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Government of Ontario provides $10M boost for regenerative and biological therapeutics research in Ottawa


June 17, 2015

The Government of Ontario officially announced the results of the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence competition, including successful grants led by Drs. Duncan Stewart and John Bell. Dr. Stewart’s project, worth $3.5M, aims to develop genetically enhanced stem cell therapies for diseases that affect the heart and lungs. Dr. Stewart is currently leading the first clinical trial in the world of this kind of therapy for heart attack. Dr. Bell’s project, also worth $3.5M, aims to develop innovative manufacturing processes to accelerate the testing and commercialization of biotherapeutics such as cancer-fighting viruses, vaccines and antibodies. Biotherapeutics co-developed by Dr. Bell are currently being tested in clinical trials. The Government of Ontario also announced matching funds for the recently announced Canada Foundation for Innovation grants, including $2.9M for Dr. Michael Rudnicki’s project on stem cell epigenetics and therapeutics. And finally, a $100,000 Ontario Early Researcher Award was announced for Dr. Janet Squires. Her project focuses on understanding context in knowledge translation.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute


The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital and is an affiliated institute of the University of Ottawa, closely associated with its faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute includes more than 1,700 scientists, clinical investigators, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff conducting research to improve the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Support our research. Give to the Tender Loving Research campaign.

For further information, please contact


Lois Ross
Senior Communications Specialist
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-737-8899 x73687
Cell: 613-297-8315
loross@ohri.ca