The Province Invests $20 Million To Improve Medical Research Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

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Saturday, 18 April 2020 15:06

World-class research institutions and post-secondary institutions are among those being called upon by the provincial government to develop innovative solutions to track and defeat COVID-19.

ONTARIO - The Province is investing $20 million to improve medical research and develop tools and resources to fight against COVID-19, plus other infectious diseases through the Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund.

The provincial government is calling on all world-class research institutions, post-secondary institutions, and non-profit scientific partners to develop innovative solutions to track and defeat COVID-19.

Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano made the announcement today.

Premier Ford says some of the brightest people live in Ontario.

"We have some of the best and brightest minds anywhere in the world right here in Ontario. Whether it's developing a vaccine, using 3-D printers to make personal protective equipment or designing better portable ventilators, our brilliant researchers are leading the charge in the fight against COVID-19 and giving our frontline health care workers the tools and resources they need to deliver top-notch care for patients."

The investment is part of Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.

The post-secondary education sector in the province and research community has already taken on a leadership role to fight against COVID-19.

Colleges and universities, research hospitals and institutes have stepped up to support their local communities, donating lifesaving ventilators, personal protective equipment and conducting invaluable research on detection and treatment.

Minister Romano says support is needed from the research community.

"Our province, our country and the entire world face an unprecedented situation, and the innovation and expertise of our research community is needed now more than ever. We need to continue mobilizing people and ideas and leveraging our top talent in this global effort to find a solution to this crisis and keep people safe."

Researchers are encouraged to send proposals through the new Ontario Together website. The portal was established to find or manufacture emergency products and identify immediate and innovative solutions to help support the province's response to COVID-19.

The website also includes an option for research institutions, in addition to individuals, corporations and other entities, to send ideas about how to expand the capacity of health care and knowledge, using better artificial intelligence and build Ontario's current and future supply chain capacity.

Research submissions through the portal will be accepted until April 24th.

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli says medical technology and pharmaceutical companies offered solutions right away after the portal launched.

"When we launched Ontario Together on March 21st, our province's medical technology and pharmaceutical companies quickly stepped up to offer made-in-Ontario solutions in the fight against COVID-19. This incredible response demonstrates the strength of the Ontario Spirit in our business community and world-class manufacturing and life sciences sectors."

The provincial government is particularly interested in proposals that are highly feasible with achievable results within one year or a maximum of two years.