2010-2013 Québec Research and Innovation Strategy
announced by the Government of Québec The FRSQ hails tangible support for health research Montréal, June 29, 2010 – The Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ) has seen the updated version of the Québec Research and Innovation Strategy (QRIS) entitled Mobilize. Innovate. Prosper, unveiled yesterday by Clément Gignac, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. The government will invest $1.16 billion in implementing the Strategy. "This major investment is proof of how the government feels about the role of research and innovation in the economic and social development of our society," said FRSQ President and CEO Yves Joanette. All the measures announced, whether support for research infrastructure or a concrete boost to commercialization of the products of research, will benefit health research, for example, support for merit awards, workplace internship awards, international internships, and strategic clusters in health fields considered priorities. A new financial measure will help to fund innovative strategic development projects in research centres. "These new monies will make it possible for the FRSQ to continue backing public health research in Québec while implementing its strategic plan," Joanette added. He went on to say that "the announcement of these new investments, combined with later announcements concerning projects that marshal the forces of the life sciences sector, are real actions that bolster health research and, that, in turn, improve public health and help Québec’s knowledge economy." The updated QRIS also expresses the government’s vision of a novel governance model for public research in Québec, and hence, the Minister’s announced creation of the Fonds Recherche Québec headed by a Chief Scientist. The FRSQ fully endorses the administrative merger with the two other Québec Fonds under the banner of Fonds Recherche Québec. However, it must convey the research community’s fears that the resulting amalgamation of the Boards of Directors of the Fonds may affect leadership in each of the sectors and the ability for strategic and adapted mobilization. The FRSQ and its community will insist on the importance of identifying the best governance model for the Fonds Recherche Québec with a view to seizing opportunities for giving public research better coherent structure. Read the 2010-2103 Québec Research and Innovation Strategy (QRIS) About the FRSQ
The Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ), which reports to the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, supports health research in order to foster the well-being of Quebecers. Its mandate is to promote and provide funding for research, to disseminate knowledge, and to contribute to training, as well as to establish partnerships crucial to the development of Québec’s research and innovation system and its international reach. Web site: www.frsq.gouv.qc.ca. - 30 – Source:
Michelle Dubuc, M.Sc.
Chief, Communications
Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ)
Telephone: (514) 873-2114, ext. 235 |