Toronto-based MaRS Discovery District has proposed expanding some of its innovation components to Calgary. However, key players involved in exploratory talks say the $60-million “MaRS West” initiative will need to complement, not compete with, Calgary’s existing innovation entities and ecosystem.
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Translational research on spinal cord injury receives $48-million award from DARPA
Canadian researchers are a core part of an international consortium of universities, startups and nonprofit organizations that has received a $48-million, 5-year grant from DARPA focused on improving paralysis in patients who have suffered acute spinal cord injury. Dr. Brian Kwon, MD, a spine surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital, Canada Research Chair in Spinal Cord Injury and professor of Orthopaedics at the University of British Columbia, is leading the Canadian team.
The Short Report – Oct. 7, 2020: Digital health solutions continue to accelerate, U of A prof wins Nobel Prize, and more
The COVID-19 Immunity Task Force will study the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among Canadians over 50 years old; Dr. Mona Nemer is appointed to a second term as Chief Science Officer, and digital health technology continues to accelerate in Canada.
Strategic federal investment and better data needed to support clean growth, says national research institute
The federal government needs to invest more strategically in clean technologies and improve data gathering to support climate goals, clean economic growth and Canadians’ well-being, says a new report by the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices. Yet despite several challenges which include COVID-19, Canada’s clean tech industry continues to grow, speakers told Sustainable Development Technology Canada’s annual meeting.
By the Numbers: Changing tides for Canada’s lagging position in electric vehicle production
Last week, the governments of Canada and Ontario together pledged up to $500 million to enable Ford to build electric vehicles at the carmaker’s plant in Oakville. The investment comes just in time for Canada’s auto industry, which has lagged to 12th place internationally in EV production.
A brief history of science advice and key advisors in Canada
Science advisors play essential players in the discourse around evidence and data to inform decision-making, especially during the pandemic. Here is a sketch of the key Canadian science advisors over the past decades.
The Short Report – Sept. 30, 2020: CARIC wraps up operations, U of T receives its largest donation yet, and more
The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine will benefit from a $250 million donation to support advances in human health and health care; Roger Scott-Douglas is the acting new president of the National Research Council of Canada.
Campaign calls on Ottawa to formalize the Chief Science Advisor’s position
In an open letter sent to the Prime Minister and Ministers Freeland and Bains, Evidence for Democracy (E4D) is calling for the position of Canada’s Chief Science Advisor (CSA) to be made permanent and for the CSA’s mandate to be expanded and updated.
OECD analysis finds new evidence for balancing direct and indirect support for business R&D
A recent OECD report offers new evidence on the impact of R&D tax incentives and direct funding of business R&D. The new analysis reveals that both types of support lead to different outcomes but similar increases in R&D performance.
The Short Report – September 23rd, 2020: New climate fund aims to boost awareness and research, Iain Stewart departs NRC for PHAC, and more
Iain Stewart becomes the new president of the Public Health Agency of Canada on Sept. 28th; OnCall Health seeks to expand partnerships and customers with its new round of funding; the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program and Innovate BC sign an MOU; the Canada Foundation for Innovation appoints three new members to its board.