In a monumental announcement, the Canadian Government unveiled an unprecedented investment of $399.8m in funding for TRIUMF, Canada’s esteemed particle accelerator centre.
This substantial financial commitment represents the largest infusion of support in TRIUMF’s history, signalling a profound endorsement of Canadian scientific research and innovation.
With funding secured through 2030, the Canadian particle accelerator centre is poised to fortify its world-leading science programmes in nuclear and particle physics, life sciences, and materials sciences.
This sustained financial support will bolster TRIUMF’s capacity to undertake pioneering research endeavours and maintain its position as a global leader in scientific exploration.
Nigel Smith, TRIUMF Executive Director and CEO, commented: “The federal government has recognised the immense value of TRIUMF’s world-leading particle accelerator infrastructure, our community’s contributions to the national academic ecosystem and in training the next generation of STEM leaders, and the leadership we enable for Canada within international Big Science.”
Empowering critical research initiatives
The funding injection is poised to propel critical research and innovation efforts at TRIUMF, enabling national and international scientific communities to push the boundaries of knowledge across various disciplines.
Notably, the investment will drive advancements in cancer treatment through the development of isotope-based therapies and facilitate groundbreaking explorations into the fundamental nature of the Universe using particle accelerator-produced isotopes.
Focus on actinium-225 research
A significant portion of the allocated funds will be dedicated to expanding research and production capabilities for actinium-225, a radioactive isotope with immense potential for cancer treatment.
TRIUMF’s intensified focus on actinium-225 underscores its commitment to advancing medical science and addressing pressing healthcare challenges.
Unveiling the TRIUMF Advanced Rare Isotope Laboratory
TRIUMF will also inaugurate the Advanced Rare Isotope Laboratory (ARIL), a state-of-the-art facility poised to revolutionise global isotope beam science.
ARIL’s establishment will triple TRIUMF’s rare isotope production capacity, fostering increased collaboration with academic, international, and industrial partners and driving innovation in the field.
Angus Livingstone, Chair, TRIUMF Board of Governors, added: “With today’s budget results, the federal government is setting a strong vision for science in Canada, and for our major science facilities and the invaluable national community of researchers who need this infrastructure to do their work.
“TRIUMF is well-positioned to continue driving impact for Canadians for years and decades to come.”
The substantial funding allocation for TRIUMF underscores the Canadian Government’s unwavering support for scientific excellence and collaboration.
By empowering TRIUMF to expand its research capabilities and infrastructure, the investment is poised to catalyse transformative discoveries with far-reaching societal implications.
