Transport Canada's Departmental Science Advisor

Science is the foundation of our work. It contributes to a safe, secure, clean and integrated transportation system by:

  • supporting our regulatory and policy development
  • providing a basis for climate action and innovation in the transportation sector

TC is committed to strengthening science in its decision-making, supporting the vital work done by Canadian researchers, and ensuring that science is fully available to the public.

About TC’s Departmental Science Advisor

Dr. Sriram Narasimhan is a professor of civil and environmental engineering and mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of California Los Angeles Samueli School of Engineering and an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo. He has published over 100 journal articles and is a leading expert on:

  • sensors and robotics for infrastructure inspections and mapping
  • structural dynamics
  • system identification
  • structural control and adaptive structures
  • vibration and acoustic signal processing
  • machine learning for infrastructure condition assessment and condition-based maintenance

Dr. Narasimhan has joined TC part-time while maintaining his academic position. He reports directly to the Deputy Ministers of TC and works closely with Canada’s Chief Science Advisor.

Mandate

TC created the Departmental Science Advisor position to:

  • provide expert advice to, and act as a neutral sounding board for, senior management on key scientific issues
  • promote a positive and productive dialogue between departmental scientists and academia, both in Canada and abroad, and serve as a link between the Department and external stakeholders
  • provide advice on the creation and implementation of processes to ensure that scientific analyses are considered in departmental decision-making
  • assess and recommend ways to improve horizontal scanning to identify issues and strengthen the existing science advisory function within the department and the federal government
  • advise on recruitment and retention initiatives to ensure a robust and diverse cadre of in-house experts

Related information

Need help?

If you have any questions, contact Jim Lothrop, Director General, Innovation Centre.