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At Ontario’s legislative assembly, researchers are finding new ways to contribute to public decision-making. This spring, (Electrical and Computer Engineering) and (Mechanical and Materials Engineering) represented Queen’s at the inaugural Science Meets Parliament Ontario, a program that connects scientists with provincial lawmakers to strengthen the role of research in policymaking. 

Hosted by the , the program invites academic researchers to meet with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and legislative staff, attend question period, and take part in workshops on science communication and public engagement. For Drs. Grant and Zhang, it was an opportunity to connect their research to issues shaping Ontario’s policy agenda.

Dr. Grant leads work in high-performance computing and exascale supercomputing systems, focusing on artificial intelligence and digital simulation. His research at Queen’s supports applications across sectors, including predictive models for emergency response, robotics training, and streamlining construction and manufacturing. Dr. Zhang, the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Impact of Radiation in Energy and Advanced Technologies, brings over 25 years of expertise in nuclear materials and energy technologies. Her work informs clean energy systems, infrastructure planning, and public safety, while supporting Ontario’s nuclear energy strategy and energy transition goals.

While their fields are distinct, both researchers were interested in better understanding how science can help shape policy and how researchers can engage more effectively with the political process.

“For both policymakers and scientists, the common thread is problem solving,” said Dr. Grant. “This program was a chance to engage with the political sphere, identify shared priorities, and better understand the challenges facing Ontario.”

Inside Queen’s Park

Throughout the multi-day visit, Drs. Zhang and Grant met with several Members of Provincial Parliament. In these meetings, they covered topics ranging from how policy decisions are made to how to communicate complex research and technologies in ways that resonate with policymakers by focusing on practical outcomes.

The visit also included a formal reception in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, where participants heard remarks from Speaker of the Legislature Donna Skelly and Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont. The event offered a chance to continue conversations in a more informal setting and connect across sectors and disciplines.

For Dr. Zhang, that meant exploring how nuclear safety, clean energy, and materials testing could support Ontario’s infrastructure and energy transition. She also highlighted the role of research facilities like in advancing knowledge and training the next generation of experts.

“Bridging the gap between research and policy is crucial to addressing complex societal challenges. Programs like Science Meets Parliament offer valuable opportunities to build those connections,” said Dr. Zhang. “By sharing our expertise in nuclear materials and energy technologies, we can contribute to informed discussions that support sustainable and resilient energy systems in Ontario.”

Dr. Grant spoke about the potential of supercomputing and artificial intelligence to support policymaking in areas like housing and emergency response. He pointed to AI-powered solutions that could make construction more efficient and help address housing shortages. He also described how predictive models developed through high-performance computing can improve disaster forecasting and resource planning for events such as floods and wildfires.

Advancing collaboration with government

Science Meets Parliament began in Australia in 1999 as a way to foster dialogue between scientists and policymakers. Inspired by its success, Canada launched its own federal program in 2018. This fall, three Queen’s researchers, (Rehabilitation Therapy), (Smith Engineering), and Stéfanie von Hlatky (Political Studies), will participate in the federal Science Meets Parliament program representing Queen’s at the national level.

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