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,…
The Canadian government has announced that it will invest Can$1 billion (about US$780 million) over the next five years to create a funding agency focused on innovation in science and technology. The unit will buck a trend of countries trying to replicate the renowned US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA); instead, it will be modelled on innovation agencies in Finland and…
Canada’s Stem Cell Network (SCN) announced today the launch of IGNITE 2022-2025, its three-year strategic plan funded by the Government of Canada through a $45 million Budget 2021 commitment, starting April 1st, 2022. Additionally, SCN is releasing a refreshed brand identity and updated vision to guide its work for the coming years. Stem cells have traditionally fuelled the field of regenerative medicine…
Arthur Kornberg, the Nobel laureate biochemist, described basic research as “the province of the individual investigator and remains the lifeline of medicine.” He could have added that it is the foundation for therapeutics and technologies that change the course of history. The importance of basic science research to human health and economic prosperity was demonstrated most recently and rather powerfully in the…
Canada is a world leader in stem cell and regenerative medicine (RM) research – a field, poised for tremendous growth with significant health and economic benefits. Today, recognizing the importance of talent development to advance the sector, the Stem Cell Network and Mitacs are launching a new partnership that will provide tomorrow’s life science leaders with the skills and experience…