What do Canadian
contributors to the International Space Station, NASA Space Shuttle Program,
and Westport innovators have in common? They’ve all been named as the Top 10 science
and technology stories of 2011 by the Canadian Science and Technology Museums
Corporation.
A team of curators
at the corporation (Canadian Museum of Science and
Technology, the Canadian Agricultural Museum, and the Canadian Space and
Aviation Museum) have
chosen what they feel are the most noteworthy science and technology-related
news items of 2011.
The stories
all highlight breakthrough and innovative technologies that were developed in
Canada. The common thread between each
story is their significant Canadian contribution and their impact on the future
within their respective areas.
“We thought
this was an opportunity to highlight Canada’s incredible discoveries in the
field because we have a growing awareness of our country’s contribution to
scientific achievement,” explains Merilyn Read, Communications and Marketing
Officer with the Canadian Science and Technology Museum.
The corporation
is posting a story per day to its website over the course of 10 days. On
February 2, the website highlights Dr. Philip Hill - principal inventor of
Westport founding technology using clean-burning natural gas in diesel engines
– who in 2011 was presented with the Encana Principal Award granted by the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation.
The initial
research conducted by Dr. Hill and his team at University of British Columbia
was the genesis of Westport leadership in developing and commercializing
low-emissions, environmentally friendly engine systems.
High
pressure direct injection (HPDI) allows diesel engines — the world’s workhorses
of transportation— to operate with the same power and efficiency that they are
known for, but with reduced emissions of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and
particulate matter, and 21-27 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.
“These
museums are bringing awareness to the public about how science and technology
are helping to transform Canada, and the way its citizens live, work, make
decisions and behave,” says Dr. Hill. “It’s gratifying to hear that this Top 10
list highlights and acknowledges the enterprise of the people at Westport, and
how their efforts influence growth and change.”
As part of
the museum’s mandate, the curatorial staff is trying to engage the public and
foster scientific curiosity and literacy. The museum’s team of curators
collectively decided which science and technology stories they felt were most
noteworthy from the past year.
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