September 21, 2006 Source: :
http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/060921-2576.asp New programs to recognize researchers, entrepreneurs University will make nominations for provincial awards
Sep 21/06
by Jenny Hall U of T stands to benefit from new provincial awards programs designed to promote innovation, research and entrepreneurship in Ontario. The Premier’s Discovery Awards program will disburse four awards totalling $1.5 million to researchers in recognition of their discoveries and achievement in four categories: life sciences and medicine; natural sciences and engineering; social sciences and humanities; and innovation leadership. Full-time professors at universities, hospitals and research centres in Ontario are eligible. The Premier’s Catalyst Awards program will disburse five awards of $200,000 each to entrepreneurs and companies to help them move their ideas and technologies to the marketplace. Although for-profit companies are eligible to apply, so are academics who are commercializing research. The awards are part of a five-year initiative by the Ministry of Research and Innovation to promote Ontario as an innovative economic region. "We’re on the side of innovative Ontario businesses and researchers who help Ontario prosper and are building a bright future for our next generation," said Premier Dalton McGuinty in a press release. McGuinty serves as minister of research and innovation. "These awards will recognize Ontario’s outstanding researchers," said Professor John Challis, U of T’s vice-president (research) and associate provost. "This is an outstanding investment in this province and I am delighted that the premier, through the Ministry of Research and Innovation, has developed this high profile way of recognizing the pre-eminence of Ontario’s researchers." The university will make nominations for these awards and welcomes suggestions in the form of a curriculum vitae and brief cover letter indicating how the suggested nominee meets the award criteria. Visit http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/MRI.asp for details about the awards including criteria or http://www.research.utoronto.ca/funding/ff_mri.html for an overview of programs at the Ministry of Research and Innovation. Direct questions or information on suggested nominees to Frederick Zhu, government research infrastructure programs co-ordinator, at frederick.zhu@utoronto.ca or 416-946-3723.
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