TORONTO, May 7, 2007 -- York University and Japan's Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation have formalized a memorandum of understanding to promote the development and commercialization of innovative medical devices used to diagnose, treat and even prevent illnesses.
"We are keen to partner with the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation to develop strategic networks in the medical device sector that will capitalize on trends and opportunities of mutual interest to Japan and Canada,” said Stan Shapson, York’s vice-president of research & innovation.
Shapson added, “the initiative will support mutually beneficial research, development and commercialization partnership opportunities between the Kobe, Japan-based Foundation and York University."
As part of the MOU, the two institutions will collaborate on new and emerging medical device technologies, encouraging industrial innovation and developing economic relations and partnerships.
The National Centre for Medical Device Development project, led by a consortium of public and private institutions, with York University as the leading academic partner, will harness the convergence of research strengths in information/computer science, biomedical technologies and micro-fabrication to design and build medical devices. Typically, these devices will be microsized and implantable.
The MOU confirmation was part of a broader announcement made today in Boston by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty at Bio 2007 – the world's largest life sciences conference that brings together about 1,700 exhibitors and 20,000 biotech professionals from around the world.
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 190,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 24 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.
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Contact
Keith Marnoch
York University
(416) 736-2100 ext. 22091
