, Nov. 24. 

Dr. Smol was elected in 2018 (and has since been serving as president-elect) on a platform focused on concerns of a developing crisis in science literacy and communication and, by extension, how science is used to formulate evidence-based policy.

In his inaugural speech to the Academy on Saturday, he said: “It is easy not to engage… (but) I strongly believe this is our fight … If the RSC is not ready to lead the way, then who is?” 

Since 1882, the Royal Society of Canada, as the country’s national academy, has had a mission to serve Canada and Canadians, in part, by mobilizing Canada’s leading intellectuals in open discussion and debate, advancing knowledge, and addressing issues critical to Canadians. Queen’s has long been engaged with the RSC, and currently has 91 affiliated Fellows and Members of the College of New Scholars.

For more information on the Royal Society of Canada, please visit the website.