April 08, 2009
Burnaby, British Columbia
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification , today announced funding for Simon Fraser University to strengthen its 4D Labs facility.
"Our investment in Simon Fraser University demonstrates our Government's commitment to supporting science and technology research that will benefit British Columbia and Canada," said Minister of State Yelich. "This equipment provides the necessary tools for our researchers and industry to thrive in a competitive economy."
The investment in advanced equipment is the first of its kind in British Columbia and will complement leading-edge research, learning and development underway at 4D Labs, a materials science research centre at Simon Fraser University. 4D Labs houses materials fabrication and design facilities that enable research-driven technology creation. Funding will accelerate product commercialization and spin-off companies in key sectors such as nanotechnology, energy and life sciences.
"This installation builds on SFU's considerable investment in materials science and nanoscience," said Mario Pinto, Vice-President of Research at SFU. "This group of researchers is recognized nationally and internationally for their fundamental scholarly efforts, for knowledge transfer to the next generation, and for translating ideas into innovation and commercialization."
Western Economic Diversification is providing $884,106 to purchase leading-edge scientific equipment for faster prototyping.
Composed of six faculties across three campuses in Burnaby, Vancouver and Surrey, Simon Fraser University currently has over 30,000 students and 100,000 alumni, and more than 700 tenure-track faculty. SFU supports excellence and innovation in academic programs, promotes research, scholarship and teaching, and is committed to attracting and developing the best students.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Lisa Hutniak
Minister's Office
Western Economic Diversification
Lisa.Hutniak@wd.gc.ca
Neil Branda
Executive Director, 4D LABS
Burnaby, British Columbia
Tel: (778) 782-8061
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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