UOIT hails province's new research and commercialization strategy
October 20, 2004
OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology welcomes the Ontario government's recently announced research and commercialization strategy as a new era in the support of research by the province. Details of the program were outlined last week in a joint letter from Minister of Economic Development and Trade Joseph Cordiano and Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Mary Ann Chambers, which was forwarded to all Ontario university presidents by Dr. Calvin Stiller of the Ontario Innovation Trust.
The Ontario Research Fund and the Ontario Research Commercialization Program are featured highlights of the announcement. Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, UOIT's Associate Provost, Research and Graduate Programs, noted the significant impact the announcement will make on Ontario's research culture.
"Keeping Ontario competitive within Canada and internationally is a key advantage the new programs will offer," said Dr. Gabriel. "Support from the province will also place Ontario priorities at the heart of the national research endeavour in areas such as clean water, alternative energy sources, and biotechnology, among others. The government announcement assures leading thinkers and doers that Ontario is determined to lead the knowledge economy."
The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is particularly looking forward to the opportunities for partnering with government on the commercialization of research in Ontario. "This is part of the mandate specifically set out in the UOIT Act," said President Gary Polonsky. "Our academic focus is career-oriented and outcomes-based. Our faculty members in engineering, science, technology and business are poised to move forward on practical connections with leading Ontario industries such as General Motors. This announcement by Ministers Cordiano and Chambers moves Ontario a significant step forward on the global stage in research and development."
The decision by government to dedicate resources to research was greeted as a landmark decision in a time of fiscal challenges. "This commitment by government is a proactive expression of support for Ontario's researchers when there are hard choices to be made among competing priorities," acknowledged Vice-President, Finance and Strategy, Sheldon Levy. "UOIT will work hard, in particular on the commercialization agenda, to justify this investment in our research strength and our potential to achieve results."
The letter from Ministers Cordiano and Chambers followed an announcement by Premier Dalton McGuinty on October 6, 2004, to the Ontario Economic Summit that his government will commit at least $300 million to the support of research and development in the province.
About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, health sciences, social science, applied science, the pure sciences, engineering, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing selected services with Durham College, UOIT welcomed its first students in September 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
John Schofield
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668, ext. 2162
john.schofield@uoit.ca
