AUCC welcomes government investment in research infrastructure

Ottawa, August 26, 2010 –Canada’s universities welcome the announcement of a $200.5 million research infrastructure competition at the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The funding through the Leading Edge Fund and New Initiatives Fund will support existing and new research infrastructure projects.

“This initiative will strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities and research hospitals to carry out world-class research and technology development,” said Paul Davidson, President of AUCC. “These investments will support the ability of university researchers to generate the benefits that enhance the daily lives of Canadians.”

The newly announced CFI funding will ensure that researchers across Canada and their international partners will have access to world-class research infrastructure that will drive transformational discoveries for many years to come.

This investment, when combined with recent investments in CFI’s Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF), the Canada Excellence Research Chairs, the new Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program, the Vanier Scholarships and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program make Canada a more attractive destination for the best and brightest researchers from around the world.

“Support for research, researchers and infrastructure is essential to feed innovation, and ensure Canada can compete in the global knowledge-based economy,” added Mr. Davidson.

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AUCC is the national voice for Canada’s universities. It represents 95 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities.

For more information:

Lyse Huot
Director, Government Relations and Communications
AUCC