NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2010

Supporting World-Leading Genomics Researchers In Toronto

McGuinty Government Fosters Science Breakthroughs

NEWS

Ontario is supporting research that could help protect our environment, and help us diagnose and treat diseases like cancer.

Through the Global Leadership Round in Genomics & Life Sciences (GL²) the province is investing $86 million in 14 high-profile, significant research projects in the Greater Toronto Area that are building our understanding of the life sciences and biofuel production.

The GL² fund will support the work of more than 230 researchers taking part in 19 projects at eight research institutions across the province. GL² will also help create jobs for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research assistants, associates and technicians from across Canada and abroad.

Funding world-class research is part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda to make innovation a driving force of Ontario’s economy, and supports the new Open Ontario Plan to build new opportunities for growth and jobs.

QUOTES

“Through GL², our government is helping turn our world-class research capacity into breakthroughs that will lead to new businesses and jobs.”
– Minister of Research and Innovation John Milloy

“Toronto is home to world-leading researchers, and we are proud to be helping them make the discoveries that will lead to better lives for Ontario families.”
– Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray

“Genomics is increasingly seen as key to developing better medicines, foods and fuels.  Advances enabled by these research projects will create benefits for all Ontarians and people throughout the wider world. ”
– Christian Burks , President and CEO, Ontario Genomics Institute      

QUICK FACTS

• Genomics studies the complete genome (or DNA sequence) of an organism.
• Ontario is committing a total of almost $115 million under the Global Leadership Round in Genomics and Life Sciences, which is part of the Ontario Research Fund.
• Between 2005 and 2008, Ontario investments in research and innovation leveraged $1.1 billion while helping advance the knowledge, skills and training of close to 30,000 individuals.

LEARN MORE

About the Global Leadership Round in Genomics and Life Sciences (GL²).

About Ontario’s Innovation Agenda.

About the Open Ontario Plan.

---

See also:

• Backgrounder: Global Leadership Round In Genomics And Life Sciences