ISTPCanada latest federal research group to fold

ISTPCanada has quietly shut its doors due to lack of direction from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD). The Ottawa-based organization that supports industry-led, bilateral R&D projects with India, China and Brazil ceased operations March 31st with $5 million in funding left unspent. The organization's demise was confirmed by Dr Pierre Bilodeau, ISTPCanada's COO. Its website has also been shut down. The closure came just two weeks before a state visit by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, during which S&T collaboration is on the agenda. ISTPCanada was modelled after the (still active) Canada-Israel R&D Foundation (CIIRDF) and launched as an arm's length organization in 2007. Funding was provided by DFATD through its International Science and Technology program. ISTPCanada has been concerned for several months that its future was in doubt (R$, February 10/15). There is speculation that its activities will be brought in-house at DFATD....