Research and Development
Programs at National Defence
Dr. Bob Walker, DND
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2002, 6:30
p.m. - refreshments; 7:00 p.m. - presentation
Air Force Officers Mess,
162 Gloucester St, Ottawa
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is a
Special Operating Agency within National Defence charged with management and
delivery of defence R&D to ensure the future technological readiness of
the Canadian Forces. DRDC operates within a unique management construct for
the formulation and delivery of government science, particularly in the manner
in which it is able to partner its in-house capabilities with those of the
private sector, universities and allies. The presentation will describe how
the defence R&D program is formulated and delivered, and the mechanisms
employed to facilitate the transition of technologies arising from the
investment into fielded capabilities. The presentation will also highlight how
DRDC manages its internal Science and Technology competencies to ensure that
it has the right people with the right knowledge and expertise to address the
Canadian Forces future technological challenges.
In 1999-2000, DRDC
had 1050 employees and a S&T
budget of $210M. DRDC helps develop Canadian
S&T industrial defence capability and participates in external S&T
projects. Its expertise includes: Sensors and Information Technology (e.g.
electronic warfare, radar, infrared and electro-optical surveillance, data
fusion, and decision support); Combat Systems (e.g. weapons effects,
hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, ballistics, and energetic materials); and Human
Systems (e.g. human factors, psychological and physical performance,
simulation and training, protection and operational medicine).
The objective is to create an innovative path into
the future through S&T research and development. Achievement of the DRDC
goal will be realized through the dedication of highly skilled and motivated
scientific and technical teams offering world class R&D across a broad
spectrum of defence technology and working in unique test and engineering
facilities across Canada.
Dr. Walker is currently the Director General,
Research and Development Programs at Defence R&D Canada (DRDC), a position
he has held since 1998. During his 25 year career at DRDC, Dr. Walker has held
the position of DG at Defence Research Establishment Valcartier (1995),
Director of Research & Development Communications and Space (1990), and
Head of Defence Research Establishment Atlantic's Signal Processing Section
(1987). Dr. Walker holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from McMaster
University.
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(Modified: 27 feb 2004)