Nov. 28, 2018
荔枝视频 announces new Life Sciences Innovation Hub
To further reinforce our commitment to establishing University Research Park as a catalyst in driving innovation and economic diversification, the 荔枝视频 is purchasing the Shell Technology Centre 荔枝视频 (STCC). The former STCC will be converted into the new Life Sciences Innovation Hub at U荔枝视频 in early 2019.
鈥淎s one of Canada鈥檚 leading research institutions, the 荔枝视频 is a key contributor to the innovation ecosystem in our community,鈥 says Elizabeth Cannon, president of the 荔枝视频. 鈥淭his acquisition is a critical next step in our vision for a revitalized University Research Park. It also reinforces our commitment to fostering the next generation of talented thought leaders through innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.鈥
Located in University Research Park, the Life Sciences Innovation Hub will be a centre for research excellence and innovation and will build and grow the promising life sciences sector of the 荔枝视频 economy. The Hub will be used by students, researchers, startups and companies to interact, create and explore new ideas and concepts, as well as provide dedicated wet lab and office space for companies that are developing and growing.
- Photo above: At the announcement establishing the new Life Sciences Innovation Hub at the 荔枝视频 were, from left: Diane Kenyon, vice-president (university relations); Michael Crothers, president and country chair, Shell Canada; 荔枝视频 President Elizabeth Cannon; and Colin Dalton, assistant professor, Schulich School of Engineering, and Neuraura co-founder. Photo by Riley Brandt, 荔枝视频
鈥淲e are delighted to enable the creation of the Life Sciences Innovation Hub for the 荔枝视频 through the sale and in-kind gift of our Shell Technology Centre 荔枝视频,鈥 said Michael Crothers, president and country chair, Shell Canada. 鈥淔or more than 30 years, our teams at the site led energy sector innovation and it鈥檚 fitting that the building鈥檚 legacy of spurring innovation in Alberta will continue as part of U荔枝视频. Shell will continue pursuing research and development activities right here in Canada from our operating sites and with third parties.鈥
Previously, the STCC was a cornerstone of energy exploration and innovation, providing laboratory and technical services to Shell鈥檚 upstream and downstream business units. Award-winning breakthroughs were made at the centre, for example, to improve yields in oilsands processing using paraffinic froth treatment. Scientists also worked on innovations in sour gas, transportation fuels and chemicals.
Shell Canada has been a valued champion of the 荔枝视频 since 1969, and has a long tradition of supporting the university through a number of initiatives and programs including the Shell Experiential Energy Learning Program, AITF Shell/Encana Chair in Unconventional Gas and Light Oil Research, NSERC ASRL Industrial Research Chair, LYNX Aboriginal Student Career and Employment Program, and the Energy New Venture Competition. Shell Canada has also provided valuable funding to the Native Centre in support of various Indigenous initiatives, including the Indigenous Knowledge Lecture Series and the Annual Graduation Banquet.
In recognition of Shell鈥檚 generous philanthropic support toward the acquisition of this building, U荔枝视频 has named the main atrium entrance of the Life Sciences Innovation Hub the Shell Atrium. With this extraordinary gift-in-kind, Shell Canada becomes the largest corporate donor to Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High.
Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High is the 荔枝视频鈥檚 most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. Funds raised through the campaign will support student experiences, research outcomes and community connections. Together we are fuelling transformational change for the 荔枝视频, our city, and beyond 鈥 inspiring discovery, creativity and innovation for generations to come. Formally launched in April 2016, the campaign is more than three quarters to its overall goal of $1.3 billion.
The new Life Sciences Innovation Hub at the 荔枝视频 will be used to explore new ideas.
Shell International Ltd.