The Government of Canada is investing $13.8 million in new research infrastructure, including new labs and equipment, at Western University through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The funding, which comes from the CFI’s Innovation Fund, is part of over $554 million announced last week by Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan at institutions across Canada. The funding will go towards 117 new infrastructure projects at 61 universities, colleges and research hospitals across Canada.
“The Innovation Fund encourages institutions and its researchers to think big and strive to be global leaders by conducting world-class research. This funding pushes researchers to aim higher in their pursuits by collaborating across disciplines, institutions and sectors,” said Dr. Roseann O’Reilly-Runte, president and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, in a press release. “With this support, institutions can build on their current research strengths and set their sights on accelerating research that will create social, health, environmental and economic benefits for all Canadians.”
The Innovation Fund supports initiatives that allow universities, colleges and research hospitals to build on existing areas of expertise, including artificial intelligence, quantum science, brain health and renewable energy, to name a few. The fund was created to help provide scientists with the help they need to discover, innovate and train their students for future jobs.
As part of the announcement, an additional $127 million was awarded under the CFI’s Infrastructure Operating Fund, which provides research institutions with assistance in the operation and maintenance costs associated with new research infrastructure.
“The discoveries, innovations and skills developed in these new, state-of-the-art labs will go a long way in improving our lives, our economy and our future prosperity,” added Minister Duncan.
