The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program has finally unveiled its newest network — the Advanced Foods and Materials Network (AFMNet) — with funding of $22.2 million over five years. Headquartered at the Univ of Guelph and led by Dr Rickey Yada, AFMNet aims to achieve a highly degree of interdisciplinary collaboration and triple the government’s investment through funding from partners and collaborators.

“The real essence of the network’s intent is to link the work of fundamental chemists and physicists and then link those people with clinicians and researchers in the area of functional foods,” says Dr Larry Milligan, AFMNet’s network manager. “We want to know which molecules and changes in molecules will result in the best health outcomes for people.”

AFMNet links researchers from 29 universities and has enlisted the participation of 32 industries and 29 government departments, agencies and public sector supporters. Milligan says its objectives are threefold: to produce excellent science, use the results to improve the quality of life of Canadians through bigger and new businesses, and underpin advances in public policy.

About 20% of AFMNet’s public funding will be devoted to issues related to genetics, ethics, economics, environment, law and society.

In addition to food- and health-related research, Milligan says the incorporation of materials research could result in new fabrics, fibres and even a framework for growing organs for transplants.

“We don’t have a GMO emphasis,” he says. “Our research is way ahead of GMO or making the decision of how to deliver or access the material you want to have.”

AFMNet and ArcticNet were selected last June from a field of seven full proposals. The selection committee report from the competition has yet to be released. FMI: www.nce.gc.ca.

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