Concordia research centre gets $52M funding injection

Concordia University's Richard J. Renaud Science Complex is getting a $52.75 million investment that will fund new infrastructure and research.

The federal and provincial governments are contributing $36.75 million, with Concordia and its partners contributing the remaining $16 million.

The centre, located on Concordia's Loyola campus, will focus on expanding research in the biomedical field and house a centre for nanoscience research and a centre for microscopy and cellular imaging.

"As a result of the investment announced today, students, teachers, and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that support the country's best research," said Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau.

Speaking at the announcement Tuesday, Garneau emphasized the potential for partnerships with organizations outside the university.

It will also include a new space for Concordia's District 3 centre, including laboratories and co-working spaces.

The renovation on the existing complex is expected to begin in spring 2018 and take one year.

Concordia University President Alan Shepard said he hopes this move will positively impact the faculty as a whole.

"For us, it allows us to expand some of our academic programs, create new opportunities for students and for faculty members."

The federal government's investment is part of its broader plan to invest $2 billion in post-secondary institutions over the coming three years.