Introduction

Spectrum Sciences Institute (SSI) was conceived by a group of prominent scientists and engineers based in Ottawa, through round table discussions and fori that occurred over a period of four years preceding incorporation in 1995. Dr. Jacek Wojcik and APREL Laboratories were the founding members and principal contributors of resources. SSI is an independently run and administered organization operating outside of APREL Laboratories.

As a not-for-profit organization, Spectrum Sciences Institute is owned and governed by its members from all fields of science, research, development, engineering and management.

Mission, Mandate and Objective

The Mission of SSI is to enhance awareness of the current use and further potential of the electromagnetic spectrum. SSI has the objective of making spectrum sciences and its applications known to all within the global community through the sharing of knowledge and education. Activities focus on, but are not limited to, the entire electromagnetic spectrum concentrating on radio frequencies. The mandate of SSI is to expand the knowledge of the global community to the ever growing need for research applied to development of the use of the spectrum. The development of knowledge shall be achieved through standards development, scientific research & development, development of new
engineering practices, open forum discussions and public awareness.

The objective of the Institute is to serve, and work with, multi-stakeholders from all fields of science, research, development, engineering and management who have a common interest in developing applications and understanding the science associated with the use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Through activities geared towards discussion and applicable programs, knowledge can be shared and disseminated to all who show an interest in these fields.

Headquarters

The SSI headquarters and meeting facilities are located in Ottawa, Canada's Capital and the home of the Silicon Valley North technology cluster. In addition, proximity of universities and government research laboratories, such as the National Research Council of Canada and the Communications Research Centre enhances the effectiveness and impact of SSI around the world.

SSI has also established a presence in western Canada, based in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Expansion beyond Canada is foreseen by SSI as integral to its mandate as an institute providing knowledge and education to the global community.

Programs and Activities

Education

A goal of SSI is the creation of an educational outreach to support elementary, high school, college and university education programs. This goal will be accomplished by drawing some of the brightest talents from around the globe to enhance the knowledge base and develop appropriate educational material. Through input from industry, government and the scientific community, SSI also aims to educate the general public in the benefits of exploring and utilizing the available spectrum. This will be accomplished through

· Joint stakeholder seminars
· Specialized workshops
· Technology forums
· Conferences and Roundtables
· Web training

Information dissemination

By sharing information using the latest technology tools available, SSI aims to keep members and interested parties up-to-date with contemporary, advanced and leading edge research topics. These tools include:

· Web portals
· Web standards forum
· Web library and links
· Newsletters and information bulletins

Standards Activities

Through sponsorship and fees, SSI is committed to the development of standards or participation in development of standards used throughout the global community. By maintaining a presence on international standards committees, SSI aims to keep members updated on the latest approach to regulatory and compliance procedures used for maintaining and licensing the available spectrum. All contributions made to standards committees will be discussed and shared throughout the membership of SSI. SSI will maintain an unbiased approach to the creation of global standards so as to retain an equal and viable structure for users and regulators. When appropriate, SSI will "fast track" the development of standards and technical specifications based on new practices and protocols when the "formal" standards process is too slow to respond to immediate needs. This practice will enhance technology breakthrough and help eliminate delays for technology introduction. These activities will include:

· Roundtables
· Representation of stakeholders on various committees
· Standards development and writing
· Standards updates to stakeholders and members
· Certification programs

Research

SSI will utilize funds gained through membership fees and sponsorship to endorse and help manage projects and research activities. SSI will continue to support industry, academia, government, and the general public with research activities geared to develop and nurture new methods of exploring and utilizing the spectrum. Research activities will involve all forms of exploration and development of the spectrum; from astronomy, medicine, communication, spectrum management and technology development. Collaboration between industry, government and academia, who are not members of the institute, will be encouraged for activities deemed to be relevant to the SSI mandate. Management of the research activities will be achieved through the following:

· Program committee
· Proposal evaluation
· Project sponsors' selection
· Project partners' selection
· Project guidance and management
· Peer review