SYNCHROTRON EXPANDS INNOVATION RESEARCH WITH NEW FUNDING

The Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron will expand innovation research with $3.8 million of new funding. The funding is targeted toward seven new 'beamlines' that will allow six distinct new types of research.

Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Western Economic Diversification was joined by Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline to make the announcement today. The $3.8 million of new funding is jointly funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).

Seven beamlines are already on line and the next seven, known as Phase II, will be dedicated to industrial and commercial applications. The new research has the potential to improve medical diagnostics and treatments, improved analysis of environmental or contaminated samples, the design and development of new drug therapies, and the reproduction of micro or nano systems.

"The research at the CLS synchrotron is very complex, but the results are very practical. This research will lead to new discoveries that will benefit the local, provincial and national economies," said Minister Skelton. "Canadians will benefit from better medical treatments and drug therapies. Our vehicles will benefit from better performance and reliability through this new research. Quite simply, this advanced innovation will produce practical applications that will benefit the everyday lives of all Canadians."

"The synchrotron symbolizes Saskatchewan's long tradition and proud track record of innovation," Minister Cline said. "Our support of these beamlines is part of the commitment to research and development and commercialization of technology articulated in the Saskatchewan Action Plan for the Economy, as we help researchers at the Canadian Light Source explore new frontiers of science for the benefit of businesses and citizens both in this province and across the country."

"Today's contribution by the federal and provincial governments continues their outstanding support to the synchrotron and the University of Saskatchewan," University of Saskatchewan president Peter MacKinnon said. "The facilities being built at the CLS will enhance innovation here and across the country."

"The Phase II beamlines are the result of university partnerships from across Canada and represent a spectrum of research that will benefit a wide range of industries and academic institutions," CLS Executive Director Bill Thomlinson said. "The participation of Western Economic Diversification Canada and Saskatchewan Industry and Resources will help ensure that the CLS is competitive internationally."

The seven beamlines, by virtue of their different design, are capable of performing distinct science in the following areas:

1. Biomedical Imaging and Therapy Beamline (two beamlines);

2. Soft x-ray Beamline for Microcharacterization of Materials;

3. Resonant Elastic and Inelastic X-ray Scattering;

4. Canadian Macromolecular Crystallography Facility II;

5. Very Sensitive Elemental and Structural Probe Employing Radiation from a Synchrotron; and

6. Synchrotron Laboratory for Micro and Nano Devices.

Currently in design and initial construction, the Phase II suite of beamlines at the CLS will be commissioned in 2008 with research programs by outside users commencing in 2009. These new beamlines will have applications for a number of industries, including advanced communications and electronics, pharmaceutical development, health research and medical imaging, and the mining and natural resources sector.

The potential for commercial applications of the synchrotron's current and future beamlines has already captured the interest of leading Canadian and international firms who have committed to invest and support the research being conducted.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-5942	Amy Ringdahl Office of the Minister of Western Ottawa Phone: (613) 996-9331
Jennifer Redston Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691