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Office of the Chief Scientist

Coordinates delivery of Alberta’s Environmental Science Program to provide data and reporting on the condition of Alberta's environment.

Meet the Chief Scientist

  • Photo of the Chief Scientist, Dr. Jonathan Thompson

    Dr. Jonathan Thompson

    The Chief Scientist is appointed through Ministerial Order under Section 15.1 (1) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.

    Dr. Jonathan Thompson was appointed as Chief Scientist on October 13, 2020. He holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Western Ontario, a M.Sc. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from the University of Missouri and a B.Sc. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from North Carolina State University. 

    Dr. Thompson has contributed to environmental science and monitoring efforts in Alberta for over 30 years including extensive experience as a Research Biologist and Adjunct Professor in Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta.

Roles and responsibilities

The legislated role of the Chief Scientist is to:

  • report on the condition of Alberta’s environment to the public, government, and Environment and Protected Areas Advisory Panels
  • provide scientific oversight for Alberta’s Environmental Science Program
  • provide and/or coordinate strategic advice and guidance for the Environmental Science Program through consultation with EPA’s Science Advisory Panel (SAP) and the Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel (IWAP)

Other responsibilities of the Chief Scientist include:

  • providing scientific advice to address complex environmental challenges and opportunities facing the province and the government
  • promoting and build scientific excellence through research partnerships with universities and other credible scientific institutions and organizations
  • serving as a champion of science, research, and the role of evidence, as a recognized and active researcher in environmental sciences
  • providing and facilitate environmental science communication to the Government of Alberta and Albertans

View articles from the Chief Scientist

Reporting on Alberta’s Environment

  • Lanscape featuring mountain and forest reflecting on the clear waters of a lake.

    Alberta’s Environmental Science Program coordinates the monitoring and reporting of scientifically credible data and information on the condition of Alberta’s environment. 

    The Office of the Chief Scientist uses this information to share insights on trends in the condition of Alberta’s environment based on appropriate indicators for air, water, climate, fish and wildlife, and plants, land, and wetlands.

    Explore Condition of the Environment reports

Advisory panels

Science Advisory Panel (SAP)

The Science Advisory Panel reviews the scientific quality and relevance of Alberta’s Environmental Science Program and provides independent, science-based advice on components of the program to the Minister of EPA and Chief Scientist. 

Learn more about the Science Advisory Panel

Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel (IWAP)

The Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel (IWAP) advises the Minister of EPA and Chief Scientist on how to respectfully apply traditional ecological knowledge to Alberta’s Environmental Science Program.

Learn more about the Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel

Championing Science in Alberta

The Office of the Chief Scientist supports a variety of programs and activities to promote sound environmental research and knowledge synthesis. Recent activities include:

  • Alberta Native Trout Science Workshop and Gathering II

    Date: January 2026

    This workshop built on 2023 Alberta Native Trout Science Workshop to provide further opportunities for scientists to build on and share research and science on native trout biology, management and recovery efforts. 

    The workshop highlighted several topics including:

    • conservation successes including hundreds of remediated stream crossings
    • scientific advances in genomics
    • cumulative effects models

    Learn more in: Alberta Native Trout Science Workshop and Gathering II Proceedings

  • Alberta Wetland Inventory Science Workshop

    Date: May 2025

    This virtual workshop sought to gather information on new wetland mapping science to help inform a strategy for developing an updated Alberta wetland inventory. 

    This workshop: 

    • showcased innovative wetland mapping methods applied in Alberta
    • presented recent wetland inventory projects from other North American jurisdictions

    Learn more in: Alberta wetland inventory science workshop proceedings

  • Citizen Science Alberta: Connecting People to Science Workshop

    Date: October 2024

    To advance citizen science in Alberta, this workshop explored the role of citizen science in: 

    • driving innovation
    • advancing community engagement in environmental monitoring opportunities

    Learn more in: Connecting people to science workshop proceedings

  • Ungulate Monitoring Methods Workshop

    Date: June 2024

    Sound wildlife management requires continuous assessment of population monitoring methods. This workshop, facilitated in collaboration with the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, explored innovations in ungulate monitoring and population modelling methods. Some of these innovative methods include:

    • camera traps
    • drones
    • genetics
    • integrated population models 
    • manned aerial infrared imaging

Contact

Connect with the Office of the Chief Scientist:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]