May 4, 2009

SUPPORT FOR THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ROUND IN GENOMICS AND LIFE SCIENCES

“Research in genomics and the life sciences is expensive and does not yield results quickly. It’s through long-term, collaborative investments by many – including government – that we will make the discoveries that will improve people’s lives, strengthen our economy and advance society.”
Dr. John Dick, Senior Scientist, Toronto General Research Institute and Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network

“This investment underscores the government’s recognition that Ontario must continue to invest in its strong life sciences cluster. Now more than ever, innovative research and development is a key driver, reshaping the knowledge economy and creating prosperity for all Ontarians.”
Dr. John Evans, Chair, MaRS Discovery District

“Further investments in research are critical to advance revolutionary genomics technologies. For example, Ontario-driven DNA barcoding research is developing the protocols by which humanity will identify, observe and protect life on our planet. Today the Ontario government has told the world that our province will continue to lead international research programs that are advancing education, providing training, creating job opportunities and building a new economy.”
Dr. Paul Hebert, Director, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph

“I welcome the bold initiative by the McGuinty government to support Ontario researchers that have secured worldwide leadership positions in genomics and life sciences. Their teams are poised to prototype, test and commercialize new diagnostics and safer therapeutics that will improve health and generate new products here in Ontario, strengthening our global competitiveness.”
Dr. Tom Hudson, President and Scientific Director, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

“Ontario is a leader in large-scale genomics and has attracted key researchers from around the world. Provincial investments in genetics and bioinformatics will allow Ontario to maintain its position and participate in or lead large international efforts such as those in the EU and the USA.”
Dr. Ravi S. Menon, Deputy Director, Robarts Research Institute

“I am heartened by the government’s vision of global leadership and commitment to funding world-class, peer-reviewed research. It is a clear signal of the priorities of the Ontario government, a demonstration of leadership, and a vote of confidence in us all.”
Dr. Andras Nagy, Senior Investigator, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute

“In a time of economic turmoil, investment in broad-based research and innovation is a true investment in the future – a way to ensure 21st century jobs can and will grow. SickKids Research Institute applauds the government of Ontario for this important investment and for contributing to health science endeavours that will keep our province at the forefront of new frontiers being defined and re-defined by discovery. The likely benefits of the work we undertake today will be even greater than the medical advances achieved over the last 25 years.”
Dr. Janet Rossant, Chief of Research and Senior Scientist, Hospital for Sick Children

“Genomics and the related areas of biological research are essential to help identify crops that are improved for important traits which can help improve the economic and environmental sustainability of crop production. The funding of this work by the Ontario government will
allow researchers in Ontario universities to be competitive internationally in this science as well as to allow for the training of the next generation of scientists in this important discipline.”
Dr. Steven Rothstein, Professor, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph
 
“Ontario has a tremendous history of discovery in genomics and cell biology. Thanks to today’s investment, our research community will continue to have the tools and resources necessary to compete and excel globally – and to pursue the discoveries and breakthroughs that will shape the future of medicine.”
Dr. Anthony Pawson, Distinguished Investigator, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute

“With our recent exposure to the possibility of a human disease pandemic it is important to remember that epidemics also occur in food crops. If a disease were to attack our crops it could have a dramatic impact on Ontario’s economy and human health on a global scale. Genomics research will provide us with the knowledge necessary to detect disease and to prevent its spread.”
Dr. Barry Saville, Associate Professor, Forensic Science Program at Trent University

“Increasingly, it is becoming clear that genomics underlies much of the advances occurring in modern day health research. The provincial government's special investment is therefore both gratifying and stimulating.”
Dr. Lou Siminovitch, Director Emeritus, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute

“In Ottawa, we have begun to put genomic advances to work for our patients, developing novel biological and regenerative therapies for cancer, heart attack and stroke. Ontario’s investments in genomic and life science research have been crucial for our success, and putting Ontario of the map for innovative translational research.”
Dr. Duncan Stewart, CEO and Scientific Director, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

“Research in genomics is of utmost importance to the Province of Ontario as it provides a training ground for a large number of future scientists while contributing directly to a greater understanding of disease, new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment and in some cases to new product development important for Ontario's competitiveness in an knowledge-based economy.”
Dr. Ronald Worton, Past Vice-Chair of the Ontario Research Fund Advisory Board

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See also:

• News Release: Ontario Investing In Science To Strengthen Economy
• Backgrounder: Global Leadership Round In Genomics And Life Sciences