May 02, 2008 Vancouver, British Columbia
The Government of Canada is significantly enhancing Simon Fraser University's medicinal chemistry capacity - and that of the B.C. life sciences sector - by establishing a new research facility to be called MedChem.
More than $1.9 million in federal funding for the new MedChem laboratory was announced today by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining Simon Fraser University's position as a science and technology leader, a training ground for highly skilled personnel, and a key economic driver," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose. "MedChem will help industry, as well as Simon Fraser University students and faculty, access the essential equipment needed to research, develop and commercialize new technologies."
MedChem will be a vital resource for academic and industrial researchers to produce larger amounts of promising new therapeutic drug compounds for further testing and potential commercialization. This includes an incubator for early stage biotechnology companies. These additions will ensure B.C. remains a leader in Canada's science technology sector through strengthened research and development capabilities.
"We are extremely grateful to Western Economic Diversification for their investment in the SFU Medicinal Chemistry Facility. The funded physical infrastructure renovation and equipment will build on SFU's own investment in medicinal chemistry in terms of physical infrastructure and faculty appointments," said Dr. B. Mario Pinto, Professor of Chemistry and Vice President, Research at Simon Fraser University. "The Facility will be used to house start-up companies and the Centre for Drug Research and Development, and will complete the cycle from ideas to innovation to commercialization."
Composed of six faculties across three campuses in Burnaby, Vancouver and Surrey, Simon Fraser University supports excellence and innovation in academic programs, promotes excellence in research, scholarship and teaching and is committed to attracting and supporting the best students. SFU currently has over 25,000 students and 90,000 alumni, and more than 700 tenure-track faculty.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Jackie Stewart
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 666-7543
Cell: (604) 671-9031
Melanie Monk
Executive Secretary
V.P. Research
Simon Fraser University
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (778) 782-5822
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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