Research builds my local community
This article was originally written and submitted as part of a Canada 150 Project, the Innovation Storybook, to crowdsource stories of Canadian innovation with partners across Canada. The content has since been migrated to Ingenium’s Channel, a digital hub featuring curated content related to science, technology and innovation.
Saskatoon cab drivers introduce visitors to their city’s pride and joy: the Canadian Light Source.
The Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon, Sask., provides scientists with a brilliant light that reveals information about the structural and chemical properties of materials at the molecular level. This kind of knowledge can be used in numerous ways, such as building smaller, more effective computer chips, designing new drugs, creating better materials for safer medical implants or helping clean up mining waste. With such fascinating research being conducted right in the heart of the city, Bill Baker, a certified tour guide and cab driver with United Cabs Saskatoon, saw an opportunity. Now, through an unexpected partnership between the taxi industry and the University of Saskatchewan’s Canadian Light Source, newcomers and community members alike can learn about and take pride in the research that takes place there.
View more Research builds our communities stories.
Find more stories of research in action on Innovation.ca, the website of the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Transcript
The Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon, Sask., provides scientists with a brilliant light that reveals information about the structural and chemical properties of materials at the molecular level. This kind of knowledge can be used in numerous ways, such as building smaller, more effective computer chips, designing new drugs, creating better materials for safer medical implants or helping clean up mining waste. With such fascinating research being conducted right in the heart of the city, Bill Baker, a certified tour guide and cab driver with United Cabs Saskatoon, saw an opportunity. Now, through an unexpected partnership between the taxi industry and the University of Saskatchewan’s Canadian Light Source, newcomers and community members alike can learn about and take pride in the research that takes place there.
Canada Foundation for Innovation
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) was built on the ideals of thinking big and investing in areas that matter to Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has ensured Canadian researchers have the tools — the cutting-edge labs, facilities and equipment — they need to push the frontiers of knowledge in all disciplines, and to contribute to the full spectrum of research — from discovery to technology development.
