Canadian author Robert J. Sawyer has been named the first ever writer-in-residence at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He will be at the facility from 1 June to 31 July 2009 (with time out for Readercon in Massachusetts). He will use the residency to “explore the creative processes at the root of science and art, and increase public discussion of science in Canada.”
Sawyer first became acquainted with the facility in April 2005, when he was on a joint book tour for his novel Mindscan with Robert Charles Wilson and his Spin. When he returns, he’ll be performing the duties typical of a writer-in-residence: mentoring writers on-site and in the community, participating in outreach activities, and working on his own works.
“Imagination is at the heart of both artistic and scientific endeavours,” said Sawyer. “And the science being done in Canada is world-class. The opportunity to immerse myself for two months at one of Canada’s—and the world’s—top scientific institutions will enormously enrich my writing, and I hope my presence will stimulate the imaginations of people at the CLS and in the surrounding community. It’s a win-win situation.”
“This is an amazing opportunity, not only for the staff and national research community of the Canadian Light Source, but also the literary community,” said Jeff Cutler, Director of Industrial Research at the CLS. “A common thread in Rob’s work—the role that science plays in our humanity and how we understand the universe—is echoed in our focus on discovery, innovation, and progress. The residency is an excellent opportunity to have a world-leading author share in the life of a world-leading science facility.”
The CLS is Canada’s national center for synchrotron research, and houses the 2.9 GeV synchrotron. which came on line in January 2004. Information on the facility is available on this page.