Research funding in Canada update

November 15, 2023

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Open Access Government provides further updates on research funding in Canada, this time focusing on drug discovery, artificial intelligence, and the bio-manufacturing industry to support the next generation of scientists

In the October 2023 edition of Open Access Government, necessary background about Budget 2018 was provided, where new investments of almost $4 billion in five years support Canada’s next generation of researchers and scientists.

Helpful background was given, for example, in connection with comprehensive budgetary expenditures from 2017 to 2022 and previous budgets, such as those in 2019, 2021 and 2022. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Government did not bring forward its federal budget in 2020. Instead, several economic updates and stimulus plans were presented during that year. (1)

We know that Budget 2023 – A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future seeks to contribute to the prosperity of the Canadian middle class, the cost of living, and the well-being of Canadians. (2)

Funding in Canada: Speeding up drug discovery

Speeding up drug discovery With this background of budgets for research funding, let’s find out what the Government of Canada has highlighted in the field lately. For example, the government is committed to promoting innovative technologies and approaches to speed up drug discovery and create new drugs and effective therapies for Canadians.

Investment through the Strategic Innovation Fund to create the Conscience Open Science Drug Discovery Network seeks to fill gaps in drug and therapeutics development. This is especially the case when it comes to traditional market failures, such as antivirals for pandemic readiness, antimicrobial resistance drugs, plus rare and pediatric drugs.

The purpose of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug development is to speed up the drug development process by reducing the number of duplicate efforts in the research process and thus improving timelines in the selection of potential candidates for clinical trials. The network will ultimately boost Canada’s competitive edge and drug discovery capability.

This network is helping to speed up research and development in the therapeutics field by using Canada’s strengths in AI and using open science principles to make it easier to build Canadian innovation and get the medicines Canadians require, The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry explained.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how important it is to maintain and grow a vibrant and innovative life sciences ecosystem. This is why our government is proud to support the Conscience-led network as part of our continued commitment to building a strong and resilient sector that will protect Canadians’ health and safety for generations to come,” Minister Champagne added. (3)

Canada’s bio-manufacturing industry

In other developments, the Canadian Government strives to revitalize Canada’s domestic bio-manufacturing industry to provide Canadians with safe and effective treatments. Have you heard that since March 2020, more than $2.1 billion has been spent to build up Canada’s vaccine supply chain, therapeutics pipeline and bio-manufacturing capabilities?

“Building a strong, competitive domestic life sciences sector with cutting-edge biomanufacturing capabilities is our priority. With this investment, Edesa will advance the update development of a treatment for those negatively impacted by COVID-19 and will greatly improve the quality of life of those Canadians who need it most.

“This project is yet another example of our government’s determination to better address current and future health care issues, while creating good jobs and securing long-term economic growth,” Minister Champagne said. (4)

General-purpose generative AI systems

In September 2023, Minister Champagne announced a voluntary code of conduct concerning managing and developing general-purpose generative AI systems. Canada’s Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems (5) outlines the steps companies should take when creating and running general-purpose generative AI systems.

The rise of AI has captivated the world with its vast potential. Canada is one of the world’s leading AI innovators and has been at the forefront of many of the leading AI innovations in the world, Minister Champagne noted. However, Canada is mindful of the potential risks associated with AI. (6)

During November 2023, after visiting the first-ever AI Safety Summit, Minister Champagne noted that Canada still plays a leading part on “the global governance and responsible use of AI.” Minister Champagne then noted the utmost importance and urgency to work together to create public confidence in this transformative technology.

“Canada was the first country to adopt a national AI strategy, we recently launched a voluntary AI code of conduct for advanced AI systems, and we are moving ahead with one of the first AI laws in the world. We look forward to continuing our work with like-minded countries to move confidently from fear to opportunity,” Minister Champagne continued. (7)

Research investment

The Government of Canada will support innovative research in health, the environment, economic growth and more. This editorial provides research examples of drug discovery, AI and the Canadian bio-manufacturing industry. By investing in cutting-edge research, the Government of Canada supports the next generation of scientists. It encourages them to keep innovating and finding solutions to the problems of today and tomorrow. (8)