UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN RECEIVES INNOVATION AND SCIENCE FUNDS

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $24.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan’s International Vaccine Centre (InterVac).

“The important research that will be done at InterVac will save lives,” Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson said.  “During the 2003 election, we committed to renewing and expanding the Innovation and Science Fund.  We kept our promise and are building on it through the Saskatchewan Action Plan for the Economy because research and innovation are a central facet of our booming provincial economy.”

Funding of $5.6 million is available immediately, and the remaining funds will be paid over the next three or four years.  This funding comes from the Saskatchewan Government’s Innovation and Science Fund, and matches grants provided through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

“This investment from the Province of Saskatchewan is critical to ensuring InterVac will dramatically strengthen Canada’s leadership in infectious disease research, biosecurity and research innovation,” University of Saskatchewan president Peter MacKinnon said.  “This multi-institutional collaboration supports our country’s growing network of agencies devoted to the health and safety of Canadians.”

The Innovation and Science Fund supports research at Saskatchewan’s universities, colleges and research institutes on projects receiving approval and funding from the CFI, the Canada Research Chairs Program and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.  The provincial government has contributed $72 million toward research and related infrastructure since the fund was created in 2000.

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For more information, contact:

Terry White
Advanced Education and Employment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7791
Email: twhite@sasked.gov.sk.ca

Patty Martin
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-966-6919
Email: pjm211@campus.usask.ca