The University of British Columbia has received more than $27 million in funding from the provincial government for a number of research infrastructure projects, announced today by Honourable Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services.
The investment from the BC Knowledge and Development Fund (BCKDF) will help cover the costs of new laboratories, facilities and equipment for 40 research projects ranging from investigations into childhood diabetes to genome sequencing and cancer treatment.
“As one of the world’s top academic institutions, UBC is grateful for the provincial government’s support so our talented scientists can make new discoveries in areas like health, life sciences, and science and technology,” said Helen Burt, UBC associate vice-president, research and international. “This investment in UBC has the potential to bring significant social and economic benefits to all British Columbians.”
Among the funded projects is the Canucks for Kids Fund Childhood Diabetes Laboratories, led by UBC diabetes researcher Bruce Verchere at BC Children’s Hospital, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. A $3.2 million funding investment in new state-of-the-art technology will help further research into diabetes prediction, treatment and prevention.
“The research enabled by this infrastructure will lead to new ways to predict, prevent, and treat diabetes for the many children in this province affected by this devastating disease,” said Verchere.
Established in 1998, BCKDF investments are meant to strengthen scientific research and foster talent at post-secondary institutions, research hospitals and affiliated non-profit agencies across the province.
For more information about today’s announcement, and a full list of the funded UBC research projects, click here.
Additional quotes:
Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services –
“As part of our #BCTECH Strategy, the BCKDF provides investments in research and innovation that will explore new frontiers in life sciences, rehabilitation and sport performance, and astrophysics, among many other technology sectors. As one of the top three fastest private-sector job creators over the last decade, B.C.’s tech sector is driving our economy and generating desirable jobs for highly-skilled and creative British Columbians.”
Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education –
“Our government invests tens of millions of dollars in innovation at public post-secondary institutions to build on the growth and diversification of our economy and advance technology. Research at UBC offers students hands-on study opportunities and leads to the jobs and investment that makes our technology sector an important contributor to the provincial economy.”