Article Type: Generic

Strategy mute on direct support programs

The S&T Strategy readily acknowledges that Canada’s business R&D spending is low by any number of measures and commits to encouraging business to spend more.

The results of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) annual research grants competition are in, with $583.2 million awarded in a variety of areas. Discovery Grants account for $458.

Pilot program could be made permanent

Seven Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) are forging international R&D partnerships with the assistance of a new competitive pilot program and expanding collaborations to developing nations through the participation of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

One of the most industry-savvy Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) hopes to use more than $1.1 million in funding under the new International Partnerships Initiative (IPI) program to extend its research activities into the global arena.

The SENTINAL Bioactive Paper Network has unveiled its first product designed to indicate the presence of air, water and food-borne pathogens using paper. The nanoscale breakthrough marks the first time Network researchers have been able to coat cellulose fibre with a bioactive compound that can detect bacteria and viruses, with potential applications in health care, food inspection and the treatment of air, soil and water.

The Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre (WHSC) has started construction on its new Siemens Institute for Advanced Medicine. The $200-million complex is using a public-private funding model that includes a world-class pharmaceutical firm and a 19-storey hotel embedded in the new facility.

Dr Andrew Bjerring has announced his intention step down as president and CEO of CANARIE after 14 years at the helm and weeks after successfully securing a new five-year, $120-million funding commitment (R$, March 26/07).

A new report from the CD Howe Institute slams labour-sponsored venture capital corporations (LSVCCs) and calls for government to end their tax subsidies in favour of other mechanisms for stimulating the growth of innovative firms.

$103 million in latest round

The Ontario government has announced more funding targeting research infrastructure and talent as it considers the optimal time for releasing its research and innovation strategy before this October’s provincial election.