The Government of Canada Makes Substantial Investment in S&T with the Launch of Three New Research Networks

OTTAWA, December 1, 2009 — Researching effective treatments to help children with developmental brain disorders, finding ways to lessen the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, and using social media to improve education and skills development are the goals of three new networks of excellence launched today by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

“Our government supports science, research and technology to create jobs, improve the quality of life of Canadians and strengthen the economy,” said Minister of State Goodyear. “Creating partnerships between researchers and industry will bring innovations from the lab to the marketplace so that Canadians and people around the world can benefit.”

The government is investing $125 million in Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) as well as Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) to help researchers develop their findings into new practical, applied and marketable solutions and will also facilitate and advance the commercialization of technologies, products and services for the benefit of all Canadians.

Speaking at the 20^th anniversary celebration of the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), the minister also launched the third competition for up to four new CECRs.

“The NCE initiative is a valuable asset to Canada's society, encouraging discovery, innovation and application in a wide variety of science and technology sectors,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, Chair of the NCE Steering Committee and President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. “The CECR program addresses the growing commercialization gap between ideas and application. By bringing together researchers, industry and innovation, the CECR program funds the establishment and operation of world–class centres which turn research into business opportunities.”

The NCE program brings together Canadian scientists and researchers in the natural, social, health and engineering sciences, as well as others in Canada's academic, corporate, public and non–profit sectors, to focus on issues critical to Canadian industry, society and economy. The three newnetworks include:

• the GRAND Network, led by Dr. Kellogg Booth from the University of British Columbia, which will explore novel social media, e–learning and edutainment environments that enhance learning and skill development;
• the NeuroDevNet Network, led by Dr. Daniel Goldowitz, also from the University of British Columbia, which will study ways to reduce the long–term costs to the health care system through early intervention and effective treatment of children with developmental brain disorders; and
• the CMC Network, led by Dr. Stephen Larter from the University of Calgary, which will develop technologies necessary to “decarbonise” fossil fuel production and utilization.

The CECR program enhances collaborations among Canada's research community to mobilize research excellence and commercialization. It was established in 2007 through the Government of Canada's Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy.

The new centres that will receive funding under today's announcement for the CECR program will be chosen through a national competition. As in previous competitions, the centres selected will be based in the sub–priorities established in 2008 by the Science, Technology and Innovation Council and aligned with the priority areas of the Government of Canada's S&T Strategy. Application information is available at: http://www.nce–rce.gc.ca/Index_eng.asp.

For further information, please contact:

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Backgrounder

The Networks of Centres of Excellence Program

The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program unites researchers, industrial partners, government and non–profit organizations to create and apply knowledge for the benefit of all Canadians. These multi–disciplinary collaborations open doors to participants which would otherwise remain closed; they have opportunities to engage and network with people in various sectors to accelerate the creation and application of knowledge.

The networks funded by the NCE program span a wide variety of areas critical to Canadian society, including health, environment, natural resources, information and communications technology, and energy. They are academically–led, and are unique in their model of bringing together experts from various sectors to work together to solve problems of critical importance to Canada.

The 3 new NCE will join the 17 other active networks, which were also chosen by international peer review, a Selection Committee, and the NCE steering committee. The networks cover such important issues as stroke prevention and treatment, automotive research and development, studying the impacts of climate change in the coastal Canadian Arctic, and strengthening Canada's geomatics industry.

The three new Networks are Carbon Management Canada (CMC), Gr3aphics, Animation and New Media Canada (GRAND), NeuroDevNet NeuroDevNet.

Other currently funded NCEs are:

Three 2006 Initiatives:

• Canadian Obesity Network (2005–2009)
  University of Alberta and Capital Health, Edmonton, Alberta ($1.2 million)
• National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly – NICE (2005–2009)
  University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario ($1.36 million)
• Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network – PREVNet (2005–2009)
  Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario and York University, Toronto, Ontario ($1.2 million)

Fourteen Established Networks of Centres of Excellence:

Advanced Technologies

• Canadian Institute for Photonic Innovations – CIPI (1999–2012)
  Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec ($39.8 million)
• GEOmatics for Informed DEcisions Network – GEOIDE (1998–2012)
  Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec ($34.9 million)
• Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems – MITACS (1998–2012)
  University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia ($47.8 million)

Engineering and Manufacturing

• AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence (2000–2011)
  University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario ($46.3 million)
• Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures – ISIS Canada (1995–2009)
  University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba ($40.3 million)

Health, Human Development and Biotechnology

• Advanced Foods and Materials Network – AFMNet (2003–2011)
  University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario ($27.8 million)
• Allergy, Genes and Environment Network – AllerGen (2004–2012)
  McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario ($22.1 million)
• Canadian Arthritis Network – CAN (1998–2012)
  Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario ($42.5 million)
• Canadian Stroke Network – CSN (1999–2010)
  University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario ($52.1 million)
• PrioNet Canada (2005–2012)
  University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia ($20.8 million)
• Stem Cell Network – SCN (2000–2011)
  University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario ($44.4 million)

Environment and Natural Resources

• ArcticNet (2003–2010)
  Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec ($33 million)
• Canadian Water Network – CWN (2000–2011)
  University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario ($31 million)
• Sustainable Forest Management Network – SFM (1995–2009)
  University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta ($49 million)

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Questions and Answers

The Networks of Centres of Excellence Program

Q1: Why did the NCE Secretariat introduce changes to the 2009 Competition?
A1: Every five years, the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program undergoes an evaluation to ensure that it is meeting its mandate and continues to provide value to the Canadian taxpayer. The program underwent two separate reviews in 2007: first a formal program evaluation as per the terms and conditions of the Program and as required by the Treasury Board Secretariat, and an independent International Advisory Committee (IAC) review mandated by the NCE Steering Committee. Both exercises produced recommendations to update the Program and better align it with the Government's Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy. The criteria for the new NCEs that will be created through this competition are in line with those recommendations. The criteria are designed to increase accountability and place greater emphasis on finding concrete, multifaceted solutions to (a) complex Canadian problem(s), challenge(s) or opportunity(ies).

Q2: The 2009 Competition places a greater emphasis on developing solutions. What is meant by this?
A2: Networks funded under this program will focus on generating solutions for broader Canadian issues, rather than be discipline-driven. It is expected that networks will address complex issues with multi-faceted approaches, be solution-driven and involve the receptor community in addressing the problem(s), challenge(s), or opportunity(ies) and in implementing the solutions.

Q3: Did the NCE Secretariat consult with the research community or the private sector before going ahead with this competition?
A3: Extensive stakeholder consultations took place as part of the program evaluation and the IAC review, which produced the recommended revisions.

Q4:What research areas are being targeted for the 2009 Competition?
A4: Four priority areas were established in May 2007 by the S&T Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage. In 2008, a report by the Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC) established by Industry Canada recommended 13 further research sub-priority areas, which were accepted by the Government of Canada. The NCE Steering Committee has determined that these 13 sub-priorities will be targeted for the 2009 NCE Competition.

Q5: What are the S&T Strategy priority areas?

• Environmental science and technologies
• Natural resources and energy
• Health and related life sciences and technologies
• Information and communication technologies

Q6: What are the STIC sub-priority areas?
Within the S&T priority areas, the sub-priorities are:
Environmental science and technologies:

• Water (health, energy, security)
• Cleaner methods of extracting, processing and using hydrocarbon fuels, including reduced consumption of these fuels

Natural resources and energy:

• Energy production in the oil sands
• Arctic (resource production, climate change adaptation, monitoring)
• Biofuels, fuel cells and nuclear energy

Health and related life sciences and technologies:

• Regenerative medicine
• Neuroscience
• Health in an aging population
• Biomedical engineering and medical technologies

Information and communication technologies:

• New media, animation and games
• Wireless networks and services
• Broadband networks
• Telecom equipment

Q7: What was the total amount awarded for the 2009 competition?
A7: The total amount awarded to the three successful networks was $67.8 million.

Q8: What was the competition process?
A8: Applicants submitted a Letter Of Intent (LOI).& LOIs were screened by the NCE Selection and Steering Committees. Based on a review of all LOIs submitted to the 2009 Competition, selected applicants were invited to submit Full Applications.

Full Applications were then evaluated by international, interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral Expert Panels, who provided written reports to the Selection and Steering Committees for final consideration.

Q9: Is the decision of the steering committee final?
A9: The decision of the steering committee is final, and cannot be appealed.

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Backgrounder

Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research

The goal of the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) program is to create world–class centres to advance research and facilitate commercialization of technologies, products and services.

These centres operate in the priority areas of the S&T Strategy: health, information and communications technology, environment, and energy and natural resources.

The program funds the CECRs' operating and commercialization costs. Research and infrastructure costs must be covered by other federal programs, or through initiatives such as those run by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the granting agencies.

To date, 17 successful initiatives have been launched, representing an investment of almost $200 million. They were chosen by international peer review and with advice from the private sector. Each centre brings together people, services and infrastructure to maximize the benefits of the government's investment in skills and research. They also encourage private sector investment.

Proposals for the third CECR competition will be evaluated on the potential benefits to Canada, strength of the business plan and the team track record. In addition, close attention will be paid to two criteria related to commercialization:

• Ability to create, grow and retain Canadian companies that can capture new markets with breakthrough innovations; and
• Evidence that the proposed Centre would accelerate the commercialization of leading edge technologies, goods, and services in priority areas.

A Private Sector Advisory Board (PSAB) assesses the economic and commercial benefits and opportunities of each proposal, and provides recommendations to the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Steering Committee. The PSAB is informed in their decision by international peer review.

Currently funded CECRs

Advanced Applied Physics Solutions Inc. – AAPS
Vancouver, BC ($14.95 million)

Bioindustrial Innovation Centre – BIC
Sarnia, ON ($14.95 million)

Centre for the Commercialization of Research – CCR
Ottawa, ON ($14.95 million)

Centre for Drug Research and Development – CDRD
Vancouver, BC ($14.95 million)

Centre of Excellence in Personalized Medicine – CEPM
Montreal, QC ($13.8 million)

Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization – CPDC
Hamilton, ON ($14.95 million)

Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer – IRIC / CECR in Therapeutics Discovery – IRICoR
Montreal, QC ($14.95 million)

MaRS Innovation – MI
Toronto, ON ($14.95 million)

The Prostate Centre's Translational Research Initiative for Accelerated Discovery and Development – PC–TRIADD
Vancouver, BC ($14.95 million)

Pan–Provincial Vaccine Enterprise – PREVENT
Saskatoon, SK ($14.95 million)

Centre of Excellence for the Prevention of Organ Failure – PROOF Centre
Vancouver, BC ($14.95 million)

Canadian Digital Media Network – CDMN
Waterloo, Ontario ($10.721 million)

Centre of Excellence in Energy Efficiency – C3E
Shawinigan, Quebec ($9.623 million)

Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation – CSII
Hamilton, Ontario ($14.805 million)

GreenCentre Canada – GCC
Kingston, Ontario ($9.1 million)

Oceans Network Canada Centre for Enterprise and Engagement – ONCCEE
Victoria, British Columbia ($6.576 million)

Tecterra
Calgary, Alberta ($11.685 million)

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Questions and Answers

Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research

Q1. How much is the government investing in the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) competition?
A. The government has set aside $57 million from Budget 2009 to launch the third CECR competition that will create up to four new Centres.

Q2. What are the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR)?
A.In 2007, the Government of Canada invested approximately $285 million over five years to create the new Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research program. This initiative creates world-class centres to advance research and facilitate the commercialization of technologies, products and services in the four priority areas identified in the federal government S&T Strategy. Building on the success of the original Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program which funds research, the CECR program supports the operating expenses of a centre, and the commercialization of such research to ensure maximum return on research and development dollars.

To date, 17 successful initiatives have been launched. They were chosen by international peer review and with advice from the private sector. Each centre brings together people, services and infrastructure to maximize the benefits of the government's investment in skills and research. They also encourage private sector investment.

Q3. How is this competition different from previous CECR competitions?
A. To ensure an even distribution of awards, this competition will fund up to four new CECRs, one in each of the priority areas named in the 2007 federal government's S&T Strategy. The selected CECR must address at least one of the sub-priority areas recommended by the Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC) within a specific priority area.

Also, in this competition, the program is seeking to fund centres with an emphasis on commercialization, including both goods and services.

Q4. How are the successful CECRs chosen?
A. CECRs will be selected through peer review, followed by an evaluation from the Private Sector Advisory Board (PSAB). PSAB's findings will then go to the Steering Committee for final decision. Proposals will be evaluated on the potential benefits to Canada, strength of the business plan and the team track record.

Q5. When will the results of the competition be released?
A. The competition results will be announced in late 2010.

Q6. Will the CECR funding support research costs as well as operational costs?
A. The program supports the operating and commercialization costs of the centres. Research and infrastructure costs may come out of existing federal or other programs, such as those administered by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the granting agencies.