Meet the Acting Chief Scientist
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Dr. John Orwin, Acting Chief Scientist
The Acting Chief Scientist was appointed through Ministerial Order under section 15.1 (1) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
Dr. John Orwin was appointed as Acting Chief Scientist on October 14, 2026.
Dr. Orwin is an environmental scientist, executive leader and former academic with more than 25 years of experience spanning academia, consulting and government. He holds a Ph.D. in hydrology and geomorphology from the University of Western Ontario, with expertise in cold-region hydrology, environmental monitoring and geospatial science.
Before joining the Government of Alberta in 2017, John held senior academic and consulting roles in New Zealand and Canada and conducted field-based research in remote environments, including Antarctica and the Canadian Arctic. Since joining the Government of Alberta, he has provided scientific and strategic leadership for major provincial environmental science and monitoring programs, including the Oil Sands Monitoring Program.
He remains an active scientist, continuing to publish research on cold-region hydrology, landscape responses to environmental disturbance, and innovative geospatial approaches to understanding environmental conditions and change.
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
Reporting on Alberta’s Environment
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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.
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.
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:
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]