For Immediate Release
June 14, 2006

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT BUILDING INNOVATIVE ECONOMY

Ontario Research Fund Advisory Board To Help Keep Ontario Competitive and Prosperous

TORONTO -- The McGuinty government has appointed a distinguished group of Ontarians to the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) Advisory Board as another step toward building a dynamic research and innovation agenda. 

"Jurisdictions that invest in scientific research and innovative ideas will be home to thriving communities and the best quality of life," said Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty. "Our government is doing its part to recognize, reward and foster Ontario's next generation of ideas and research talent."

The government is investing almost $550 million in the Ontario Research Fund to support research and to help transform knowledge into products and services that improve people's lives and create jobs. Funding through this program allows Ontario research institutions to support leading-edge research, and attract and retain the world's best research talent.

Premier McGuinty appointed Carol Stephenson, dean of the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, as chair of the advisory board. 

"I'm pleased to serve as chair, and look forward to working with the other members of the board to ensure that Ontario research institutions will be leading the world in new ideas, researchers and results," said Stephenson.  "With our combined experience in research and commercialization activities, I'm confident we can help Ontario move its research and innovation agenda forward."

Other members of the board include:  Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Dr. Javad Mostaghimi, Dr. Brant Peppley, Dr. Gord Surgeoner, and Dr. Ronald Worton, who is also vice chair.  The board has a capacity for 12 members, and more appointees will be announced in the future. 

The role of the ORF Advisory Board is to review and assess proposals from Ontario research institutions. The board then makes recommendations to the Minister of Research and Innovation on funding.  The board also provides strategic advice to the Minister on the research agenda to keep Ontario competitive and prosperous.

To strengthen Ontario as an innovative economy, the new Ministry of Research and Innovation is investing nearly $1.7 billion in research, commercialization and outreach programs.  The Ontario Research Fund supports research infrastructure, promotes research excellence and encourages commercialization activities in areas vital to Ontario's economy. 

 "Providing funding to support research will keep Ontario competitive and prosperous," McGuinty said.  "In the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century, the most valuable commodity is a creative idea or a new discovery that can be moved rapidly from the lab to the marketplace."

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