GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL – Money for genomics research related to hearing loss has been announced for a local institution.
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, made the announcement at a press conference Jan. 23.
Through its Business Development Program, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will be funding EXCITE Corporation Inc.’s Genomics-Based R&D Centre for Health in Grand Falls-Windsor in the amount of $785,282 to help drive research.
“Today’s announcement supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to invest in projects that help create a vibrant innovation economy and benefit all Canadians,” Simms said in a release. “This investment will enable researchers to build upon the important genomics R&D currently taking place at the EXCITE Corporation’s Genomics-Based R&D Centre for Health and better position the centre to attract new research and commercial partnerships, which is key to its continued growth and success.”
The centre will partner with Central Health to conduct studies, as well as develop materials for front-line health-care workers, including family practitioners and audiologists.
The research aims to improve the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of people diagnosed with otosclerosis, which affects the bones of the middle ear.
Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, was also on hand for the announcement, as was Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Barry Manuel.
“Through our collaborative partnerships, we are very focused on creating new economic opportunities in genomics both in research and industry,” Manuel said. “Our objective in Grand Falls-Windsor is to become a rural healthcare innovation hub connected to national innovation hubs. We know we can play a significant role in our community.”
