Minister of State Goodyear Announces Support for Groundbreaking Research at Canadian Science Policy Conference

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 17, 2011) - A multi-year funding extension for the federal Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI) will strengthen Canada's ability to perform groundbreaking scientific research. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced the three-year, $59.7-million investment in GRDI during his keynote speech at the Canadian Science Policy Conference today.

"Our government is proud to make this investment in scientific research, which is helping to build bridges between academia, policy makers and the private sector in the emerging field of genomics," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Our exceptional support for innovation is making Canada a premier destination for the world's top researchers, keeping our economy strong and creating high-quality jobs."

In his speech, Minister of State Goodyear outlined the Government of Canada's achievements with respect to its science and technology strategy, which is aimed at attracting and retaining the world's brightest researchers, increasing investments in research and development (R&D) infrastructure and commercializing promising research. He also noted that the government is studying the recommendations of the independent expert panel that it mandated to review federal support to R&D.

Established in 1999, GRDI coordinates the efforts of federal science departments and agencies involved in the field of genomics research. Its strategic goal is to contribute solutions to issues that are important to Canadians, focusing on the role of federal government research.

The Canadian Science Policy Conference, which aims to guide the future of science policy in Canada, drew a number of distinguished delegates from Canada's leading research universities, public sector science agencies and private industry. Since its launch in 2008, it has become a respected forum for discussing critical issues in science, technology and innovation policy.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's science and technology initiatives, visit the Science and Technology for Canadians website (www.science.gc.ca). For more information on the Genomics Research and Development Initiative, visit the GRDI website (http://grdi-irdg.collaboration.gc.ca/eng/index.html).