Province drops $6.4M for research

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute will be receiving almost $6.5 million for medical imaging research projects from the Ontario Research Fund.

"This is huge, one of the largest investment ever made in Thunder Bay and for the Research Institute, it’s one of our first, most significant grants we’ve received," said Scott Potts, senior vice-president of corporate services for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

The majority of the money will be used to hire staff to support the research and scientists including graduate students, students with a master’s degree, technicians and other support staff, Potts said.

"We’re going to see anywhere from 30 to 35 new jobs over the next number of years and we’re also going to see that hopefully this will grow into other successes," he said.

Potts believes it’s the calibre of the scientists and the work they’re doing here that makes the Research Institute a place the government is willing to invest in. It’s also the focus on medical imaging that gives it an edge.

"I think it’s that focus that allows us to be successful because we’re not trying to be everything to everyone and we’ve got the quality of people that can support it," he said, adding the local facility is becoming a leader in the industry and the grant is a step toward that position in science in the world.

MPP Bill Mauro (Lib., Thunder Bay-Atikokan) said the Research Institute is making a name for itself that is recognized in southern Ontario and its growth locally is well on its way.

"The hope for a goal is not only are we going to create jobs and diversification of the economy through the research, but you certainly hope down the road a lot of this research leads to things that can get commercialized and that production of those products can lead to further job creation," he said. "That’s where the real big hit can come."

And while Mauro noted maintaining resource-based industry is important for the region, boosting the research sector is important for the area’s future.

"We all know if you stand still, the world goes by you and this knowledge-based transformation of the economy is very significant," said Mauro.