Recent News
VIDO-InterVac wants $50 million for an additional level 4 biosafety lab to improve pandemic responsiveness
Speeding Canada’s response to future pandemics requires the highest level biosafety lab, facilities for exotic animals and more scientists. VIDO-InterVac is looking to the federal and Saskatchewan governments for funding.
Canada's commercial-ready quantum tech companies band together to launch industry association
Quantum technology will transform many fields in the coming years. The new industry consortium will strive to retain Canada’s edge in quantum computing.
Researchers propose new performance indicators to better measure superclusters’ progress
Canada needs a new set of indicators to more precisely measure the performance of its five superclusters, which would also enable policy-makers and government regulators to improve innovation practices and policies, says a new study by the Montreal-based Institute for Research on Public Policy.
The Short Report - Oct. 14, 2020: CIHR signs MOU to support Inuit-led health research, Health Canada accepts rolling submission for a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, and more
Facedrive’s TraceSCAN technology garners interest among companies globally; Canada’s National Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy has its first researcher council, and a new consortium takes shape to accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing.
Parliamentary Budget Officer’s pessimistic report on innovation superclusters used outdated data
According to a “preliminary assessment” report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the five federally funded innovation superclusters are unlikely to attain goals for job creation and GDP growth. But the superclusters’ CEOs told Research Money the report is based on outdated data and that it’s too early to assess the superclusters’ long-term outcomes.
Canada’s Department of Defense invests in made-in-Canada data management platform
Canadian startups Tehama and Bitnobi will build a secure data management platform for the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND) and potentially capitalize on a burgeoning market for remote-access data systems.
Calgary wants MaRS to complement its innovation ecosystem, not add competition
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.
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.
Latest Issue:
Number 9
Volume 34 September 23 2020
Editorial:
Mark Mann
Anti-science conspiracies and attitudes are waxing, not waning. The federal government must send a powerful signal to Canadians that it is following the best advice to chart a path through the pandemic.
Opinion Leader:
Jim Balsillie
Opinion: The banality of Canadian discourse on research commercialization
Jim Balsillie responds to expert criticism on the focus and merits of Ontario’s new IP plan. Balsillie chaired the Expert Panel on Intellectual Property for the Government of Ontario and is leading the implementation of its recommendations.
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.
Human genome editing is not safe for clinical use, but nations must prepare: Report
A highly anticipated report says heritable genome editing, using tools like CRISPR to create edits that can be passed down to future generations, is not yet safe enough for clinical use. But it also provides specific guidance on how nations should prepare for the eventual use of CRISPR or other gene editing tools, defining a translational pathway from research to the clinic.
The Short Report – September 16th, 2020: Investing in tidal power; new CERC appointment in AI; better fertilizer management to reduce GHG’s
Carleton University and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun (NND) have signed a 7-year MOU; Dr. Bartha Knoppers (PhD) won the 2020 Till & McCulloch Award; CANARIE selected four successful projects from its recent Research Data Management funding call; Ottawa is investing $9.4 million in tidal power in Atlantic Canada.
The Short Report, September 9, 2020: Global Affairs wants Canadian tech companies to join its Fall VC Dealbook, Xanadu launches quantum in the cloud, and more
Global Affairs Canada is accepting submissions from Canadian software companies for its Fall 2020 Venture Capital Dealbook; The Canada Revenue Agency has extended reporting deadlines for SR&ED; the Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor partners with Silicon Valley; and more.
Experts are questioning the focus and merits of Ontario’s new IP plan
Some academic researchers are questioning the focus and merits of Ontario’s new IP plan and whether it’s the right policy tool to achieve the province’s economic goals. But the plan’s supporters say it will help generate intellectual property and commercialize research done by post-secondary institutions for the benefit of Ontario’s economy.
Looking back on three years of federal action on IP and tech transfer in Canada
The federal government has created several initiatives since 2018 to bolster new knowledge generation, facilitate commercialization and support technology transfer at post-secondary institutions. Ottawa also has introduced five separate initiatives under Canada’s first-ever National IP Strategy, launched in 2018.
Researchers fear National Dementia Strategy may falter
One year after the launch of Canada’s first national dementia strategy, the optimism surrounding the announcement is fading. Funding is beginning to trickle out in support of dementia awareness programs. But plans to implement the strategy, and the funding needed to fully support implementation, have yet to materialize.
Canada’s research ecosystem makes recommendations ahead of the upcoming federal budget, part 2
On August 7, the deadline closed for submissions to the pre-budget consultations process ahead of the 2021 federal budget, and Canadian organizations have been publishing their recommendations and suggestions.
Opinion Leader:
Abdullah Snobar
Opinion: Strengthening Black entrepreneurship will boost our economy’s potential. Here’s why.
Despite its progressive image, the tech startup world is by no means immune to the problem of systemic racism. We must call on both public and private sectors to support underrepresented entrepreneurs as an explicit part of our action plan for economic recovery.
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.
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.
National research infrastructures need to improve management and optimize use: OECD report
National research infrastructures (RIs) need to improve how they manage their facilities, resources and users in order to optimize RIs’ scientific capabilities, says a new policy report by the Organisation of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and Science Europe. The report offers two new “guiding models” of best practices for improving the operation and use of RIs.
The movement to give every Canadian a digital ID by 2021 is gaining momentum
As more people move online to access services, the need for more robust security of people’s information is also growing. Innovation experts are arguing that digital identity is a core requirement in a digital-first economy, especially in the era of COVID-19.
Innovative public-private partnership will use data to guide BC's reopening
An ambitious public-private partnership will track and collect data on COVID-19 in the workplace. The data will provide a real-world view of the disease and its impacts to public health officials and employers as they reopen the doors to the economy.
By the Numbers: Canadian IP and tech transfer in focus
The last few years have seen mounting pressure on universities, innovation intermediaries and governments in Canada to take stronger action to support IP development and patent generation. Here’s a look at the current situation and stakes for Canadian IP strategies.
The Short Report - September 2, 2020: Expanding innovation networks in Canada, 5G grows in Ontario, and more
Healthcare IT startup Verto acquires seed funding, Ottawa launches Science Horizons internship program, Vector Institute creates engineering arm to operationalize AI, and more.
Barriers for women investors still aren't budging, but change is coming: report
In its latest report, the National Angel Capital Organization finds that women comprise just 17% of the organization’s membership.
The Short Report - August 26, 2020: Ottawa wants a data-driven approach to housing, federally backed Newfoundland startup launches prototype, and more
The St. John’s, Newfoundland-based tech startup Avalon Holographics launched its first-generation prototype display; the federal government will launch the first round of its $300-million Housing Supply Challenge, focused on the provision of reliable housing data; Alberta Premier Jason Kenney put Doug Schweitzer at the head of his new ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation; and more.
Loading tweets...