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Montreal, June 28, 2010 – After a first review of the new 2010-2013 Québec Research and Innovation Strategy (QRIS), the Conference of Rectors and Principals of Québec Universities (CREPUQ) would like to congratulate Clément Gignac, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, on his efforts to steer a steady course in research, science and technology.

Major Investments

CREPUQ considers that the renewal of the Strategy is, in itself, excellent news for Québec because it will support tomorrow’s scientists and consolidate our research position in Canada and North America.

“Reinforcement of some programs like the merit scholarships, international traineeships and scholarships in the practice environment – funding of nearly $40 million over three years for Québec students – will support training and provide a highly qualified, innovative workforce”, noted CREPUQ Board Chairman Denis Brière, Rector of Université Laval.

The Strategy also includes measures to bolster collaboration between universities and companies, with a view to enhancing business performance, innovation and competitiveness. Interaction with the universities and technology transfer centres is particularly crucial for the growth of small and medium-sized businesses.

For the universities, it is important to recognize the scientific quality of the projects that are set up. These measures represent three-year investments of $51 million for research partnerships, $38 million for the emergence of technology companies, and $22 million to support liaison and transfer organizations.

A further $180 million will be invested over three years to set up five developmental projects that will help to build a creative, innovative, green economy.

Items for Further Consideration

The incoming chair of the CREPUQ Research Committee, Joseph Hubert, Vice Rector of Research and International Relations at the Université de Montréal, stressed the importance of the additional funding for Recherche Québec, adding that “the importance of fundamental research in all fields of knowledge merits more attention in the QRIS, particularly as a unique, essential contribution by the universities to the innovation system. Investments in fundamental research will have long-term benefits for innovation, social and economic development, and other things. We must not forget the indispensible contribution of research in the humanities and social sciences and the importance of social innovation, which is mentioned only briefly in the QRIS.”

As for the creation of the Fonds Recherche Québec, which amalgamates the Fonds de recherche en santé du Québec, Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies and Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la société et la culture, “CREPUQ hopes the government will be careful because so far the existence of three separate funds has adequately met the specific needs of the three research community sectors and given our researchers an advantage compared to their dealings with federal funding agencies”, stated Daniel Zizian, CREPUQ President and Director General.

Finally, CREPUQ has noted that a strategic science and innovation committee will be set up soon and sees in this measure the government’s willingness to strengthen its research and innovation leadership. CREPUQ would like to collaborate on the creation of this new committee and participate in the reflection on research, science, technology and innovation.

Over the coming weeks, CREPUQ will conduct a more in-depth review of the QRIS.

CREPUQ includes all 18 Quebec universities. The organization acts as their voice in relations with government and higher education. It also fosters coordination and collaboration between universities, is a research centre for university administrations, acts as a centre for coordination and joint service delivery, and is a resource centre and think tank for its members.

Source:
Chantal Pouliot, Director of Communications
Conference of Rectors and Principals of Québec Universities
514 288-8524, extension 244