February 26, 2010

NEWS

LONDON- London West MPP Chris Bentley, on behalf of his London colleagues MPP Deb Matthews and MPP Khalil Ramal, announced $1.7 million to support Leo Lau and nine researchers at The University of Western Ontario. The funding comes from the Ontario Research Fund–Research Excellence program, which helps cover the operating costs of conducting advanced research.

This funding is helping researchers in London make new discoveries that will improve the lives of people around the world while building our economy at home. Lau and his team are pushing a new frontier for uses of butyl rubber, a high-quality synthetic rubber used in the pharmaceutical and medical industries, with potential applications also in the food and electronics industries. Moreover, he is using innovative processes that cut down the environment loads in manufacturing these new products. This important research promises to help Ontario keep its leading edge in the growing polymer market.

Funding world-class research is part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda – the McGuinty government’s plan to build an innovation economy that turns new knowledge into new jobs, better health care, a cleaner environment and endless possibilities for Ontario families.

QUOTES

“London continues to be a leader in cutting edge research. New discoveries will continue to be made and we want those people, those ideas and those jobs to stay right here in our community.”

Chris Bentley, MPP London West

"Cross-disciplinary research like Professor Leo Lau's helps expand the advanced manufacturing sector in Ontario, while providing a competitive advantage that will create jobs and ensure future prosperity," says Ted Hewitt, Western's Vice-President (Research & International Relations). "We are very thankful for the Province's recognition of the role research can play in economic recovery, as demonstrated by this investment."

“Today’s funding is part of a larger investment in research that will support over 214 scientists across our province. We are demonstrating, once again, that our government understands the value of science to our economy today and for creating the jobs of the future.”

John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation

QUICK FACTS

§ Including today’s investments, Ontario has committed $368.6 million for 91 projects under the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence program, and leveraged a commitment of almost $731 million from over 320 industry and other partners.

§ More than 1,100 highly qualified people in Ontario have been trained as a result of Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence funding, and the program is expected to help train more than 4,000 more.

§ Between 2005 and 2008, Ontario investments in research and innovation leveraged $1.1 billion while helping advance the knowledge, skills and training of close to 30,000 individuals.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about the Ontario Research Fund.

Learn about the Ontario Innovation Agenda

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