[News-releases] Canada Continues Firm Commitment to Science & Technology

[Tim Meyer]

News Release | For Immediate Release | March 5, 2010

CANADA CONTINUES FIRM COMMITMENT TO SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Budget 2010 investment in TRIUMF keeps the knowledge economy moving forward

(Vancouver, BC) - 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.  

-30-

********************************************************
Timothy I. Meyer, Ph.D.
Head, Strategic Planning & Communications
TRIUMF
4004 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, BC  V6T 2A3  CANADA
Tel: 604-222-7674
Fax: 604-222-3791
Cell: 650-464-8955
E-mail: tmeyer at triumf.ca
WWW: http://www.triumf.ca
********************************************************

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: PR-05-Mar-2010-Budget-2010-FINAL.pdf
Type: application/pdf
Size: 119374 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.triumf.ca/pipermail/news-releases/attachments/20100305/69aaea89/PR-05-Mar-2010-Budget-2010-FINAL-0001.pdf