An unprecedented meeting of sectors was held recently to launch the federal government’s $170-million R&D initiative to advance research and develop technologies for preparing against terrorist threats. CRTI (Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear Research and Technology Initiative) is aimed at pooling the R&D and technological expertise of industry, academia and government laboratories for projects that will assist Canada in acquiring, developing and commercializing promising S&T.

Proposals in this first round are being solicited to assist first responder organizations and agencies on the front lines of emergency response. The proposals fall into three categories: technology acquisition (equipment and infrastructure for federal labs); technology acceleration (further development of technology now in the pipeline); and, research and technology development (research to close gaps in technological capability).

The first round will focus on the latter two, investing $15-20 million in technology acceleration projects and $25-30 million in research and technology projects. Project applicants (led by a federal department) have until May 31 to submit synopses of their proposals, with an invitation for full proposals scheduled for the end of June.

Full proposals must be submitted by August 15 with an announcement of project proposals due September 15. Project selection will be made by a committee of university, government and industry representatives.

“These first projects will look at areas that deal with immediate and high risk concerns. Anyone can apply, government, industry or universities, alone or in partnership,” says Dr Bob Walker, DG R&D programs at defence R&D Canada. He adds that collaboration within the project itself is mandatory.

CRTI has an initial five-year mandate that expires in FY06/07 but government officials say there is every intention of seeking a renewal. CRTI is also being used as a test case for a larger proposed federal program — Federal Innovation Networks of Excellence (see page 3).

R$