Biographies

Dr. Robert Walker
Assistant Deputy Minister (Science and Technology) of the Department of National Defence and the Chief Executive Officer of Defence R&D Canada

In his capacity as Assistant Deputy Minister (Science and Technology), Dr. Walker has functional authority to oversee the Department of National Defence's S&T investment, and is the principal Canadian representative to the NATO Research and Technology Board and the Technology Cooperation Program (TTCP). He also provides departmental input to national issues in defence and security science and technology by sitting on a number of interdepartmental committees of assistant deputy ministers.

In his capacity as CEO, he leads Defence R&D Canada, which consists of a national network of seven defence research centres with an annual budget of $300 million and a staff of 1500 people in programs addressing a broad range of defence technologies. Defence R&D Canada provides national leadership in defence and security science, and provides scientific advice and products to the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence. The defence S&T network extends beyond the Defence Research Centres to encompass partnerships with Canadian industry, universities, and allied defence S&T organizations.

Dr. Walker's achievements have been recognized by the Deputy Minister of National Defence in 2003 with a DM Commendation, by the international community in 2001 with a TTCP Personal Achievement Award and by DRDC in 2005 for the Agency Performance Excellence Award.