Ontario government invests in genomics research
A $100m fund has been set up by the Canadian government to support globally significant, collaborative research projects that are headquartered in Ontario, Canada. This fund will create high-skilled jobs in research and technology, and brings Ontario's commitment to funding science since 2003 to $1.4bn.
A $100m fund has been set up by the Canadian government to support globally significant, collaborative research projects that are headquartered in Ontario, Canada. This fund will create high-skilled jobs in research and technology, and brings Ontario's commitment to funding science since 2003 to $1.4bn.
Focused on genomics and gene-related research, the fund aim to accelerate new knowledge that could lead to cures, better treatment and prevention for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It will also support innovation in agriculture, environmental protection and clean technologies.
Investing in research and innovation has been a cornerstone of Ontario's economic planning since 2003 and Ontario's Innovation Agenda. The agenda is a $3.2bn plan to make Ontario one of the best places in the world to turn world-class research into world-class jobs.
"At a time when economic challenges are tempting some governments to scale back on their innovation spending, Ontario is more committed than ever to its vision of global leadership through collaboration," said John Wilkinson, minister of research and innovation. "New discoveries and breakthroughs will continue to be made - and we want those people, those ideas, and those jobs right here in Ontario."
Ontario is the largest hub of biomedical activity in Canada and the fourth largest biomedical research centre in North America.
Between 2005 and 2008, provincial investments in research and innovation leveraged $1.1bn while helping to advance the knowledge, skills and training of close to 30,000 individuals.