Released on July 24, 2002
Saskatchewan businesses and researchers now have a new institute dedicatedto advancing the many benefits from the Canadian Light Source (CLS)
synchrotron, under construction at the University of Saskatchewan.
Premier Lorne Calvert and Secretary of State (Western Economic
Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) Stephen Owen
today announced matching contributions of $500,000 to establish the
Saskatchewan Synchrotron Institute (SSI).
The SSI will be a "virtual" institute. Temporarily located at the CLS, it
will ensure Saskatchewan maximizes the benefits from its investment in
Canada's only synchrotron by co-ordinating and delivering research and
supplier strategies and programs.
"This new investment in synchrotron infrastructure will ensure that
Saskatchewan researchers and suppliers can take advantage of the economic
and scientific benefits associated with the synchrotron project," Calvert
said. "The Institute will place our province in a competitive position for
attracting and retaining innovative researchers."
"Today's announcement highlights the federal government's commitment to
strengthening Canada's research and development performance and helping
Western Canadian businesses turn innovation into new products faster," Owen
said. "Western Economic Diversification Canada's ongoing support of the
Canadian Light Source also helps build a critical mass of business support
and highly-skilled employees for the facility."
"It's critical that Saskatchewan scientists, students, businesses and
government agencies actively participate in the CLS to ensure that this
province can fully share in the scientific, economic and social benefits of
this tremendous new project," SSI Director Dennis Johnson said. "The
funding announced today will go a long way toward advancing that goal."
The Saskatchewan Synchrotron Institute will be financially administered by
the University of Saskatchewan and governed by a management board made up
of representatives from various groups including Canadian Light Source
Inc., the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina,
Saskatchewan Industry and Resources and Western Economic Diversification
Canada.
The SSI will:
encourage the development of university and college synchrotron-
related training and research programs at provincial institutions;
conduct a supplier needs assessment to ensure that Saskatchewan
companies are aware of the opportunities the synchrotron presents
and the requirements to take advantage of these opportunities;
provide matching funding for Saskatchewan-based industrial and
academic researchers to visit international synchrotrons for
training on applications of synchrotron science;
provide information seminars to provincial suppliers, researchers
and stakeholders on synchrotron opportunities;
ensure Saskatchewan researchers are actively involved in using the
CLS;
encourage the development of CLS-related learning experiences in
Saskatchewan schools;
provide financial support for post-doctoral fellowships or research
positions; and,
stimulate new industrial investment in Saskatchewan.
The SSI website was also launched today at www.sasksync.ca
The Saskatchewan Synchrotron Institute will be in operation for two years,
until the CLS is commissioned in 2004.
Federal funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001
federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
The province's funding comes from the Strategic Investment Fund, which
supports projects and infrastructure that will lead to the development of
innovative products, processes, and technologies resulting in a significant
economic impact.
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis Joanne Mysak
Industry and Resources Western Economic Diversification Canada
Regina Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 787-1691 Phone: (306) 975-5942
(Toll-Free 1-888-338-9378)
Dennis Johnson, Director
Saskatchewan Synchrotron Institute
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 657-3576