NMIN is collaborating with its partner organization NanoCanada to build a Canadian Nanomedicine Cluster that will offer a hub for collaboration and partnerships, provide a database of expertise and capabilities, and showcase Canada’s leadership on the global stage.
As part of this collaboration, NMIN Executive Director Dr. Diana Royce has been appointed member of the Steering Committee for the Canadian Nanomedicine Cluster Build Project. This committee meets on a quarterly basis to: 1) share expertise, networks of stakeholders and best practices to support the development of a nanomedicine cluster; and 2) identify gaps in the nanomedicine ecosystem that could form the basis of other funding proposals.
“I am happy to represent our network in this valuable NanoCanada-led initiative,” commented Dr. Royce. “The establishment of a cross-sectoral, collaborative nanomedicine cluster is a natural extension of NMIN’s own efforts to unite and strengthen the field in Canada.”
Dr. Royce’s appointment to this committee follows upon NMIN’s co-organizing, with NanoCanada, a workshop in March 2021 entitled “Investing in Canada’s Nanomedicine Ecosystem,” in which industry, academic and public sector representatives gathered to explore new market potential in the nanomedicine ecosystem.
The need for investment in research and infrastructure to build a stronger nanomedicine and biomedical ecosystem in Canada was highlighted by NMIN’s founding Scientific Director Dr. Pieter Cullis and Theme III: Diagnostics research co-lead Dr. Shana Kelley in a Hill Times Op-Ed in March 2021. NMIN researcher and incoming Scientific Director Dr. Christine Allen issued similar statements on the need to invest in biomanufacturing and life sciences research in a May 2021 interview.
NanoCanada has received support for its Canadian Nanomedicine Cluster from NGen (Next Generation Manufacturing Canada: an industry-led, non-profit national network leading Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, supported by Canada’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative).