Historical Perspectives on the Canadian Light Source
Ken Coates
7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Convocation Hall, College Building
University of Saskatchewan
The
opening of the Canadian Light Source represents a major milestone for
the University of Saskatchewan and for the scientific enterprise in
Canada. The World Year of Physics and the establishment of the
Canadian Light Source provide an occasion to reflect on the historical
significance of this singular achievement in this year of
Saskatchewan’s Centennial. The scientific and professional roots
of the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan warrant
particular attention. The decision to construct the country's largest
scientific instrument in Saskatoon puzzled many observers but, in the
context of the history of the University and the Department of Physics
and Engineering Physics and other units on campus, the selection was
logical, if still controversial. There is another historical
context worthy of consideration. The scientists using the Canadian
Light Source are exploring on the edge of knowledge, generating new
insights that will challenge our understanding of the natural world.
There is much to be learned from the experience of early explorers, who
like contemporary scientists, faced the formidable challenge of
explaining their work and discoveries to skeptical audiences.Explorers
in the past shocked humanity with geographical, biological, cultural
and scientific discoveries and alerted the world to new
opportunities and challenges; it falls to synchrotron scientists to
find the descriptive powers necessary to generate excitement and
understanding about their discoveries and insights.
Presented by the
Department of Physics and Engineering Physics,
Department of History
and the Canadian Light Source
Ken Coates was Professor of History and Dean, College of Arts and Science, at the University of Saskatchewan.He is completing a book on the history of the Canadian Light Source. PEP World Year of Physics Page Printable Poster (in PDF format)
