Alberta reorganizes its research organizations

Edmonton, AB – Alberta’s provincial government has realigned 10 provincially funded research organizations under one umbrella, which is called Alberta Innovates.

The new system features an international advisory board, the Alberta Research and Innovation Authority, and four agencies under the Alberta Innovates banner that focus on bio solutions, energy and environment solutions, health solutions, and technology commercialization.

“Not only will we be more aligned, but we’re launching a new Connector Service to give researchers and entrepreneurs guidance to help them make the connections they need to succeed, right here in Alberta,” said Doug Horner, minister of advanced education and technology.

The personalized, value-added service is intended to help businesses, innovators, researchers, and investors connect to the information, advice, resources and key people they need to access to commercialize a product, invest in a new technology or innovation or collaborate on research.

The new provincial body came into being on January 1, when the Alberta Research and Innovation Act and regulation came into force. It is made up of the following groups:

– Alberta Innovates – Bio Solutions includes staff from the former Alberta Agricultural Research Institute, Alberta Forestry Research Institute, Alberta Life Sciences Institute, as well as the Alberta Prion Research Institute. The board chair is Art Froehlich, partner and strategic advisor, AdFarm.

– Alberta Innovates – Energy and Environment Solutions includes staff from the former Alberta Energy Research Institute, as well as the Alberta Water Research Institute. The board chair is Eric Newell, chancellor emeritus, University of Alberta.

– Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions includes staff from the former Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. The board chair is Robert A. Seidel, QC, national managing partner, Davis LLP.

– Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures includes staff from the former Alberta Ingenuity, Alberta Research Council, iCORE, nanoAlberta, as well as the programs related to the Bringing Technology to Market action plan under Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. The board chair is Ron Triffo, Chair, Stantec Inc.

– Alberta Research and Innovation Authority transforms the former Alberta Science and Research Authority. The chair of the Alberta Research and Innovation Authority is Dr Marvin Fritzler of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary.