Université Sainte-Anne Celebrates Grand Opening of New Lab
November 15, 2014 – Saulnierville, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
When it comes to pairing the worlds of scientific research with business, the Université Sainte-Anne and Comeau Sea Foods’ Nova West Laboratory will be discovering solutions for local needs. Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, was in the Municipality of Clare today to celebrate the grand opening of Université Sainte-Anne’s laboratoire d’innovation en science et en industrie, a key component of its research, development and innovation (RD&I) cluster. The new laboratory is co-located with Nova West Laboratory’s facility in Saulnierville.
Under the collaborative structure of the RD&I cluster, Université Sainte-Anne researchers and lab technicians will work alongside Nova West Laboratory employees to coordinate core research activities, opportunities for student apprenticeships and responsiveness to industry research and development needs.
The collaboration, announced in April, received a $482,920 contribution from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund. The Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism also contributed $100,000 to the project.
Quick Facts:
- Founded in 1890, and with campuses in five Nova Scotia communities, Université Sainte-Anne is the only francophone, post-secondary educational institution in the province.
- The laboratory’s location within Nova West Laboratory Ltd.’s existing structure in Saulnierville will help ensure the cluster’s sustainability over the long term.
- The 1,600 square foot laboratory will have a genomic/biochemistry room, a cell/tissue culture room and a media preparation room.
- In addition to supporting RD&I efforts in the agriculture, fishing and aquaculture sectors, the cluster will be a critical tool to provide post-secondary students with an avenue to engage with the business community on applied research.
Quotes:
“Students getting practical experience in a business setting and businesses gaining access to valuable research and development services are the sustainable benefits of this project. Our Government is pleased to support this collaboration as advancements in science, technology and innovation promote a more competitive economy.”
- Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Solid relationships are at the core of creating an environment that fosters innovation, increases exports and helps grow our economy. Government, business and the academic community all have to participate, and we’re ready to support business through our role in this partnership. Strengthening research and development linkages between the public and private sectors is what we need to help turn our economy around.”
- The Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia
“This state-of-the-art cluster is an example of how academics and small-business are working together to lead the region in researching innovative solutions for the agriculture, fishing and aquaculture sectors. In the new lab, Université Sainte-Anne’s students will enjoy opportunities to develop specialized skills and engage with the business community on applied research.”
- Kenneth Deveau, VP Academics and Research, Université Sainte-Anne
“Because of the support received from the Government of Canada, it is now possible to share Nova West Laboratory’s expertise and analytical background with academic and research oriented individuals. Not only will our employees, and the students enrolled at Université Sainte-Anne benefit from this collaboration, but local businesses alike will reap the benefits from the research and innovative ideas formed by this partnership..”
- Noel Després, Chief Operating Officer, Comeau Sea Foods Ltd.
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Sarah Levy MacLeod
Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
902-424-7937
E-mail: levyse@gov.ns.ca
Noel Després
Chief Operating Officer
Comeau Sea Foods
902-769-2101
Kenneth Deveau
Vice President, Academics and Research
Université Sainte-Anne
902-769-2114 ext. 7307
E-mail: kenneth.deveau@usainteanne.ca
