BACKGROUNDER 

June 15, 2007

ONTARIO RESEARCH FUND – RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

The McGuinty government helps researchers obtain the tools they need to stay on the forefront of innovation, including lab space, equipment and computer software through the Research Infrastructure program of the Ontario Research Fund. This round of funding under the program will provide $6,782,389 to support a green technology project at The University of Western Ontario. The funding will leverage investments from eight industry and other partners.

Green Energy and Environmentally Friendly Chemical Technologies

Green technologies get a new home

Lead researcher: Dr. Hugo De Lasa
Total project cost: $18,036,200
Provincial funding: $6,782,389

Research to discover and advance green technologies and alternative energy sources will reach a new milestone with the construction of a Green Technologies and Green Energy Building at The University of Western Ontario. The facility will bring together the expertise of three Canadian universities – the University of Western Ontario, the University of British Columbia and Université Laval – to develop new green products, such as biofuels and biomaterials, as well as advancing innovative technologies and processes. Under the direction of Dr. Hugo de Lasa, the project will enhance air and water quality and create sustainable agriculture and commercial spin-offs, improving quality of life for Canadians.

Major industry and other partners: Agilent, Plasmionique, Scientific, SRC, University of Windsor, British Columbia Knowledge Fund, University of British Columbia, Government of Quebec.

Ontario Research Fund

The McGuinty government is investing $527 million over five years through the Ontario Research Fund. The fund is a key part of the government’s plan to promote scientific excellence by supporting research that can be developed into innovative goods and services that will boost Ontario’s economy. The fund also helps researchers move new ideas from Ontario’s labs to the global marketplace.

The fund provides one window for research funding. Proposals for funding are evaluated through a competitive, peer-review process.

The province matches funding commitments made by the Canada Foundation for Innovation through the Research Infrastructure program. Project funding is shared among the Canada Foundation for Innovation (up to 40 per cent), the province (up to 40 per cent), and the research institutions and industry partners (at least 20 per cent).

For more information about the Ontario Research Fund, please visit www.ontario.ca/innovation.