•TheNaturalSciencesandEngineeringResearch CouncilofCanada(NSERC)investedalmost $174millionintothegovernmentpriorityarea classifiedasHealthandRelatedLifeSciencesand Technologiesin2013-14.•TheCanadianInstitutesofHealthResearch(CIHR) investapproximately$1billionannuallyfor translationofnewknowledgeandtonurturetalent.•TheSocialSciencesandHumanitiesResearch CouncilofCanada(SSHRC)currentlyfundsover 80health,relatedlifescienceand technologyprojects.•Torontohasthelargestfacultyofmedicinein NorthAmerica,producingmorepeer-reviewed publicationsthananyothermedicalcentrein theworld.•Canada’shealthsciencesresearchcommunity includesover30,000investigatorsin16medical schoolsandover100teachinghospitalsand researchinstitutes.

Canada: Research that works

Life Sciences and Biomedical Technologies

Did you know?YoumayworktogainvaluableexperienceorhelpfinanceyourstaywhileyoustudyinCanada.

Asaninternationalstudentwhohasgraduatedfromapost-secondaryprograminCanada,therearepermanentimmigrationoptionsavailabletoyou.

Forfurtherinformation: www.cic.gc.ca

You’ve got ideas to change the world. We’ve got the research infrastructure, expertise and educational programs to help you do it – and we’re willing to invest in you to help make innovation a reality.

Beyond a land of possibilities – a place where research becomes reality When you pursue your academic goals in Canada, you become a valued member of a scientific community that is internationally recognized for excellence and enjoys a long-standing tradition of delivering on discovery.

Whether you continue in research, apply your work in the private sector, stay in Canada, follow further opportunities abroad or return to your roots to give something back – Canada can be a proactive partner in realizing your goals.

Through scholarships, awards and fellowships to initiatives like our Networks of Centres of Excellence that promote international collaboration and industry partnerships, Canada brings the best and brightest minds together to find groundbreaking solutions for lasting impact. Canada can be your global knowledge partner of choice.

Explore the possibilitiesDiscover the wealth of programs offered at Canada’s colleges and universities nationwide and see which industry partnerships are active right now. Many links are provided in this document to guide your search. Step up to make your contribution. Join the thousands of international students and researchers who choose Canada as a springboard to success!

Fast Facts

These world-renowned centres enable researchers to collaborate with international institutions and industry partners on specific R&D challenges.

• The Allergy, Genes and Environment Network (AllerGen), based at McMaster University, focuses on catalyzing and supporting discovery, development, networking, capacity building, commercialization and knowledge translation to reduce the socio-economic burden of allergic and related immune diseases. www.allergen-nce.ca

• NeuroDevNet, at the University of British Columbia, strives to better understand the causes of neurological deficits, train a new generation of researchers, and translate new knowledge into improved measurement, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. www.neurodevnet.ca

• The Stem Cell Network, led by the University of Ottawa, is a catalyst for enabling translation of stem cell research into clinical applications, commercial products and public policy. www.stemcellnetwork.ca

www.nce-rce.gc.ca

Canada is a leader in life sciences research

Canadian Universities ranked in the Top 100 in the world! For the areas of clinical, pre-clinical and health by the Times Higher Education 2013-14 world rankings: • University of Toronto • McGill University • McMaster University • University of British Colombia (UBC)• Université de Montréal• University of Alberta • Queen’s University For the areas of life sciences by the Times Higher Education 2013-14 world rankings: • UBC • University of Toronto• McGill University• Université de Montréal

Networks of Centres of Excellence bring partners together

Canada is a global leader in digital radiography, in vitro diagnostics, cardiovascular devices, dental implants and materials, and home health-care products. We have proven research strengths in areas such as genomics, bio-informatics, immuno-therapies and neuroscience. Canada’s position as a biotechnology leader – one of the top five countries in the world – is a reflection of our world-class research credentials.

Canadian medical researchers have been at the forefront of regenerative medicine since the 1960s. James Edgar Till and Ernest Armstrong McCulloch were the first to identify the hematopoietic stem cell. Today, several of the world’s leading stem cell biologists are located in Canada – renowned for their leadership in tissue engineering and biomaterials.

Canada’s provinces are leading the way:• Alberta has a solid foundation in the bio-industry, with public and private research

laboratories working in areas that will have tremendous impact on health, agriculture and a wide variety of other industries.

• British Columbia supports one of the largest biotech sectors in North America, original home to three of the world’s most profitable biotech companies: QLT, Angiotech and Aspreva (a University of Victoria Enterprise). The University of British Columbia consistently ranks among the top 10 North American universities in commercialization and patenting activities.

• Manitoba – home to the Public Health Agency of Canada – is considered the fastest-growing biotechnology sector in Canada. Dominant activities include pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical production and research and development (R&D), as well as agricultural biotechnology.

• New Brunswick – with plentiful forests and proximity to the sea – is a world leader in tree improvement and the development of: green technologies to protect against forest pests, fish therapies, fish brood stock and new species for aquaculture.

• Nova Scotia is home to more than 50 life sciences companies, with close to 500 products competing globally and an industry pipeline with more than 300 products at various stages of development.

• Ontario’s strengths are in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, medical devices and the fields of agricultural biotechnology and biomaterials. The MaRS Discovery District in Toronto is dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of new discoveries across Canada.

• Prince Edward Island is a leading centre for bio-actives R&D and commercialization of products for health and nutrition. It has established an outstanding collaborative environment for business, research, academia and government organizations to work in partnership.

• Quebec is spearheading genomics research and has solid research infrastructure anchored by the Canada’s Biotechnology Research Institute, McGill University, MNI, l’Université de Montréal, IRIC and Génome Québec’s Innovation Centre. More than 300 public research health groups and some 75 research centres operate in the province, home to more than 10,000 life science researchers.

• Saskatchewan is using biotechnology to grow hardier and more productive crops; to understand how infectious diseases work; and to develop cleaner sources of energy from grains, oilseeds and forest waste. It is also home to two world-class universities, as well as the Innovation Place and Regina Research Parks.

Life Sciences and Biomedical Technologies

Canada Excellence Research Chairs program attracts top international scholars The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program awards 10 million dollars over seven years to support the world’s leading scholars in four strategic areas:• environmental sciences and technology • health and related life sciences • information and communications technologies • natural resources and energy www.cerc.gc.ca

Canada Excellence Research Chairs pursuing life sciences work in CanadaThese leading international scholars are benefiting from CERC funding:

Dr. Oliver Ernst – Structural neurobiology Dr. Oliver Ernst’s work at the University of Toronto aims to understand how nerve cell receptors work on the molecular level to provide insight into their role in the development of neurological and other types of degenerative diseases.

Dr. Matthew Farrer – Neurogenetics and translational neuroscience At the University of British Columbia, Dr. Matthew Farrer is pioneering new strategies for early detection and improved treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, and will introduce a focus on degenerative disorders in children. He will establish a research centre for applied neurogenetics to study the molecular origins of brain diseases using new genetic and computing technologies.

Dr. Michael Houghton – Virology Dr. Michael Houghton and his team at the University of Alberta are developing low-cost prophylactic vaccines against the hepatitis C virus and therapeutic vaccines against hepatitis B (HBV). Houghton hopes to improve current HBV treatment methods and significantly reduce treatment time. He will also investigate a potential infectious basis for various human diseases that have so far remained uncharacterized.

People like you are making a difference

Dr. Hassan Anwarul PhD in Mechanical Engineering University of Alberta, 2010

Diana Sanchez Hernandez, Mexico – Canada-Mexico Scholarship

Pursuing a PhD in nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto, to study the effect of Vitamin A in maternal diets on the expression of genes regulating food intake and reward on particular areas of the brain.

“I chose Canada for my doctoral study because of its reputation as the home for some of the world’s foremost research-intensive universities. Through unique interdisciplinary research, I helped develop a new drug to reduce droplets released during coughing to eliminate the spread of airborne diseases.

I was offered a job even before graduating as a research scientist for Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, the leading research institute of Alberta’s provincial government. I have since moved on to work for Champion Technologies, one of the largest chemical suppliers in the world.”

Dr. Adrian Owen – Cognitive neuroscience and imaging Dr. Adrian Owen is testing new theoretical models at The University of Western Ontario and is using functional neuroimaging to detect and measure brain activity in brain-injured patients. He will also develop new brain-computer interfaces that will allow these patients to communicate with the outside world. In addition, Owen will study the cognitive deficits in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dr. Marcel Babin – Marine optics and remote sensing Dr. Marcel Babin and his team at Université Laval are using the most recent advances in satellite remote sensing to develop new ways to monitor change, create advanced computer models of Arctic ecosystems, and develop powerful new tools to archive and analyze the vast stream of research data about Canada’s new Arctic frontier.

Dr. Frederick Roth – Integrative biology Dr. Frederick Roth leads a research team at the University of Toronto that is developing new technology for discovering gene functions, the pathways genes encode and the relation of genes to human disease. At the same time, the team is developing new computational methods for integrating the results of diverse, large-scale experiments.

actively conduct life sciences studies at colleges and universities across Canada.

www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca

734Research Chairs

Healthy mothers!

• A comprehensive list of programs and information on education in Canada www.educationau-incanada.ca

• Partnership opportunities and information on innovation projects www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/science/ home.jsp

• Profiles on cutting-edge research at institutions across Canada www.InnovationCanada.ca www.science.gc.ca

• International scholarships and fellowships www.scholarships.gc.ca www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca

• Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada www.aucc.ca

• Colleges and Institutes Canada www.collegesinstitutes.ca

Explore the Possibilities

Life Sciences Research BodiesGenome Canada www.genomecanada.ca Offers primary funding and an information resource for genomics and proteomics in Canada.

Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca Provides national leadership in enhancing healthy living, responding to the changing nature of health issues, and promoting disease prevention.

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) www.idrc.ca Supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development.

National Research Council Canada (NRC) www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca Specializes in several fields of pure and applied research, including the life sciences with the development of biopharmaceuticals and medical devices, while fostering international research collaborations.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca Support over 14,000 researchers and trainees in the creation of new health research knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians.

Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) www.innovation.ca Invests in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to attract and retain the world’s top talent. As of April 2014, CFI had approved more than 8600 Canadian projects valued at more than $5 billion, which have contributed to - or will lead to - breakthroughs in areas such as the life sciences.

Going Global Innovation (GGI) www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/science/going_global.jsp Promotes Canada’s innovation efforts by supporting Canadian researchers to solidify partnerships with international key players for science-based research and development projects that have commercial potential.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca Supports some 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows and 12,000 professors every year.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca Promotes and supports post-secondary based research and training in the humanities and social sciences to enhance our understanding of modern social, cultural, technological, environmental, economic, and wellness issues.

Funding Programs

This document is a collaboration between the Innovation, Science and Technology Division and the International Education and Youth Division of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. Aussi disponible en français

Life Sciences and Biomedical Technologies

For undergraduate studiesEmerging Leaders in Americas Programwww.scholarships.gc.ca

Mitacs Globalinkwww.mitacs.ca/globalink

For graduate and post-graduate studiesBanting Postdoctoral Fellowship www.banting.fellowships-bourses.gc.ca

The Bentley Cropping Systems Fellowship (IDRC)www.idrc.ca

Canada-U.S. Fulbright Awardswww.fulbright.ca

Doctoral Research Awards (IDRC)www.idrc.ca

Industrial Postgraduate Scholarshipswww.nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarship Program www.oas.org

Trudeau Scholarship www.trudeaufoundation.ca

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarshipwww.vanier.gc.ca

For professionals

Human Frontier Science Program Fellowships www.hfsp.org

Professional Development Awards www.idrc.ca

Research Associates Programwww.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Research Awards (IDRC)www.idrc.ca

Visiting Fellows in Canadian Government Laboratories www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca

An exchange program for college, undergraduate and graduate students from the Americas.

A 3 month research exchange program for undergraduate and graduate students from select countries.

Seventy Banting fellowships awarded annually in the social sciences and humanities, health research, and natural sciences and engineering.

Fellowships offered to Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries undertaking graduate studies in agriculture, forestry, or biology, and wish to conduct applied, on-farm research in one or more developing countries.

For graduate and post-doctoral students, professors, professionals and teachers from the two countries who wish to explore a wide range of contemporary issues.

Awards offered to Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries pursuing their doctoral studies at a Canadian university.

Financial support for highly qualified science and engineering graduates to gain research experience in industry while undertaking advanced studies in Canada.

Awards available to students from other OAS member states for graduate study or research in Canada.

Provide national or international doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities with up to $240,000 including $20,000 annual travel allowance over three years.

Assist both Canadian and international students to pay for their studies in Canada.

Canada participates in this international program, which provides opportunities for research, training and fellowships.

Available to citizens of developing countries who have a master’s, doctoral or post-doctoral degree and/or career experience and who wish to come to Canada to expand their knowledge.

The National Research Council Canada hires associate researchers with doctoral degrees or who are working toward their master’s or doctoral degree.

Available to Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries pursuing master’s or doctoral studies at a recognized university or having completed a master’s or doctoral program at a recognized university.

Funds emerging scientists and academics to work at Canadian research institutions and laboratories.

A select list of Canadian government-sponsored scholarships, awards and fellowships

Do you have what it takes to earn an award or a scholarship? There’s no time like the present to find out. Consult the above links.

Life Sciences and Biomedical Technologies

in grants are proposed under the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) for post-secondary institutions to

excel globally in research over the next 10 years, starting with $50-million in 2015-2016 and reaching $200 million annually in

2018–19 and beyond.

$1.5 BILLION

Life Sciences research in actionBiomarking for more personalized cardiac diagnosticsThe Montreal Heart Institute stands at the forefront of the personalization and enhanced precision of diagnostic tools and therapies using innovative applied and clinical research. From pharmacogenomics, imaging and genetic biomarkers to clinical trials, the training environment welcomes MSc, PhD, post-doctoral students and medical fellows to participate in these breakthroughs to develop future medical treatments. Each year, over 160 students from across the globe develop their full potential and gain expertise at the MHI research Centre.

Surgery in 3DResearchers at the University of Calgary and Calgary Health Region, in association with Canadian space-arm manufacturer MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA), have developed a robotic arm, the neuroArm, that allows surgeons to conduct intricate procedures guided by 3D images of a patient undergoing magnetic resonance imaging – or MRI. This innovative non-magnetic technology is also proven to reduce patient recovery time. The MDA company has since partnered with Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, for the design and development of the KidsArm which helps surgeons reconnect a child’s delicate veins, arteries or intestines.

Making blood from human skinResearchers at McMaster University’s Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute have developed a process to convert skin directly into blood. This breakthrough will allow patients to use their own skin as a source of blood for surgery, cancer therapy, or treating other blood disorders. Drug treatments are now being identified to selectively prohibit the survival and growth of cancer stem cells. Clinical trials were underway in 2013.

I-THINK ResearchSince her Canadian work with I-THINK and Simulation Technologies for India, that partnered to develop surgical training techniques to improve safety and efficiency in healthcare, Dr. Gwadry-Sridhar, Director of Medical Health Informatics at the University of Western Ontario, continues as Chair of the “Determinants of Compliance” working group at the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), to lead new methodologic inquiry with cardiologists for improved pharmacoeconomics and health outcomes.

Tissue engineeringWorld-leading tissue engineering researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a biodegradable “scaffold” that facilitates and speeds bone tissue regeneration, and have introduced a novel technique for growing nerve cells in the laboratory – a breakthrough that could help restore movement in people suffering from paralysis.

Canadians decode breast cancer genomeBy sequencing the genomes of tumour tissues, BC Cancer Agency researchers, in British Colombia have shown how primary tumours are a mosaic of cells containing different evolving mutations. The discovery opens new doors to fight cancer through personalized treatments that target the genetic makeup of primary and metastatic tumours.

Overcoming the medical isotope crisisTo help meet the expanding need for medical isotopes, researchers at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke and the Université de Sherbrooke, in collaboration with Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc, have discovered that networks of medium-energy cyclotrons could produce technetium-99m to complement the supply of medical isotopes traditionally provided by nuclear reactors.

Now that’s research that works!