After a year-long due diligence and selection process, Philips was chosen over other industry competitors, based on the strength of its overall global research and development capabilities, as well as the importance of its overall commitment to the project and to the region. “We were impressed by Philips’ commitment to the Thunder Bay region and by the obvious alignment of Philips’ global research interests and capabilities with the objectives of the MMRC and our Strategic Plan,” said Ron Saddington, President & CEO, TBRHSC. “With the addition of Philips as our industry partner, we have now put in place all of the necessary steps to build a world-class research environment here in Thunder Bay. The MMRC will help drive the region’s economic development transition. With final government support announcements expected in the next few weeks, we look forward to being able to formally launch the MMRC’s important work as early as this fall.”

This partnership and research ‘revolution’ falls specifically within the goals and strategy of Lakehead University’s plan to become one of the top 25 research universities in Canada in the next ten years. With external research funding more than tripling, graduate programs increasing by one third (stimulating the creation of the Faculty of Graduate Studies), the creation of new research clusters, the recruitment of seven Canada Research Chairs, and the hiring of many new faculty – all within the past five years – Lakehead University is taking an aggressive stance in fulfilling its commitment to research and student opportunities. “In surveying the marketplace and academic trends, we saw a strong opportunity to further develop research here in Thunder Bay,” stated Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University. “We fully believe that our institutional goals are attainable, given our research achievements over the past five years and our strategic planning. This partnership further enhances the activities of Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in the areas of research and healthcare innovation.”

Upon the finalization of the multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership agreement expected before the end of 2006, Philips will become an equal partner of the MMRC, providing expertise and resources in several key areas of research and development. “This research alliance is significant for Philips globally and represents a large scale investment into the MMRC by Philips. Over time, this commitment by Philips will accelerate the opportunity for the Molecular Medicine Research Centre to become a global focal point for molecular R&D,” said John Cieslowski, Vice President, Philips Medical Systems Canada. “We are delighted to join our efforts to the research acumen of Sunnybrook Research Institute and Lakehead University, and we are proud to align ourselves with TBRHSC’s clear vision to be a leader and innovator for excellence in research directly affecting patient care.”

It is only within the last decade that the fields of academics and healthcare have presented some economic development potential in Northwestern Ontario. “When City Council approved $5 million to kick start the development of a molecular medicine research centre, it was with the belief that the health sector is the most promising economic driver for our community and region,” said Mayor Lynn Peterson. “The announcement of an industry partnership with Philips confirms that we are not only on the right track, we are on the fast track.”