Functional responsibility:
The Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA) was created as part of a government project entitled Energy Breakthrough, a project for the development of new technology for recovery and processing of Alberta's oil sands resources. The Authority administered a fund created to provide support over an initial five-year period for research on the development of techniques for the recovery of "synthetic" crude oil from the four major oil sands deposits in northern Alberta. According to the Act, the Authority was responsible for providing a means for assisting, encouraging and promoting research into the technological methods needed for the efficient and economic recovery and processing of crude bitumen and other oil sands products, as well as the technological methods needed to ensure an acceptable quality of environment during and after recovery and processing operation; for compiling, assessing and disseminating technological information; for establishing cooperation among government, industry, universities and other institutions/agencies; and for solving or alleviating technological problems preventing the development of production capacity to meet the demand for synthetic crude oil. In later years, additional funds were provided by the Alberta Government to continue the project. Amendments to the initial act extended the Authority's responsibilities to the recovery of heavy oils and the enhanced recovery from conventional petroleum reservoirs.

AOSTRA worked in partnership with the Alberta Research Council, which had been conducting research into the processing and uses of oil sands since the 1930's. The Authority contracted out research to the Research Council, which was performed at the Oil Sands Research Centre.

Predecessor and successor bodies:
The Authority had no predecessors with the same functional responsibilities. Upon dissolution of the Authority in 2000, its assets and liabilities were transferred to the Alberta Science and Research Authority (ASRA). The Act which dissolved the Authority also created the Alberta Energy Research Institute, which became responsible for advising the Minister and ASRA on research into energy resources development in Alberta.

Administrative relationships:
On February 1, 1994, the Minister of Energy announced major restructuring in the Ministry of Energy. A new division within the Department of Energy was to be created, the Oil Sands and Research Division. The new division brought together energy research, which included AOSTRA and equity investment in oils sands. AOSTRA continued to be responsible for assisting in new technology development. It provided funds for petroleum recovery and processing from Alberta's oil sands deposits and heavy crude reserves, and for the enhanced recovery of oil from conventional petroleum reservoirs. AOSTRA regained its former status as a semi-independent agency when it was transferred to the Ministry of Science, Research and Information Technology in February 1999.

When it was first created, the Alberta Oil Sands Research and Technology Authority reported to the Minister of Mines and Minerals. The Authority has also reported to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (1975-1986) and the Minister of Energy (1986-1994). Between 1994 and 1999, the Authority was part of the Department of Energy. In February 1999 the Authority was transferred to the Department of Science, Research and Information Technology and the Authority reported directly to the Minister, thus regaining its status as a semi-independent agency. From May 1999 until its dissolution in August 2000, the Authority reported to the Minister of Innovation and Science.

Administrative structure:
According to the originating Act, the Authority was to consist of no less than three and no more than seven members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. Membership was increased to nine members in 1979.

Names of chief officers:
Chairmen of the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority:
Maurice Anthony Carrigy (1975)
C.W. Bowman (1975-1984)
Reginald D. Humphreys (1984-1986)
Maurice Anthony Carrigy (acting) (1986-1987)
William J. Yurko (1987-1993)
Richard W. Luhning (acting) (1993-1995)
Richard M. Hyndman (1995-1998)
Robert J. King (1998-2000)