VANCOUVER, BC, April 16,
2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian government is sending
a strong signal of support for Canadian science with an
unprecedented $399.8M in funding for
TRIUMF, Canada's particle
accelerator centre, as announced in today's federal Budget 2024.
The funding, which represents the largest investment in the
laboratory to date, will enable TRIUMF's national and international
research communities to advance critical research and innovation,
including the development of isotope-based cures for cancer and
illuminating the form and function of our Universe using
accelerator-produced isotopes.
The funding supports TRIUMF operations through 2030 and will
significantly fortify the laboratory's world-leading science
programs, including in the areas of nuclear and particle physics,
life sciences, and materials sciences. The funding will also allow
TRIUMF to continue expanding its research and production capacity
for actinium-225 (the 'rarest drug on earth'), a short-lived
radioactive isotope with tremendous promise for treating cancer.
TRIUMF will also bring online a new, flagship multidisciplinary
research facility, the Advanced Rare Isotope Laboratory, which will
triple TRIUMF's rare isotope production capacity and shift the
landscape of global isotope beam science in Canada's favour through increased academic and
international partner collaborations, industry partnerships, and
technology transfer.
"We are tremendously pleased and grateful for this historic
investment into Canadian science," said Nigel Smith, TRIUMF Executive Director and CEO.
"The federal government has recognized the immense value of
TRIUMF's world-leading accelerator infrastructure, our community's
contributions to the national academic ecosystem and in training
the next generation of STEM leaders, and the leadership we enable
for Canada within international
Big Science."
"With today's budget results, the federal government is setting
a strong vision for science in Canada, and for our major science facilities
and the invaluable national community of researchers who need this
infrastructure to do their work," said Angus Livingstone, Chair, TRIUMF Board of
Governors. "TRIUMF is well-positioned to continue to driving impact
for Canadians for years and decades to come."
SOURCE TRIUMF