Canada Continues Firm Commitment to Science & Technology

Budget 2010 investment in TRIUMF keeps the knowledge economy moving forward

VANCOUVER, March 5 /CNW/ - TRIUMF, Canada's national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, acknowledged the continuing support provided by the Government of Canada in its proposed budget for fiscal year 2010, providing $222 million over the next five years. This investment will enable the laboratory to make discoveries and develop new technologies in nuclear medicine and fundamental physics. Breakthroughs in these areas will dramatically change the way we diagnose and treat disease, will change how we view the universe, and will secure Canada's global leadership.

"This federal budget highlights Canada's commitment to putting Canadians at the international forefronts of research and innovation. This budget underscores the confidence Canada has in TRIUMF and in what we are doing for the country," said Dr. Nigel S. Lockyer, TRIUMF Director. "We cannot do everything, but we will focus on our areas of strength and we will make a difference in science, the economy, and healthcare."

TRIUMF is owned and operated as a joint venture by a consortium of 15 Canadian universities with core operations overseen by National Research Council Canada.

"On behalf of the Canadian and international research community, I would like to express my appreciation to the Government of Canada for its continued support of the cutting-edge research and development that is taking place at TRIUMF," said Howard Brunt, chair of TRIUMF's Board and University of Victoria's vice president, research. "In this current economic environment, it is a clear signal that the Government of Canada remains committed to the science and research that will fuel innovation in Canada and future economic growth," he added.

The international community also views Canada's commitment in Budget 2010 as a testament to TRIUMF's leadership in securing Canada's global leadership in areas of high importance and high value.

"I'm very pleased to learn that the Canadian government is supporting TRIUMF's ambitions. It was my privilege to Chair the peer review committee for the plan, and I was extremely impressed with the quality of the proposed scientific programme, which strikes a good balance between basic and applied research, and underlines the crucial role of basic research as a driver of innovation," said Rolf-Dieter Heuer, Director General of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. "This is of particular importance in a period of economic downturn, and will ensure continued breakthroughs in key areas that will dramatically change the way we diagnose and treat disease, and change how we view the universe."

A laboratory with more than forty years of history, TRIUMF operates as a multi-disciplinary facility, attracting not only the world's most respected particle and nuclear physics researchers, but also talented investigators from the wider scientific community. It is a unique cluster where a diverse range of scientists can collaborate on a wide array of research, develop innovative treatments, and realize new commercial opportunities.

    
    About TRIUMF
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TRIUMF is Canada's national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics. Located on the south campus of the University of British Columbia, TRIUMF is owned and operated as a joint venture by a consortium of the following Canadian universities, via a contribution through the National Research Council Canada: University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Carleton University, University of Guelph, University of Manitoba, McMaster University, Université de Montréal, Queen's University, University of Regina, Simon Fraser University, Saint Mary's University, University of Toronto, University of Victoria, York University.

For further information: Media Contact, Tim Meyer, Head, Strategic Planning & Communications, TRIUMF, Tel: [phone], Cell: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]