NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
February 19, 2008

DEVELOPING GREENER VEHICLES AND BREAKTHROUGH MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES

McGuinty Government Promoting Global Scientific Collaboration

MELBOURNE, Australia — The McGuinty government is investing $150,000 to support scientific collaboration between McMaster University and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Researchers from both universities will share knowledge, ideas and resources including McMaster’s powerful Titan electron microscope — one of the most powerful microscopes in the world. 

Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson made the announcement today in Melbourne, Australia, where he took part in an event to celebrate the partnership.

Today’s investment is being made through Ontario’s International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP) and will support cutting-edge work by researchers at McMaster University’s Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM).

The new funding will:

• Help McMaster establish a worldwide program to put the CCEM at the forefront of international research in electron microscopy
• Help researchers develop new techniques for using the powerful microscope — materials research that will lead to cutting-edge products ranging from lighter, more energy-efficient cars to breakthrough medical technologies to help better understand cancerous cells and other diseases
• Build on the $7.15 million that Ontario has already invested in McMaster’s electron microscopy programs.

Minister Wilkinson joins researchers from Monash University for signing of international research memorandum of understanding.  Back row, from left to right:  Edwina Cornish Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Monash University, and Minister Wilkinson.  Front row, from left to right: Joanne Etheridge, Director, Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy, and Gianluigi Botton, Scientific Director, Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy, McMaster University.

“Ontario is home to some of the brightest minds that are putting Hamilton on the map as an international hub and global leader in this area of scientific expertise,” said MPP for Hamilton-Mountain, Sophia Aggelonitis. “Today we are building on McMaster’s strengths in the field of nanoresearch because the economic benefits for Hamilton – and the opportunities for commercialization, and future job growth in this area – are very exciting.”

“Supporting world-class research is part of the McGuinty government’s strategy to compete and win in the global, knowledge-based economy,” said Wilkinson.  “Ontarians will benefit from new technologies, better health care, a cleaner environment and more opportunities for success.”

Minister Wilkinson is in Australia representing Premier Dalton McGuinty as part of a Canadian delegation attending the Australian Council of the Federation Summit where he will lead a discussion on innovation.  Representatives from six Canadian provinces are meeting with their Australian counterparts to build stronger relations and identify new opportunities for collaboration. 

“This collaboration between McMaster and Monash – along with our growing network of international partners – is building a bridge to share knowledge, instrumentation, expertise and new ideas,” said Mo Elbestawi, Vice-President of Research and International Affairs at McMaster University. “McMaster is home to the world’s most powerful electron microscope: through this program, we’re now able to bring the world’s brightest minds and best ideas together to create tomorrow’s discoveries.”

"Monash University is thrilled to form a new research partnership with McMaster University thanks to this investment by the Ontario government,” said Professor Edwina Cornish, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Monash University in Melbourne. “Monash University is home to some of the world's leading researchers, who will bring their knowledge, research data and creativity to this project — all vital ingredients for breakthrough discoveries in the field of nanoresearch.”

Learn more about the International Strategic Opportunities Program

Learn more about McMaster’s Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy

Learn more about Monash University

 

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