Canadian scientists are no longer able to do cutting-edge deep-sea research off Canada’s coasts because of outdated and unreliable research vessels, say co-chairs of the National Research Vessel Task Team. As a stop-gap measure, the group is proposing the development of modular ocean research infrastructure (MORI) that could be deployed on industry ships and other non-specialized vessels.
Organization: Dalhousie University
CFI awards $28 million for COVID-19 research infrastructure
The Canada Foundation of Innovation has announced the first awards from program that pivoted earlier this year to support scientific infrastructure related to studying COVID-19.
Superclusters’ focus on collaboration is reaping benefits for Canadian SMEs
Small and medium companies are hiring more employees, partnering with larger firms and expanding into new markets as a result of their participation in Canada’s superclusters.
Human genome editing is not safe for clinical use, but nations must prepare: Report
A highly anticipated report says heritable genome editing, using tools like CRISPR to create edits that can be passed down to future generations, is not yet safe enough for clinical use. But it also provides specific guidance on how nations should prepare for the eventual use of CRISPR or other gene editing tools, defining a translational pathway from research to the clinic.
Opinion: The banality of Canadian discourse on research commercialization
Jim Balsillie responds to expert criticism on the focus and merits of Ontario’s new IP plan. Balsillie chaired the Expert Panel on Intellectual Property for the Government of Ontario and is leading the implementation of its recommendations.
The Short Report – August 12, 2020: Feds invest in mining sector, CSIS warns universities about China, new Supercluster projects, and more
The Short Report: Feds invest in mining sector, CSIS warns universities about China, new Supercluster projects, more COVID 19-related support for Indigenous businesses, University of Alberta geologist on Mars mission, and more.
Feds developing unprecedented long-term research and pandemic preparedness strategy
The federal government is developing Canada’s first long-term research and pandemic preparedness strategy that will include a new Centre for Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies Research. Ottawa has provided nearly $1 million to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to lead its development.
The Short Report, May 6, 2020: AbCellera receives $175.6M for COVID-19 therapies; Canada contributes $850 million to global pandemic response; new “super angel” fund launches; and more
Vancouver-based AbCellera Biologics will receive up to $175.6 million from the federal Strategic Innovation Fund to fast-track antibody therapies against COVID-19. The funding will also go to build a first-of-its-kind antibody manufacturing facility over the next four years to help Canada respond to future pandemics. AbCellera has partnered with global biopharmaceutical company Eli Lilly to…
Feds invest $887 million to ensure reliable vaccine supply for COVID-19, other pandemics
The federal government’s investment of $887 million make Canada self-sufficient in manufacturing vaccines against COVID-19 and future pandemics, say medical and other experts. Along with Canadian-led vaccine development, Ottawa is investing in a network of small-scale vaccine manufacturing facilities that together will be able to produce enough vaccine for Canada’s population during pandemics.
Dalhousie investigator’s hunt for COVID-19 biomarkers highlights need for domestic and international research collaboration
Dr. David Kelvin in Halifax is leading an international effort to identify biomarkers for predicting the severity of COVID-19 in patients, and spearheading a collaborative network of scientists for the sharing of resources, materials and ideas.