[img_inline align=”” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/knowledge.jpg” caption=”From left to right: MP David Sweet, Minister Ted McMeekin, Minister Tony Clement, MPP Sophia Aggelonitis, McMaster President Peter George and Vice-president research and international affairs Mo Elbestawi.”]McMaster University is receiving $38.5 million in infrastructure funds from the federal and provincial governments. The investments, part of the government's Knowledge Infrastructure Program, will fund upgrades to McMaster's Nuclear Reactor and the Nuclear Research Building along with two new centres in spinal cord research and cancer education and rehabilitation.

Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement and Ontario Minister of Government and Consumer Services Ted McMeekin announced $22 million in infrastructure funding for the Nuclear Reactor during a visit to McMaster today.

“This investment in McMaster University will provide a significant short-term economic stimulus to the Hamilton area and will make a difference in the lives of many people in the region,” said Minister Clement. “The Government of Canada is investing in innovation to create jobs, to help our economy recover quickly and to improve the quality of life for Canadians.”

“It's a privilege to announce this infrastructure investment which advances McMaster's world-class technology while adding significant and much-needed stimulus to our local economy,” says Minister McMeekin.

The investment will fund upgrades to the reactor's infrastructure and provide the training and research facilities for the world's leading nuclear scientists.

“McMaster is Canada's nuclear university,” says McMaster President Peter George. “This funding announcement is another example of the federal government's continued support for science and technology and the important role McMaster plays in the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers in the nuclear power and medicine industries.”

As Canada's only nuclear reactor outside of Chalk River capable of producing medical isotopes, the funding will be used to upgrade McMaster's physical infrastructure to expand Canada's isotope research and production capacity, to enhance research activities and train personnel for the nuclear industry and health care sectors.

The funding will also provide for the renovation and upgrades to the Nuclear Research building, to accommodate and support new laboratories, research space and education for new faculty members, researchers and graduate students.

Today's funding was the second Knowledge Infrastructure Program investment received by McMaster this week.

On Monday, the federal and provincial governments announced a joint $16.5 million investment to build two new McMaster centres aimed at discovering innovative ways to help people devastated by spinal cord injuries or cancer.

The funding supports the Centre for Spinal Cord Injury Education, Research and Rehabilitation and the Centre for Cancer Education, Research and Rehabilitation. At these centres students will work alongside world-class scientists tackling neuro-restorative and cancer issues, and will acquire a unique set of skills in patient care and rehabilitation.

The multidisciplinary training approach will lead to new prevention strategies and therapies, allowing patients to maximize their health, regain their independence and re-enter the workforce.