Earlier this month, researchers attending Canada’s major annual science policy conference here got some seemingly good news when science minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government would be awarding CA$1 billion to research projects. But disappointment soon set in. The $1 billion, scientists realized, was existing, not new, money. The episode added to researchers’ gloom about Canada’s science funding.
Scientists and researchers play an integral role in helping to build a stronger, healthier and more resilient Canada. The Government of Canada understands that when we invest in Canada’s research community, we are investing in the discoveries of tomorrow that will lead to a better quality of life for everyone. Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced more than $1 billion in…
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a core strength of the biotechnology sector was the solutions the sector brings to the challenge of a global population moving quickly to nine or 10 billion people and the imperative of finding ways to fundamentally alter how we grow, manufacture, cure and fuel our economies and societies. While policymakers generally understood the sector’s overall…
Canada must invest adequately in the commercialization and talent development for the biotech sector or we may lose our best and brightest to other countries. The right policies for data collection, the commercialization of new drugs and taxes will help make Canada’s hosting conditions ideal for biotech companies. Canada needs more entrepreneurs in the biotech sector to not only innovate…
Science has a thoroughly global focus, exists within an interdisciplinary intellectual environment, and succeeds through collaborative work that reaches across borders, oceans, and time zones. Indeed, the multi-national, multi-disciplinary and inclusive character of 21st century research mirrors the most formidable challenges of our era, from global pandemics, such as the one we’ve all experienced since 2020, to climate change.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many lessons about science and technology. It has underlined the importance of quicker and smarter surveillance and responses to public health emergencies. The pandemic showed us how telehealth can be an accessible and effective health care option, and that preventative measures such as masks and physical distancing are useful to keep ourselves and others…
Clinical trials are essential scientific studies that evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and outcomes of health interventions such as vaccines and treatments used across Canada to protect Canadians from diseases. The Government of Canada is working to reinforce the clinical trials environment so that we can improve health outcomes for Canadians while ensuring Canada is well-positioned to respond to future pandemics…
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is pleased to announce funding of up to $21.45 million for a total of 13 training initiatives through its Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program. These training initiatives will benefit students and postdoctoral fellows by providing them training and mentoring opportunities in a collaborative setting to develop their professional and technical skills,…
The Government of Canada has launched a public consultation to inform a new Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy (PCGS), announced May 24, 2022 by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The deadline to share your views via an online survey on ISED’s PCGS portal is June 24, 2022. Recognizing the strengths and importance of Canada’s genomics ecosystem for the health and prosperity of Canadians, Budget 2021 announced…
Canada’s Stem Cell Network (SCN) announced today $19.5 million for 32 stem cell and regenerative medicine research projects and clinical trials. This investment is SCN’s largest funding injection into the sector in its 20-year history, made possible through increased funding by the Government of Canada in 2021. With in-kind and cash support from 34 partner organizations valued at $22.4 million,…