ARCHIVED - Industry Canada

Description
The Brain Research Centre (BRC) is a research facility that operates as a hub-and-spoke facility, with teams of neuroscientists (over 190 investigators) located at the University of British Columbia campus and in various locations in Vancouver. The Centre's structure and multidisciplinary approach is designed to bridge the gap between basic science and its clinical applications, while contributing in significant discoveries and development of effective new therapies.

Expected Results

• Provide infrastructure to enable and advance innovation research and commercialization in neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis, mental health and addictions, stroke, neurotrauma, and vision
• Develop and expand laboratories
• Develop an environment to foster collaboration, knowledge translation and commercialization opportunities
• Facilitate the development of neurotechnology enterprises and industrial partnerships
• Enabling translational training in clinical neuroscience

Summary of Annual Plans
BRC's activities relate to the construction of its building, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2012. The facility will encourage collaboration among basic and applied researchers and health practitioners to improve knowledge of brain diseases and, in turn, accelerate the introduction of new therapies and biotechnology ventures.

Description
The Canada School of Energy and Environment's (CSEE's) goal is to address the challenge of resource sustainability, while protecting environmental quality and addressing climate change. CSEE builds on capacity within the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge, located in the heart of Canada's energy sector. It brings together the best thinking in academia, industry and government for the economic, social and environmental benefit of all Canadians.

CSEE's 5 objectives are to:

• Create opportunities for national and international collaborations on policy issues
• Provide advice to industry, academia and government
• Coordinate research and academic programming
• Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization
• Facilitate the exchange of research findings and information and promote collaboration in the international community

Summary of Annual Plans
In 2010, CSEE will continue to undertake activities in support of its 5 key objectives:

• Hosting a number of conferences and round tables on climate change, carbon management and northern issues related to energy extraction
• Continue CSEE's support of government-led policy processes such as the Clean Energy Dialogue
• Facilitate technology transfer through its Proof of Principle competitions, offered twice a year
• Coordinate research and academic programming at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge
• Continue development of an interactive website to facilitate the exchange of research findings and promote collaboration

Description
The Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) is an arms-length, not-for-profit organization that was established to assess the state of scientific knowledge underpinning key public policy issues. Its founding members are the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. The Government of Canada provided a $30-million, one-time conditional grant in July 2005 from Budget 2005, which entitles the government to up to 5 assessments per year. All CCA assessments are undertaken by independent panels of qualified experts from Canada and abroad. Each assessment takes 12 months to 2 years to complete.

Summary of Annual Plans
The CCA published 3 assessment reports in 2009–10: The Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Canada (May 2009), Innovation and Business Strategy: Why Canada Falls Short (June 2009), and Better Research for Better Business (September 2009). In 2010–11 the CCA will complete 4 more assessments on research integrity in Canada, the state and trends of biodiversity science in Canada, and approaches to animal health risk. These assessments will not contain specific policy recommendations. Rather, they will report on the relevant science — identifying both what is known (or at least strongly supported by the existing evidence) and where there are gaps in our knowledge. Such findings will be relevant for policy decisions in cases where scientific factors play a significant role.

An independent performance (value-for-money) evaluation of the CCA's activities and projects during its first 5 years is due March 31, 2010. Results will be available for review and action during 2010–11.

Description
The Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery (HSFCSR), affiliated with the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa, is developing a program of integrated, translational research that includes molecular biology, laboratory models and clinical studies that help pave the way for designing and testing post-stroke interventions and therapies more quickly. The Centre's primary research objective is to establish a program of excellence in brain recovery research that will be globally competitive and will have a realistic likelihood of leading to effective functional improvements after a stroke.

Summary of Annual Plans
HSFCSR will continue to implement its program of excellence in brain recovery research. This will involve:

• Generating research capacity through the recruitment of world-class personnel and providing them with the necessary tools to advance their research endeavours
• Fostering collaborations between researchers by providing the scientific leadership and creativity to focus on potential synergies, and seed funding to projects that stimulate collaboration
• Providing the necessary infrastructure to advance research, such as a patient database that provides for the gathering and pooling of patient information on different types of patients from multiple sources

Description
The Ivey Centre for Health Innovation and Leadership (Ivey Centre) is a new initiative, with the objective of becoming an internationally recognized centre dedicated to identifying, assessing and commercializing innovative technologies, systems and processes that will effect real change for Canada's health care providers, patients and the health care system. It will use the federal funding to support the costs of the Chair of Health Innovation, management and administration, the demonstration projects undertaken by the Ivey Centre over the next 5 years, and the annual Ivey Global Health Innovation Conference.

Expected Results

• Increase knowledge in Canada in the innovation and commercialization of health care technologies and processes suited to Canada's health care system
• Develop specialized talent with the requisite scientific and commercial knowledge needed to commercialize health care technologies, systems and processes
• Create a commercial model focused on driving innovation and commercializing ideas to achieve a return on investment, and ensure that the most promising ideas are pursued and brought to the health care system as quickly as possible and lead to the development of businesses, product lines and jobs
• Position Canada to take full and privileged advantage of the economic and social benefits of research in the field of health and related life sciences and technologies, including efficiency, cost savings and health care system improvements

Description
The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (LKSKI) at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto will bring together research, education and clinical care with a commitment to knowledge translation in order to bridge the gap between research knowledge and health care practice. The Institute will initially focus on inner-city health, heart and lung disease, diabetes, nutrition, brain injury, and multi-organ failure, building on existing research teams of scientists, research coordinators, programmers and technicians.

Summary of Annual Plans
The major short-term focus of LKSKI is completing the construction of the LKSKI building. Research and education activities in the coming year include:

• Engaging with the community, patients, policy makers, media and the general public on issues related to health and health care
• The Applied Health Research Centre's solidifying its clinical trial infrastructure
• Training a broad spectrum of health care educators through evidence-informed programs
• Creating an environment where St. Michael's Hospital becomes a "living laboratory" — where we can bring research, education and patient care together in ways that capitalize on the potential of knowledge translation and quality improvement interventions, when applied in a rigorous manner

Description
The Life Sciences Research Institute (LSRI) is a partnership of Capital Health, Dalhousie University, and the IWK Health Centre. LSRI will provide open-concept research and incubator space for the Halifax region's growing life sciences and biotechnology sector and has the potential to create employment, attract investment, foster innovation and improve the quality of health care and life for people in the region.

Objectives

• Provide infrastructure to support excellence in research in life sciences
• Foster and encourage collaboration, partnerships and networks that will facilitate new and innovative approaches to life science challenges
• Provide an environment where knowledge translation and commercialization opportunities can flourish and lead to economic benefits
• Foster and promote outcomes from research to decision makers to improve health care and provide social benefits

Summary of Annual Plans
LSRI's main activity is the construction of the Life Sciences Research Institute, designed to become a focal point for research into, and the commercialization of, life sciences. Activities in 2010 also include developing partnerships with other organizations in order to further the life sciences sector, such as an agreement with InNOVAcorp to establish an incubation facility adjacent to the LSRI.

Description
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation supports the research and dissemination of research findings in the humanities and human sciences, such as Canadian studies, history, international relations, journalism, law, peace and conflict studies, philosophy, political economy, political science, sociology, and urban and community studies.

Utilizing a peer-review process, the Foundation offers 3 types of awards: Scholarships awarded to doctoral candidates, Fellowships awarded to established researchers at Canadian universities, and Mentorships awarded to seasoned professionals who are able to counsel the Scholars. The Foundation also supports the Public Interaction Program, which communicates the work of the Foundation through conferences, lectures and symposia.

Summary of Annual Plans
In 2010, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation intends to award 12 Mentorships, 15 Scholarships and 5 Fellowships. In addition, under its Public Interaction Program, the Foundation hosts events designed to facilitate knowledge dissemination, such as the Annual Trudeau Conference on Public Policy, the Trudeau Lectures, the Mentors-Scholars Retreat and the Summer Institute.

Description
The National Optics Institute (INO), located in Quebec, is a centre of expertise in optics and photonics, and works with businesses to help them find solutions and technology platforms to meet their needs. INO provides research and development support for clients, prototype production, technology transfer, and promotes innovative projects.

Summary of Annual Plans
INO's expected results include:

• Advanced research activities and technological development
• Increased technological transfers by 47% and spinoffs by 50%
• Increased business awareness for optics and photonics knowledge
• Increased business partnerships
• Created 200 new jobs at INO

INO will continue to work towards these goals through its pan-Canadian expansion with increased resources in the Ontario and Alberta offices.