The Government of Quebec Grants $500,000 to McGill University and RI-MUHC to Support Two Collaborative Projects

Montreal - The Government of Québec has awarded a total of  $500,000 in funding to McGill University and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). The funding will go to support the completion of two international research and innovation projects, which were selected at the end of the call for projects launched in April 2017 as part of the Research Support Program, Component 4 - Support to International Research and Innovation Initiatives (PSR-SIIRI) (Programme de soutien à la recherche, volet 4 – Soutien à des initiatives internationales de recherche et d’innovation (PSR-SIIRI)). These initiatives will generate research investments valued at $1,710,000 in Quebec.

The first collaborative project, led by Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, a researcher in the Mental Health and Addictions Axis at the RI-MUHC and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University, consists of clinical and preclinical studies of the pharmacological properties of cannabidiol(an ingredient of cannabis) along with its ability to reduce the anxiety and depression associated with neuropathic pain.

The second project, led by Dr. Pnina Brodt, Cancer Researcher at the RI-MUHC and Professor in the Departments of Surgery, Medicine and Oncology at McGill University, aims to develop a new treatment for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, as well as the preclinical study of two new technologies allowing the delivery of an inhibitor across the blood-brain barrier.

Dr. David Birnbaum, the MP for D'Arcy McGee, Chair of the Montreal Caucus, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports (Elementary and Secondary Education) and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Advanced Education (College and University Education), made the announcement today, on behalf of the Deputy Premier, Minister of the Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Agenda, Mrs. Dominique Anglade.

These research projects will be carried out thanks to collaboration between organizations in Quebec and partners from various universities along with some of the largest research laboratories in Canada, France, Israel and Italy.

Quotes:

"Research and innovation are found in all regions of Québec, and especially in the city. Thanks to these important pillars, and international research projects like those announced today, we can enable our society to be part of a true knowledge economy, and to be even more innovative, productive, dynamic and competitive on an international scale here in Quebec."

David Birnbaum, Member of Parliament for D'Arcy McGee, Chair of the Montreal Caucus, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports (Elementary and Secondary Education) and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Higher Education (College and University Education)

"McGill University has grasped the importance of leveraging international collaborations to strengthen research and innovation in key sectors of our economy, such as the life sciences. We are proud to support the university in the achievement of these collaborative projects, which are also closely aligned with the Quebec Research and Innovation Strategy's objective of bringing Quebec to the top of the list of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development for Research and Innovation."

Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier; Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

"It is with great enthusiasm that our government supports the success of these international research projects, which demonstrate the active mobilization and consultation of stakeholders in our education, research and innovation sectors. Quebec is rich in the expertise it has developed and is undeniably distinguished by the immense capacity of Quebec researchers to innovate."

Hélène David, Minister responsible for Higher Education and for the Status of Women, MP for Outremont

Highlights :

-       The PSR‑SIIRI aims to support the accomplishment of international research and innovation projects, which are set up to be a collaboration between stakeholders from industry, higher education and research. It also aims to increase high-level partnerships in the areas of research and innovation by supporting strategic international initiatives.

-       In May 2017, the Québec government released the Stratégie québécoise de la recherche et de l’innovation 2017-2022 – Oser innover, which represents $2.8 billion in investments and total budgetary costs. This strategy includes 36 measures and 7 projects that will meet the challenges faced by Quebec in terms of research and innovation, as well as having an impact on improving the well-being of society.

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