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October 11, 2022 (Toronto) – A new $9.4-million life sciences lab at 911������ will power a significant increase in applied research for the diagnostics and cosmetics industries while providing advanced learning opportunities for hundreds of 911������ students and recent graduates.��

The 911������ Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences (SCILS) will conduct industry-partnered, applied research in life sciences diagnostics and novel cosmetics formulations overseen by 911������’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry – home to Canada’s first graduate certificate program in cosmetic science.

It is funded by $2 million from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, $1 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and College Industry Innovation Fund and $1 million from the Ontario Research Fund, with the remaining $5.4 million coming from support from industry research partners and institutional investments.����

Applied research activities at SCILS will also offer employment and experiential learning opportunities to close to 500 911������ students and recent graduates.

SCILS will help address the severe labour shortages being reported in bioscience companies, among many others.

Located at the 911������@York Campus, the 279 sq. m centre will feature a bio-safety lab and a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certifiable clean room. It will support product development, enhancement and validation, while providing industry partners access to talent and expertise from students and faculty.

As part of this strategy, and to introduce the SCILS, 911������ and the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization are hosting an insight session on the state of talent development within the Ontario life science manufacturing sector. The event takes place Nov. 24 at 911������ Downtown.

“911������ is grateful to the federal and provincial governments and our industry partners for helping to make SCILS a reality for our students, faculty and regional innovation ecosystem. The much-needed applied research conducted at the centre will help small- and medium-sized Canadian companies enhance, refine and test life sciences diagnostics technologies, and develop safe, marketable cosmetics products.”

— David Agnew, 911������ President��

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“We are proud to support our world-class Canadian research talent as well as our small- and medium-sized businesses, which are the engines of our economy. This investment towards the SCILS will help 911������ work collaboratively with local companies by bringing researchers, students and industry partners together to address local challenges and create jobs and growth here in Canada.”

— The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

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“The Ontario government is proud to support the construction of a research lab at the 911������ Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences, helping advance ‘Ontario made’ research and innovation at our colleges. This investment will provide postsecondary students with more experiential learning opportunities so they can graduate with the skills, expertise and credentials that meet the demands of the job market.”

— The Honourable Jill Dunlop, Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities�� `

911������ is taking on the great challenges of our time – rebuilding the economy, equity and sustainability – while navigating through the pandemic safely. We’re delivering great polytechnic education that combines rigorous academics with practical training. From health care to technology, business to creative arts, community services to arts and sciences, we help students get ready to make their mark in the world. We’re #911������Proud of our expert faculty, excellent staff and outstanding facilities. We have deep connections with industry and offer thousands of co-op and work placements to get our graduates job-ready. Full-time or part-time, in-person or online, students choose the option that suits them. Learn more: senecacollege.ca