More Advanced Equipment to Benefit Bioscience Industry and Researchers
News Release
University of Prince Edward Island continues to invest in leading-edge technology
September 25, 2017 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has an established reputation for high academic standards and for strategic collaborations with industry to help grow the Island economy. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing more than $600,000 in UPEI to support the purchase of newly acquired equipment that will benefit PEI’s growing bioscience sector. By providing more direct support for innovation activities such as this one, the Government of Canada is playing a key role in supporting the development of science capabilities, research infrastructure, and world-leading clusters and partnerships, as it continues to implement the Innovation and Skills Plan.
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI, made the announcement today supporting two projects for new equipment that will better position the University and the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) to carry out more advanced analytical assessments.
The Government of Canada is investing nearly $412,000 in UPEI to purchase a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. UPEI is also receiving more than $209,000 to purchase a Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry System for use at the Diagnostic Services at AVC. This advanced equipment will better position academic and industry researchers to obtain specific data that will help in the development stages of creating health products, and carry out specialized testing for potentially harmful toxins in aquatic and mammalian species as well as environmental samples. The funds for both projects are non-repayable contributions being provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
September 20-27 is Global Biotech Week. Bioscience is one of the fastest growing industries in Atlantic Canada and in PEI, where the PEI BioAlliance serves as the champion for its continued growth. Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government of Canada is investing in innovative projects to ensure that Atlantic Canadian companies remain globally competitive and continue to make important contributions around the world.
Quotes
“Canadian bioscience companies are conducting exciting research, and showing tremendous leadership as they look for innovative solutions to global challenges. Not only do they serve as incubators and accelerators for new ideas, the businesses and research labs in this cluster are vital to the Government of Canada’s economic path and play a key role in growing our economy.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The bioscience-related work carried out at UPEI and the AVC is continuous, impressive and beneficial to human and animal health. We are fortunate to have talented scientists and researchers working right here where discoveries and products are providing world-wide benefits.”
Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“Research and innovation are essential building blocks for any university, including UPEI. With generous support from the Government of Canada for these projects, we will continue to strengthen our relationship with the bioscience sector, and in doing so, expand and enhance our work to improve the health of animals and humans. I thank the Government of Canada for its ongoing support of UPEI.”
Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, UPEI
“With this new state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) is pleased to offer its clients advanced analytical toxicology testing that has not been available here in the past. This equipment will allow us to detect minute amounts of substances such as pesticides, toxins, and antibiotics in aquatic animals and other species. I thank the Government of Canada for its ongoing support of AVC and its work.”
Dr. Greg Keefe, Dean, Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI
“This exciting new equipment will advance our work in natural products chemistry analytics. Researchers and companies in the bioscience sector will be able to more effectively understand the characteristics of compounds and molecules that are being developed and brought to market in natural health products. We look forward to the development of new collaborations with the bioscience sector, made possible because of this support from the Government of Canada.”
Dr. Russell Kerr, Canada Research Chair in Marine Natural Products, UPEI
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Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Nicole Phillips
Associate Director, Marketing and Communications
University of Prince Edward Island
902-566-0947
nphillips@upei.ca