RMCC Prof Christian Leuprecht receives Canadian Government Appointment
By: WJO
Dr Christian Leuprecht internationally renowned Professor of Political Science at the Royal Military College of Canada was recently appointed to the governing council of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
The Privy Council office announcement reads:
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“His Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Industry, pursuant to section 3 and subsection 5(2) of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act, appoints Christian Leuprecht of Kingston, Ontario, to be a member of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, to hold office during pleasure for a term of three years.”
Since joining RMCC in 2005, Dr Leuprecht has served as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Deputy Head of the Department of Political Science and Economics. He is a much sought after speaker on numerous issues both nationally and internationally. He was the keynote speaker at the RMC Club (Kingston Branch) monthly luncheon in June.
He is a natural fit for this appointment to NSERC.
Included in his credentials and background is an outstanding international comparative understanding of government research funding strategies; a distinguished record of scholarship and service and collaboration between the social sciences on the one hand, and the natural and applied sciences on the other.
The Munich, Germany born Leuprecht has co-authored publications in engineering journals, demonstrated expertise in security and defence, a sound understanding of and experience with public policy, federal public administration and how the Canadian government works.
In reality what does this appointment involve?
“The appointment is not to the NSERC management team but rather to the Council. The Council, if you want, is kind of like a Board of Directors. It meets three times a year: twice in Ottawa and once elsewhere. I obviously hope I can leverage the appointment for a future Council meeting at RMCC.”
Dr Harry Kowal, RMCC Principal was delighted to hear the news. “On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of the college, I would like to extend our congratulations on this high profile appointment.”
He went on to say. “All of us at the college are well aware of the tremendous strengths of Dr Leuprecht and what he will bring to the NSERC.”
As can be imagined while the process is unfolding, such information is expected to be held very closely. “I was permitted to inform my wife, and the Principal — in that order”, he replied with a grin. “Indeed, the Principal was favourable from the outset. The only matter we had to clarify is whether there are any conflict-of-interest implications, and there are none, since this appointment is not remunerated.”
Good news for his RMCC students is that there are no expectations to reduce his teaching workload whatsoever.
Asked what his personal thoughts were when he first heard of his appointment, the 42 year old soft spoken and highly respected Professor replied without hesitation. “I had known for some time that this was in the works, but when I was contacted initially I was especially delighted about the prospect of working with NSERC’s new president, Dr. Mario Pinto, and the NSERC Council’s Chair, Dr. Daniel Muzyka. I have long held both in high regard for their exceptional reputation and track-record as innovators with a transformative impact on institutions they lead.”
Christian first arrived in Canada as a 15 year old high school student. He has a strong record of cooperation with the federal government and its departments and agencies on key files, impeccable administrative credentials, a track record as a team player who provides reliable, timely advice; and a long-time advocate for innovation in the way the federal government funds and generates discovery, and its benefit for Canadians whose tax dollars are ultimately on the line.
“I have been a vocal advocate for research at smaller universities, such as RMCC, and raised flags about some of the deleterious consequences recent changes have had for tri-council fund research at smaller universities.”