The Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC) and Cambrian College have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding which would see both institutions collaborate on health research and training. The agreement also calls for both parties to benefit from any commercialization resulting from these efforts.
“To develop a health sciences research hub in Sudbury we need to foster relationships with key community partners like Cambrian College,” said Dr. Francisco Diaz-Mitoma, AMRIC CEO and vice-president of research at Health Sciences North (HSN), where AMRIC is located, in a news release. “By working together, we have a greater ability to attract health-related research projects, investments and talent to Greater Sudbury, which benefits patient care, creates high-income jobs, builds intellectual capital, and enhances the reputation of our city.”
Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, faculty and students at Cambrian would have access to AMRIC’s research facilities and be involved in projects with the institute.
“We are very pleased to be working with AMRIC at HSN because this new collaboration will create more opportunities for students and faculty to build their potential and to develop scientific research right here in the north,” Cambrian president Sylvia Barnard said. “Our faculty and students are already conducting health research at Cambrian through our applied research program, and this partnership will broaden our opportunities with a diverse team at a new institution.”
AMRIC is one of Canada’s newest health research institutions. Affiliated with HSN, AMRIC employs a team of approximately 60 researchers and support staff. AMRIC is focusing its research efforts on health-care priorities of northeastern Ontario.
“This collaboration strengthens our mission to be an academic health sciences centre,” says Dr. Denis Roy, president and CEO of Health Sciences North. “It provides us with the opportunity to conduct locally based research which is good for patients. It also enhances the skills and training of local students and boosts our ability to recruit and retain Cambrian College graduates.”
