$171.6 million in funding will
go to 5 science and research organizations across Ottawa
OTTAWA,
ON, May 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Canada's scientists and researchers are
working to solve some of the world's greatest challenges for the
benefit of us all. Their innovations and discoveries are the
foundation of Canadian economic growth and prosperity, as well as
the health and well-being of people in Canada. That is why the Government of
Canada continues to make
investments to boost research and innovation and ensure
Canada remains a leader in
research and new technologies.
Today, the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families,
Children and Social Development on behalf of the Honourable
François-Philippe Champagne,
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable
Mark Holland, Minister of Health, highlighted up to $171.6 million in funding for third-party science
and research organizations through the Strategic Science Fund. The
funding will support 5 organizations in Ottawa, as announced in December 2023, and was awarded through a new
competitive, merit-based and transparent process, informed by the
advice of an independent expert review panel. The organizations
include:
- Actua – up to $38.4 million
- ArcticNet Inc. – up to $32.5
million
- BioCanRx – up to $38 million
- Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) – up to
$14.2 million
- Stem Cell Network (SCN) – up to $48.5
million
These organizations span Canada's science and research landscape and
are making contributions in a range of crucial areas, including
researching and developing health care solutions, supporting
Indigenous inclusion and research, addressing climate change,
supporting Arctic science and research, making advancements in
emerging technologies such as quantum computing and artificial
intelligence, promoting STEM education among young people, and
facilitating learning and training opportunities for post-secondary
students.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is
proud to be investing in science and research organizations that
play a vital role in Canada's
research ecosystem. The government's ongoing support for science
and research, including through the Strategic Science Fund, is
helping to cement Canada's
position as a world leader in innovation, and will ensure a better
quality of life for all Canadians."
– The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and
Social Development
"Science and research are the cornerstones of Canada's economic well-being and progress.
Canada's researchers work to
expand our understanding of the world, and they generate new ideas
to solve some of the biggest challenges of our time. With this
investment through the Strategic Science Fund, the Government of
Canada is continuing its support
for world-class, cutting-edge research and for those who work to
inspire and train the next generation."
– The Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"By investing in health organizations through the Strategic
Science Fund, we are advancing Canadian research and knowledge that
will improve health outcomes across the country. This funding
supports innovative medical treatments, advanced biotechnological
applications, genomic science, regenerative medicine, and research
into cancer and brain health. By deepening our understanding of
health challenges and supporting science-based solutions, we are
investing in the well-being of people in Canada."
– The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health
"This investment will allow us to harness our home-grown
expertise in diverse fields of research such as cancer and STEM
cell technology, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
Developments in these fields are critical to improving the quality
of life of all Canadians, while also bringing in over $171 million to research and development right
here in Ottawa. We are proud to
support Canadian leaders in their fields knowing that their work is
an integral part of the health and prosperity of our communities
and our country."
– The Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of parliament for
Ottawa-Vanier
"Successful scientific innovation and discovery requires a
sustained and ongoing commitment in support of those on the front
lines of research. Successive federal budgets have strengthened and
enhanced that commitment and with today's funding announcement
through the Strategic Science Fund, our continuing commitment is
further demonstrated. Our world class Canadian researchers require
a nimbleness that will allow them to address the health care
challenges of the modern world. The funds awarded today to the five
organizations here in Ottawa will
go a long way toward achieving the goal of improving the
efficiency, effectiveness and quality of today's research to meet
tomorrow's challenges."
– The Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Member of parliament for Ottawa
Center.
"Today's investment reaffirms our commitment to advancing
Canadian innovation and supporting our brightest minds, right here
in the National Capital Region. By empowering our scientists and
researchers, we are driving economic growth, improving health
outcomes, and positioning Ottawa
as a leader in cutting-edge research. This ensures a brighter
future not only for Ottawa but for
all Canadians for generations to come."
– The Honourable David McGuinty, Member of parliament for Ottawa
South
"We are absolutely thrilled and so grateful for the support to
continue our fundamental work in research and science in
Canada's Arctic. As a nation with
the second largest Arctic land mass and largest Arctic coastline in
the world it is paramount that we as Canadians are leaders in
Arctic science and this investment can help ensure this now and
into the future. The climate is warming at four times the rate of
the global average in the Arctic regions and the world of the
future will not be the same as the world as we know it now – unless
we invest in discovery based science in key regions such as the
Arctic. We are also proud of our Canadian approach to science in
the Arctic which involved working in partnership with Inuit
organizations and communities where we equally value science
and Inuit knowledge".
- Jackie Dawson, Scientific Director, Network
of Centres of Excellence, ArcticNet
"Hosted by the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, BioCanRx
unites researchers and other stakeholders across Canada to advance immunotherapy, and turn all
cancers into curable diseases. Today's funding announcement marks a
significant step forward in the fight against cancer, both
nationwide and in Ottawa, where
our work has already benefited patients like Camille Leahy, whose acute leukemia is now in
remission thanks to a local clinical trial. We look forward to
continuing our work with researchers, clinicians, and patients in
Ottawa and in cities across the
country to develop immunotherapy treatments to benefit all
Canadians."
– Dr. Stéphanie Michaud, President and CEO, BioCanRx.
"We are grateful for this federal investment in Actua's work to
develop the early stages of Canada's talent pipeline. This significant
support recognizes the critical importance of youth engagement in
STEM, along with continued priority on removing barriers and
building inclusivity."
– Jennifer Flanagan, CEO, Actua.
"On behalf of Canada's Stem
Cell Network I would like to extend our thanks to the Government of
Canada for its ongoing support and
continued funding. SCN is committed to transforming lives
through regenerative medicine research, and as a pan-Canadian
community of researchers, clinicians, scholars and next generation
talent we will work with our partners to deliver the innovative
cell and gene therapies that Canadians expect and
deserve."
– Cate Murray, President & CEO Stem Cell Network
"We are thrilled to be part of the SSF family and this
collaborative approach to advancing Canada's science and innovation culture. CASC
is Canada's largest national
network of public science engagement organizations. Our members are
beloved and trusted sources for science information, and they
engage tens of millions of people across the country every year.
This funding signals the tremendous value of the work that they do,
and the essential role that CASC plays in bridging research,
science, and society."
– Dr. Marianne Mader, CEO of
the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC).
Quick facts
- This announcement is apart of more than $800 million in funding that will go to 24
science and research organizations across Canada.
- The creation of the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) was announced
in Budget 2019 as a way to make federal investments in third-party
science and research more effective by assessing applicants using a
framework of principles for allocating federal funding.
- Since 2016, the government has provided more than $16 billion to support science and research.
- In addition, Budget 2024 provides $825
million to increase support for master's, doctoral and
post-doctoral students, as well as $1.8
billion to the federal granting councils to increase core
research grant funding and support Canadian researchers.
- Budget 2024 also includes investments in modern, high-quality
research facilities and infrastructure to help solve real-world
problems, create economic opportunities, and attract and train the
next generation of scientific talent.
- The next call for applications to the SSF is scheduled to take
place in 2026–2027. Funding from the current competition will be
disbursed from April 2024 to
March 2029, pending finalization of
contribution agreements.
Associated link
- List of recipients and funding amounts
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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada