NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
February 13, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES GLOBAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

International Strategic Opportunities Program Will Support Ontario Researchers, Attract Top Talent

QUEEN'S PARK — Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty launched a new program today that will help connect researchers in Ontario with researchers around the world to strengthen the province's economy and build prosperity for Ontario families.

"In today's economy, building prosperity is all about being the first to come up with a new idea, and the first to turn it into a new product or service," said Premier McGuinty. "By helping Ontario innovators connect with the global research community, we can create high-value jobs, attract investment and build a better quality of life for all Ontarians."

The five-year International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP) will provide successful applicants with up to $150,000 in funding over three years, for new strategic international collaborations.

Funding will be used to build and manage early-stage research partnerships and coordinate the management of research grant proposals and international workshops.

"We are committed to building a culture of innovation in Ontario," said Premier McGuinty. "By supporting cutting-edge, global research, we can continue to attract the best and brightest research talent to our province, making Ontario the place to be for years to come."

For more information about ISOP click here.

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