Canada’s Government Supports Nine New National Strategic Research Networks

Hamilton, Ontario, September 24, 2009 — Safer drinking water, better treatments for vision loss, faster cancer diagnoses and more accurate earthquake predictions are among the goals of nine Strategic Research Networks announced today by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

“Our government is investing more in science and technology to create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life of Canadians,” Minister Goodyear said. “We’re investing more in innovation than any government in Canadian history. The research undertaken by these networks will lead to healthier, safer Canadians, a cleaner environment and a stronger economy.”

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) provides $45 million in funding to these networks over five years. These networks will support research priority areas such as environmental science and technologies, natural resources and energy, health and related life sciences and technologies, and information and communications technologies.

Each Strategic Research Network will receive $5 million over five years through NSERC. They were selected through a peer-reviewed competition and support the research priorities areas identified in the Government of Canada's Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy. The nine networks are:

• Network Ensuring Safe Drinking Water for Small and Rural Communities (RES’EAU-WaterNet), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.
• Canadian Pollination Initiative (CANPOLIN), University of Guelph, Ont.
• Bioconversion Network, University of Guelph, Ont.
• Strategic Network for Bioplasmonic Systems, University of Toronto, Ont.
• Business Intelligence Network, University of Toronto, Ont.
• 20/20: Ophthalmic Materials Network, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
• Canadian Seismic Research Network, McGill University, Montreal, Que.
• Healthcare Support through Information Technology Enhancements (hSITE) McGill University, Montreal, Que.
• Hydrogen Canada (H2CAN) Strategic Research Network, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Que.

“Canada already has an international reputation for excellent research in these areas, and over the next five years these networks will both build on and increase that capacity,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC. “NSERC is pleased to support them as they apply the strength of our academic research to the task of building long-term prosperity and innovation for our country.”

NSERC is a federal agency that invests in excellent Canadian science and technology. NSERC promotes discovery by supporting some 28,000 university students and postdoctoral fellows, and more than 11,800 university professors every year. NSERC also fosters innovation by working with 1,500 Canadian companies that participate and invest in post-secondary research.

For more information, contact:

Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Tel.: 613-943-7599

Marie-Christine Boucher
Manager, Public Affairs
NSERC
Tel.: 613-996-4690