Office of the Premier
The B.C. government has awarded the University of British Columbia (UBC) more than $27 million through the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) for 40 research infrastructure projects in areas of healthcare, astrophysics, clean technology and agriculture.
The projects include providing new technology for diabetes research in children, establishing one of the largest DNA (genome) and computing research networks in the world, creating new drug therapies to treat children with rare diseases, assisting in the manufacturing, capture and study of atomic matter, and using nanomaterials from waste crab shells and wood pulp to create innovative materials.
Through the BCKDF, more than $42 million has been invested this year for public post-secondary institutions to undertake 51 research infrastructure projects.
(flickr.com) BCKDF investments are aimed at attracting and retaining world-class research and innovation talent in British Columbia. Projects funded by the BCKDF have the potential to spur technology commercialization, talent development and job creation.
BCKDF funding is part of the #BCTECH Strategy, a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen the province’s diverse knowledge-based economy. The 10-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity across the province.
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.”
Dr. Helen Burt, associate vice-president, Research and International –
“As one of the world’s top academic institutions, the University of British Columbia is grateful for the provincial government’s support, which enables our talented scientists to make new discoveries in areas like health, the life sciences and science and technology. This investment in UBC has the potential to bring significant social and economic benefits to all British Columbians.”
Dr. Bruce Verchere, head of Canucks for Kids Fund Childhood Diabetes Laboratories, Child and Family Research Institute at BC Children’s Hospital –
“This award will transform diabetes research at BC Children’s Hospital and offer new hope for B.C. children and families living with this disease. It will help us in the search for new ways to predict, prevent and treat diabetes – and one day, to ultimately find a cure.”
Quick Facts:
- Since 2001, government has invested more than $595 million in research and innovation in B.C.
- The government has leveraged an additional $1 billion in research funding from other sources.
- That’s more than $1.6 billion for research and innovation.
Learn More:
BCKDF: http://www.gov.bc.ca/citz/technologyandinnovation/Funding/BCKDF/
BC Technology Strategy: http://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/
University of British Columbia: https://www.ubc.ca/
Canucks for Kids Fund Childhood Diabetes Laboratories: http://www.cfri.ca/diabetes/
For a backgrounder, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_BCKDF-UBC.pdf
