Finding cures in a virtual space

Determined to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain cancer and other neurological disorders, the province of Ontario entered into a co-sponsorship with Israel just a little more than a year ago. Together, Israel and the province began collaborating on a virtual brain research institute.

Israel’s renowned life-sciences capabilities mesh well with the advanced neurological research being conducted in Ontario. In a recent tweet on the social network Twitter, Ontario’s minister of research and innovation, Glen Murray, said it’s “to be a global centre of excellence.” Murray was put in charge of the project by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Last October, the Ontario cabinet approved $15 million in funding for a research institute to be headed by Dr. Joseph Martin, dean emeritus of Harvard Medical School. This is the first virtual research centre to be established for multi-site research projects, which will be conducted by experts from both countries.

It is McGuinty’s deep desire to “build a dynamic social cultural and dynamic diplomatic relationship with Israel that allows it to strengthen its economy and independence,” he said.