A new laboratory to research plant-based medicines such as ginseng, hawthorn and elderberry at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) was awarded provincial funding of $368,000.

The research infrastructure project at BCIT was awarded the money from this year’s British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund. It will go towards the equipment and construction of the laboratory. This will enable researchers to study plant-based remedies. It is hoped this project will bring British Columbia to the forefront of the development of new, safe and effective natural health products.

The British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund has awarded six public post-secondary institutions in B.C. with a total of $42.6 million for 100 research infrastructure projects in 2014, with more awards expected in 2015.

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk -

“The new research lab will support the applied health sciences programs delivered at BCIT and provide students with opportunities to get involved in real-time projects. Our government is committed to supporting world-class research that has the potential to improve lives of British Columbians.”

Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Minister Andrew Wilkinson -

“Investments such as this one will help keep our province at the leading edge of research and technology, allowing us to provide better care for British Columbians.”

Burnaby North MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Traditional Chinese Medicine Richard T. Lee -

“BCIT has a well-earned reputation as a leader in applied education in natural and health sciences. Renovations to the laboratory and new equipment will help establish B.C. at the forefront of the introduction and monitoring of new, safe and effective natural health products.”

Director of BCIT’s Natural Health & Food Products Research Group and Canada Research Chair in Phytoanalytics Dr. Paula Brown -

“Our aim is to ensure Canadians achieve the potential economic and health benefits afforded by plant-based products. This funding will help advance our understanding of plant chemistry, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities afforded by the processes of genetic selections in breeding medicinal plants as value-added agricultural crops.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, government has invested more than $2 billion in research and innovation in B.C.
• The government has leveraged an additional $1 billion in research funding from other sources.
• That’s a total of $3 billion for research and innovation.
• $550 million has been awarded through the British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund.

Learn More:

B.C. Knowledge Development Fund: www.gov.bc.ca/citz/technologyandinnovation/

Media Contacts:

Stacey McGaghey-Jones
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400

Dave Pinton
Acting Manager, Media Relations
BCIT
604 432-8306