About Defence R&D Canada

Dr. Robert S. Walker, Assistant Deputy Minister (Science & Technology) and Chief Executive Officer, Defence R&D Canada - Biographical Sketch

Dr. Robert Walker is the 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. He has been elected Chairman of the NATO Research and Technology Board (RTB) effective April 2009 and is the principal Canadian representative to 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 $350 million and a staff of 1700 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.