Seven Université de Montréal scientists will be able to conduct their research in leading-edge laboratories thanks to funding of more than $1 million by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Seven Université de Montréal scientists will be able to conduct their research in leading-edge laboratories thanks to funding of more than $1 million by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The results of the national Leaders Opportunity Fund competition, a program of the CFI, were announced today at Université de Montréal. CFI President and Executive Director Dr. Eliot Phillipson and the Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and the Minister Responsible for the Montreal Region, made the announcement on behalf of Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry and the Minister responsible for the CFI.

Université de Montréal Provost and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Jacques Frémont applauded the new investment in infrastructure. “For the past decade, the CFI has played a key role in what is arguably Canada’s most ambitious undertaking in terms of support for universities and academics. The critical importance of innovation to both our economy and our society is such that we must constantly strive to maintain the leadership position we have held for the last 10 years,” he said.

The new government subsidies will allow for the acquisition of research facilities in various domains. For example, Dr. Jean-François Masson of the Chemistry Department will be able to equip his laboratory for research into novel diagnostic tests for a number of diseases. At the Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Dr. Gregor Andelfinger will explore epidemiologic, genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to congenital cardiac malformations. Updated medical imaging technology will also permit Dr. Julien Doyon at the Research Centre of l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal to study the adaptability of the aging brain.

Seven Université de Montréal researchers will receive close to $1.2 million from these rounds of the Leaders Opportunity Fund. In addition, the grants are matched by the government of Québec and the projects also benefit from private partnerships representing 20% of the total amount. In total, the Université de Montréal researchers will receive close to 3 millions for their facilities.

About the Université de Montréal
Deeply rooted in Montreal and dedicated to its international mission, the Université de Montréal is one of the top universities in the French-speaking world. Founded in 1878, the Université de Montréal today has 13 faculties and together with its two affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and École Polytechnique, constitutes the largest centre of higher education and research in Québec, the second largest in Canada, and one of the major centres in North America. It brings together 2,500 professors and researchers, accommodates more than 55,000 students, offers some 650 programs at all academic levels, and awards about 3,000 masters and doctorate diplomas each year.

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Information:
Julie Gazaille
Media Relations
Université de Montréal
514-343-6796