ANPI launches $16 million proteomics network
July 8, 2002 - Proteomics research, the next generation of cutting-edge life sciences progress, officially entered a new era today with the launch of the multi-million dollar Alberta Network for Proteomics Innovation (ANPI), a partnership among the Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge and the governments of Canada and Alberta.
Proteomics research could profoundly impact areas such as healthcare, agriculture, forestry and the environment. For instance, it could ultimately lead to the development of highly targeted treatments, including new drugs, for cancer, cardiac, vascular and respiratory disease, neurological disease and other disorders with strong genetic components. It could also improve crop growth rate, particularly under environmentally harsh conditions, and lead to production of more nutritious fruits, vegetables and grains. Production of environmentally-friendly replacements for non-renewable resources, such as biodegradable plastics, could be another direct benefit.
ANPI was established through a three-year, $6.21 million commitment by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and $10 million in funding from the Alberta government’s Alberta Science and Research Authority (ASRA). The WD funding was the stimulus for the ANPI program to increase proteomics research capacity at Alberta’s three main universities. The ASRA money is directed towards infrastructure at several core proteomics facilities across the province.
“Proteomics will underpin life sciences research for the next 50 years. Alberta has a tremendous potential in this discipline and ANPI will help us to capitalize on it”, said Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification, Indian Affairs and Northern Development). “ANPI will benefit Canada by fostering knowledge creation and the commercialization of new technologies. This fits perfectly with the Government of Canada’s Innovation Strategy.”
“Investing in the future of this province is a priority for the Government of Alberta, particularly in the growing area of life sciences. By developing key partnerships like the one with the Alberta Network for Proteomics Innovation and building a solid research infrastructure, we are creating an environment for world-class research and discovery in Alberta,” said Victor Doerksen, Minister of Alberta Innovation and Science, also responsible for ASRA. “ANPI will build on the government’s previous investment in the proteomics facilities at the Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge and will continue to build on this emerging sector.”
ANPI executive director Peter Freeman said that the network was established to coordinate funding and management infrastructure for proteomics research in the province. “The launch of the network represents the latest phase in a program of investment that has put Alberta at the forefront of proteomics research in Canada,” Dr. Freeman said. “ANPI’s next phase will be to coordindate awareness of and access to, the state-of-the-art facilities of the network. This will accellerate research progress and foster partnering among the different research groups and locations. Training the next generation of proteomics researchers and innovators in this rapidly evolving discipline will also be key to sustaining Alberta’s pre-eminent position in life sciences in Canada.”
For more information please contact Peter Freeman,
ANPI Executive Director, 403.210.9532; or
Sandra Halme, UofA Public Affairs, 780.492.0442.
File No: 28
July 8, 2002
