Nova Scotian Institute of Science

{{Short description|Research institute in Nova Scotia, Canada}}

The Nova Scotian Institute of Science (NSIS) is a membership organization promoting science in Nova Scotia. It was founded in 1862 as a direct descendant of the Halifax Mechanics' Institute (1831–1860) and the Halifax Literary and Scientific Society (1839–1862).Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "History of the NSIS." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/ It is one of the oldest learned societies in Canada. The NSIS was incorporated by an Act of the Nova Scotia Legislature in 1890, the Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia in 1967,Nova Scotia Legislature. "Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1967." Retrieved from https://nslegislature.ca/ and received its first grant from the Legislature in 1867.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "NSIS Funding History." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/funding

Since the early 1800s and into current times, Nova Scotians have been making significant contributions in science and technology, especially for the life sciences, health sciences, and marine sciences.Government of Nova Scotia. "Scientific Contributions of Nova Scotians." Retrieved from https://novascotia.ca/science/ The NSIS maintains a list of famous Nova Scotian scientists and inventions.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Famous Nova Scotian Scientists." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/notable-scientists

The NSIS has been continuously active in its mission of showcasing and communicating science and providing an outlet for original research through its publication and public lectures.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Our Mission." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/about/ It engages in a number of activities, such as publishing The Proceedings of the NSIS (or ‘PNSIS’)—a peer-reviewed scientific journal—and organizing an annual Student Science Writing Competition within Nova Scotia.Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Editorial Policy and Scope." Retrieved from https://nsis1862.ca/publications/ The PNSIS especially serves as a vehicle for relaying important scientific matters and scientific discoveries within the Canadian maritime region.

Anyone from Nova Scotia and beyond with an interest in science can be a member of the NSIS. At present, society members include both active and retired scientists, students, secondary school teachers, professors, physicians, and members of the general public.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Membership Information." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/membership/ Honorary members of the NSIS include Arthur McDonald, Mary Ann White, and Jeffrey Dahn.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Honorary Members." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/honorary-members/ As of 2024, approximately 120 individuals and institutions are active members of the NSIS.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Membership Statistics 2024." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/membership-statistics

The PNSIS also sponsors free monthly lectures which are usually presented in-person at a Nova Scotian university and accessible on Zoom.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Lecture Series." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/lectures/ They are also archived on YouTube.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "NSIS YouTube Channel." Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/user/nsis1862 On occasion, graduate students from Nova Scotian universities are further invited to give seminars, thereby providing an important outlet for outstanding student research. Further sponsorship has historically been given by the NSIS to scientific conferences and trade fairs in the Maritime provinces (e.g., the annual Sable Island Report, the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society, and the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership).Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Past Sponsored Events." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/events/

Executive members of the NSIS frequently serve as judges for local, regional, and provincial science fairs in Nova Scotia, thus further supporting Nova Scotia’s scientific educational community.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Science Fair Involvement." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/science-fairs/ The NSIS also regularly organizes excursions for its members and guests, with past field trips including, for example, Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest, Purcell Cove Backlands, and Scatarie Island.Nova Scotian Institute of Science. "Past Excursions." Retrieved from https://nsis.ca/field-trips/ These outings have elements of scientific interest, and they are an opportunity to share experiences and socialize. They are led either by member volunteers or by subject-matter experts.

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