This event reminds me of the closure (or restructuring) of chemistry
departments in some Universities in England a few years ago. If I am not
wrong a group of outstanding scientists (including a Nobel Prize winner)
were laid off on the basis that these chemistry departments were not
profitable. The letter to our Canadian colleagues is blatantly disrespectful
of their brilliant careers. But in the ample sense is also an additional
show of what politicians and even (hard to say) some of our own
scientific-minded colleagues think about basic science. The pursue of basic
science for the sake of itself (i.e. discovering the foundations of what is
beyond our current knowledge) seems to be neglected while funding is
diverted to technological applications of what is already known. As a
consequence, the restructuring of industry R&D, academic departments,
colleges, and governmental labs is directed to "eliminate" any "surplus" to
open positions that are more profitable. It is already bad that this is
being done, but is intolerable that is done without any respect for the
contributions and knowledge of the people involved.
If anyone is drafting a letter to the Canadian government please count with
my support.
Best,
David L. Cedeņo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Illinois State University
Box 4160,
Normal, IL 61790-4160
U.S.
(309)438-5595
-----Original Message-----
From: Molecular dynamics and chemical physics community
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Richard
Wheatley
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 8:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: The end of high-resolution spectroscopy at NRC?
This expresses my own feelings perfectly.
Richard.
On Tue, 9 Oct 2007, Zlatko Bacic wrote:
> "Notice of Surplus Status" might be appropriate for surplus equipment but,
> just as Giacinto noted, it is truly outrageous to use it for human
beings,
> irrespective of their status and accomplishments. I always thought of
Canada
> as a "kinder and gentler" country, but this act has shaken my belief. It
is
> also incomprehensible that two leading scientists, Phil Bunker and Bob
> McKellar, among the very best that Canada has in physical sciences, could
be
> let go, in this fashion or any other. What are they thinking in NRC?
>
> Zlatko Bacic
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