Cancer research gets $5M boost in New Brunswick

Fredericton, NB – Moncton’s Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is receiving $5 million in funding over five year from New Brunswick’s provincial government.

The funding will enable ACRI to accelerate cancer research in the region and strengthen the organizations’ ability to compete for national funding.

“The reality is that national research-funding organizations are always looking for collaborators that can co-fund projects,” said Dr Rodney Ouellette, chief executive officer and director of discovery at ACRI. “The province’s investment will allow us to bring matching funding dollars to the table.”

One such partner is the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), headquartered in Vancouver and represented at the announcement by Dr Victor Ling, president and scientific director of TFRI. He said TFRI is seeking partners who support translational cancer research.

“The goal of translational research is to fast-track discoveries made in the laboratory into practical applications that will improve outcomes for cancer patients,” said Dr Ling. “The Terry Fox Foundation has committed a minimum of $50 million over five years to TFRI from donations, obtained primarily during the 25th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope in 2005.”

To date, three provinces – British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario – and the federal government have provided funding and have encouraged provincial cancer care and research organizations to form partnerships with TFRI.

“We are thrilled with the interest, the financial and scientific leadership in this region, and we look forward to exploring partnership possibilities,” said Dr Ling.