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News Release:
Ontario Strengthening Agricultural And Environmental Research
Backgrounder:
Supporting World-Class Genomics Researchers In Guelph
Backgrounder:
Supporting World-Leading Genomics Research
Province Invests $3.2 Million in U of G Genomics Research (University of Guelph)
Latest Recipients

“Our government has been very interested in how do we shift our economy to a knowledge economy; and in particular, how do we shift our economy to a green-based economy?”
Liz Sandals, MPP Guelph

“This grant in particular will allow us to considerably enhance our ability to do innovative research addressed to an important agricultural problem.”
Steven Rothstein, University of Guelph

“Within your ministry, you and your colleagues have developed a different (funding) model; it’s a model built around continuity, and the long-term vision of transforming our province into a knowledge-based economy. As a scientist, I feel privileged to work with such enlightened leaders.”
Paul Hebert, University of Guelph

Remarks made during event to announce that Ontario is investing $3.2 million to support two projects at the University of Guelph.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2009

ONTARIO STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

McGuinty Government Boosts Plant Genomics Research In Guelph

NEWS

Ontario is strengthening its status as a hotbed for world-leading genomics research by supporting scientists in Guelph who are leading the way with ground-breaking discoveries in agriculture and environmental protection.

The province is investing $3.2 million to support two projects at the University of Guelph. The funding comes through the third round of the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence program, and supports the following projects:

Dr. Steven Rothstein will receive close to $2.8 million to discover greener ways to grow corn in Ontario – an industry worth almost $1 billion a year – by using less fertilizers and water to produce better corn yields.
Dr. Paul Hebert will receive $400,000 to undertake new research on the International Barcode of Life project, which is enabling the use of next-generation DNA sequencing equipment to survey and help protect bio-diversity around the world. Including today’s investment, the province has provided over $1.5 million to support Dr. Hebert’s work.

This funding comes on the heels of last week’s launch of Ontario’s new $100-million competition for genomics and gene-related research. Today’s announcement and the new competition support Ontario’s Innovation Agenda, a $3.2 billion plan to make Ontario one of the best places in the world to turn world-class research into world-class jobs.

QUOTES

“We’re proud of the work that our scientists do, and the wealth and jobs that they create in Guelph and communities across Ontario. Corn is one of the world's most important food crops and it holds tremendous potential for a new green economy based on renewable corn-based biofuels and industrial polymers. By learning more about corn genes, Dr. Rothstein and his team at the University of Guelph are determined to make major strides in helping farmers grow corn in more cost-effective and sustainable ways.”
– Guelph-Wellington MPP Liz Sandals.

“The McGuinty government is committed to growing an innovation economy that supports the groundbreaking work of our leading scientists and their teams. New discoveries and breakthroughs will continue to be made – and we want those innovative people, innovative ideas, and forward-looking jobs right here in Ontario.”
– Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson.

“DNA barcoding is already an effective tool, but by engaging hundreds of researchers across the globe and cross referencing data of species in the same ecosystems, we will gather the vital information needed to guide national mandates for conservation, safety and surveillance."
– Dr. Paul Hebert, Scientific Director of the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project.

QUICK FACTS

Ontario currently has the most highly skilled workforce in the G7.
Between 2005 and 2008, provincial investments in research and innovation leveraged $1.1 billion while helping to advance the knowledge, skills and training of close to 30,000 individuals.
The new announced $100-million Global Leadership Round in Genomics and Life Sciences will support globally-significant, collaborative research projects that are headquartered in Ontario.