Province Announces Successful Recipients of Research Awards

June 9, 2015 10:22 A.M.

Ontario is awarding a total of $209 million to support innovative research projects and top talent at leading research institutions across the province.

The awards include:

• $65 million through the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence stream, to support globally significant and transformational projects, such as developing new MRI technology and better understanding antibiotic resistance
• $131 million through the Ontario Research Fund – Research Infrastructure stream, to ensure that Ontario’s research infrastructure remains competitive in attracting the world’s leading researchers
• $13 million through the Early Researcher Awards, to attract and retain top talent in the province and help promising researchers build their teams.

The research projects were evaluated through a rigorous peer review process involving Canadian and international academic and industry experts. The 280 successful projects were chosen based on their research excellence and their economic and societal benefits for Ontario.

These projects will build on the innovative research already underway throughout the province, foster new discoveries and support knowledge-based jobs. It will also sharpen Ontario’s competitive edge, and ensure that the province remains at the forefront of the global knowledge economy by strengthening its ability to innovate.

Investing in research is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

QUOTES

” Our capacity to compete globally depends on how well we can harness our research, innovation and entrepreneurial strengths. Through these investments, Ontario is mobilizing and preparing our researchers to succeed, compete and create the jobs of the future.”
– Reza Moridi
Minister of Research and Innovation

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2005, Ontario has awarded 822 Early Researcher Awards to the province’s leading early career researchers.
• Since 2003, Ontario Research Fund programs have leveraged over $2.9 billion in funding and helped create more than 86,000 training opportunities and 5,500 jobs in the province.
• The Calls for Proposals for the next round of Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence and the Early Researcher Awards were issued on June 8, 2015.