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Government of Canada Invests in Microelectronics Research
KINGSTON, ONTARIO, Feb 9, 2010 (Marketwire via COMTEX) --
Canadians who use computers, cell phones, and satellite and medical devices will benefit from a new investment that will ensure that Kingston remains a world leader in microsystems and microelectronics research. Speaking at Queen's University, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced a five-year, $40-million investment in CMC Microsystems.
"Our government is investing in science and technology to create jobs, improve Canadians' quality of life and strengthen the economy for future generations," said Minister Goodyear. "Our support of microsystems research will ensure that Canada continues to be at the forefront of this field and that researchers can get their innovations from the lab to the marketplace, where Canadians and people around the world can benefit."
Microsystems are vital components of much of the technology Canadians use every day. Biomedical tools using micro- and nano-devices, for example, are helping to improve radiation techniques for cancer patients. As an enabling technology, microsystems are essential to many sectors, such as the environment, natural resources and energy, health, and information and communications technologies, and they will continue to play an important role in tomorrow's innovations.
CMC Microsystems is a non-profit organization that provides support to researchers for microelectronics and microsystems research. This organization provides the tools, technologies and services that make microsystems research and development possible in universities across Canada. Faculty members and graduate students test microsystems concepts for future applications in industrial sectors. The funding provided will be matched by cash and in-kind contributions from industry and other partners.
CMC Microsystems provides computer-aided design and analysis software to researchers in support of microelectronics and microsystems research. It also offers technical services, such as low cost prototype manufacturing and system testing, to university researchers and organizes networking conferences and workshops. Its membership includes more than 40 post-secondary institutions.
"The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has supported CMC Microsystems with funding for operating resources since its inception in 1984," said the Council's President, Dr. Suzanne Fortier. "At present, the organization's services are used by approximately 720 professors and over 2,400 students. These students are valued by industry as highly trained personnel, central to exploiting new opportunities that involve microsystems."
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators to the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 28,000 students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. It also promotes discovery by funding more than 11,800 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,500 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.
SOURCE: Government of Canada
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
613-947-2956
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Martine Perreault
Media and Public Affairs Officer
613-996-7238
martine.perreault@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
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