Canon U.S.A. Commemorates a Decade of the Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program.

Past and Present Canon Scholars Reunite at Grand Canyon National Park

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. -- Celebrating a decade of developing and supporting the next generation of scientists in the field of conservation, environmental science and park management through the Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program, Canon U.S.A., Inc., today announced that 30 past and present Canon Scholars will gather for a retreat at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, October 9 - October 14. The program is sponsored by Canon U.S.A., in cooperation with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the National Park Service (NPS).

"The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program's mission is to train the next generation of conservation scientists by encouraging the best and brightest graduate students in all relevant disciplines to conduct research important to the future of national parks, and expand scientific knowledge concerning conservation and sustainability, and broadly share the knowledge gained," said William Reed, senior vice president and general manager, Corporate Communications, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Since the inception of this program, Canon Scholars have conducted research in more than 84 national parks throughout the Americas and published more than 325 scientific papers. Many have gone on to successful scientific and conservation careers, as well as conduct science critical to the preservation of national parks."

"This retreat is an extraordinary opportunity for young scientists to share their work on national parks, to learn from each other, and to celebrate the achievements of the Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program," said Dr. Mike Soukup, associate director, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science, NPS. "It is an exciting gathering, and the national parks and protected areas of the future are the ultimate beneficiaries."

"AAAS has been pleased to be a partner in the Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program. Developing the next generation of conservation leaders involves supporting their scholarly development and also their commitment to share their science and to use what they know to make a difference," said Dr. Shirley Malcom, Head, Education and Human Resources, AAAS. "At AAAS we talk about 'advancing science and serving society'. That is what this program embodies."

The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program was established in 1997 in the U.S. and expanded in 2002 to include students and national parks throughout the Americas. Since its inception, more than 75 doctoral students have experienced the program.

The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program awards doctoral dissertation scholarships in four broad categories to support student research. The categories include biological, physical, social and cultural sciences, as well as projects in technology innovation in support of conservation sciences.

At the retreat, participating Canon scholars will have the opportunity to share their research with one another through presentations and discussions. Dr. Steven K. Pyne, an authority on forest and wild land fires, as well as the Grand Canyon, will be in attendance to speak with the scholars. Canon Scholars will have the opportunity to hike the Grand Canyon and participate in a photography workshop with a Canon professional.

"Our corporate philosophy of Kyosei - all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future, is brought to life through our support of programs that help the advancement of science and the preservation of national parks for future generations," explained Reed.

The 2007 Canon National Parks Science Scholars will be introduced later this month. For more information, visit www.canonscholars.org.

In addition to the Canon National Park Science Scholars Program, Canon U.S.A. supports a wide range of environmental education and conservation initiatives, including the Canon Envirothon, one of North America's largest high school environmental education competitions; the PBS Nature series; programs at Yellowstone National Park; and many additional local programs. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com/environment.

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. For more information about the NPS visit www.nps.gov.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest general scientific society, and publisher of the journal, Science (www.sciencemag.org). AAAS was founded in 1848, and serves some 262 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world, with an estimated total readership of one million. The non-profit AAAS (www.aaas.org) is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives in science policy; international programs; science education; and more.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006+, with global revenues of $34.9 billion, is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

(+)IFI Patent Intelligence, January 11, 2007