As Members of Parliament walked through the halls of TRIUMF on May 29, 2008, they marveled at the sophisticated scientific equipment and the enthusiasm of the researchers they met. Ten members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science, and Technology paid a 2-hour visit to TRIUMF. Midway through their study of Canadian science and technology this summer, the MPs commented, "this was the best visit so far" on their tour.
After a short breakfast, the MPs and their staff then had a taste of the diverse work carried out at TRIUMF. The lively and engaging scientists made an strong impression on the MPs. One MP was impressed with when he learned that TIGRESS will be the best gamma-ray spectrometer in the world after full installation. The large degree of international partnering also impressed him. Another MP was particularly interested in the display of the first PET scanner ever built in British Columbia. At each stop, the MPs asked intelligent questions, seeking to effectively communicate the importance of TRIUMF to Canadians once back in Ottawa. During the quick tour, the chief highlights were the TR13 cyclotron and PET scanner in the Meson Hall, the ATLAS Tier-1 computing centre, TITAN and ISAC-I, TIGRESS and ISAC-II, and beta-NMR in ISAC-I.
The visitors also met briefly with TRIUMF summer co-op and graduate students. One MP remarked on the positive value of student placements in such a unique and advanced laboratory. Wrapping up the visit, the group and TRIUMF director Nigel Lockyer discussed the importance of and best mechanisms for advancing so-called "big science" in Canada.
The SCIST Committee studies spending, legislation and activities of Industry Canada with a focus on scientific research and development and technology capability. Showcasing TRIUMF to the Committee members was truly a privilege and allowed the laboratory to display its excellence. The event went smoothly and the MPs were rather pleased with their visit. This could not have been carried out without the dedicated work of many TRIUMF staff. To all those involved – THANK YOU!
By Nicole Dublanko
TRIUMF's Communications Assistant