Life sciences, electric transition focus of Ontario initiatives with Oshawa prof in key role

Ontario Tech University’s Vice-President of Research and Innovation will be putting that fancy title to work this year as the co-chair of a province-wide initiative aimed at strengthening Ontario’s growing life sciences ecosystem.

Dr. Les Jacobs, a leading international expert in human rights and global health and a vice-president at the Oshawa school since 2019, will help lead a Council of Ontario Universities (COU) initiative looking at opportunities to expand health innovation, medical technology, biomanufacturing, agriculture and agri-food.

The life sciences strategy is one of two initiatives the COU, in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), is developing this year, with the other an acceleration of Ontario’s role as a global powerhouse in the electric vehicle transition.

Dr. Les Jacobs at Ontario Tech University

Raed Kadri, the OCI’s vice-president of strategic initiatives and business development (as well as heading up the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network), co-chairs both programs and will partner with Andrew Dean, Lakehead University’s Research & Innovation Vice-president, on the Critical Minerals and Battery Innovation Group. This initiative will try and address the province’s growing need for a resilient and sustainable supply chain to support electrification and the next generation of battery technologies.

Ontario Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn said gaining access to key industry leaders with top notch researchers will be key in “shaping the next generation” of talent, creating new jobs and fuelling economic growth in these “critical sectors.”

Andrew Dean at Lakehead University

“Postsecondary institutions are the pipeline to ensuring Ontario has highly skilled workers to meet our labour market needs, now and for decades to come,” said Quinn. “The partnership between the Council of Ontario Universities and Ontario Centre for Innovation will educate the next generation of leaders across key sectors, driving further prosperity for our economy.”

The two initiatives, in addition to other programs already underway, underscore the transformative power of collaboration between Ontario universities, government and industry in boosting Ontario’s economic competitiveness and cementing its position as a global leader in innovation and growth, said COI CEO Steve Orsini.

“Ontario’s universities and government have a shared commitment to develop the talent and innovation we need to help drive economic growth in communities throughout the province,” said Orsini. “By supporting the province’s priorities, these two initiatives will help build Ontario’s economy, strengthen the connections with local industries and ensure Ontario remains a global leader in innovation.”

Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli said the initiatives will enable the province’s “world class talent” to be well-positioned to push the boundaries of innovation and further solidify Ontario’s reputation as a global leader in next-generation technologies.”