Media Releases

[JAPAN] A formal research agreement between Trent University and Japan’s Riken Institute was signed during a ceremony at BioJapan 2010, an international conference, earlier today.  During the event, George Ross, Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI), witnessed as Dr. Neil Emery, Associate Vice President of Research at Trent University and Dr. Hitoshi Sakakibara, Group Director, Riken Plant Science Center formalized the agreement, enabling research to study how specific plant hormones can increase crop yield.

In May, Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal announced financial support of $96,500 over two years to the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation’s International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP). With MRI’s contribution, the Innovation Cluster has facilitated the development of the partnership between these two world-class plant scientists over the next two years.

This project consists of a variety of activities to encourage international partnering, including four workshops, two at Trent University in Peterborough, and two at the Riken Institute in Japan. These workshops will be multi-day sessions designed to facilitate the sharing of research information, ensure deadlines are established and met and that workplans are followed. In addition, a final International Plant Development Conference will be held in Peterborough the fall of 2010, showcasing innovative developments, and providing investment opportunities for private sector.

The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster’s business development officer, Amber McPhee, also attended at the ceremony.  McPhee is visiting Japan this week to attend the BioJapan 2009 Conference with representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation. The purpose of the trip is to build partnerships and develop relationships with innovation-related businesses in the Far East.

While in Japan, Dr. Emery is also undertaking research with a student from a location at the Riken Institute.  Additionally, working with McPhee and the Riken Institute, he is working to solidify plans for the conference being held in Peterborough in 2010 that will bring international researchers in plant science to the region to share best practices and various projects, as well as present the publications resulting from this international partnership.

"The signing of this agreement between Trent and the Riken Institute further affirms Trent’s leadership position in environmental and life sciences,” said Dr. James Parker, Vice President: Research, International & Strategic Enrollment Management. “This agreement is one more indicator that Trent's research expertise is in alignment with the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation's priority to address crucial global issues through cutting-edge agricultural research- and simultaneously to help further Peterborough and Canada’s economic position on the international stage.”

“This agreement presents the possibility for research that has the potential to change crop yields globally,” stated Andy Mitchell, President, Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster.  “We are very pleased to be working with Trent University and the Riken Institute to foster this partnership and to assist them as they move forward towards advanced research and new business opportunities.”

The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster is a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to facilitate and advance environmental, life sciences, DNA and other innovative research in the Peterborough region. Its primary goal is to help promote and sustain a strong local knowledge-based economy. For more information visit www.innovationcluster.ca