TORONTO – April 17, 2024 – For decades, Canada has been a prominent global leader in the production and supply of isotopes that play a major role in many aspects of our daily lives. To maintain, protect, and grow this leadership into the future, we must ensure that we are training sufficient personnel with the right skills to meet emerging industry needs.
That’s why the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is proud to add Western University as its newest academic partner, committed together to developing strategies to educate a highly skilled isotope workforce.
Based in London, Ontario, Western University is a leading Canadian post-secondary institution that combines research excellence with opportunities for transformational student experiences. With dozens of undergraduate and graduate courses across areas like biomedical and nuclear engineering, health, biomedical sciences, mechatronics, imaging, and engineering in medicine, Western University is working to educate the next generation of Canadian nuclear medicine professionals. Western University is also partnered with the Lawson Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), and the LHSC cyclotron facility to offer students hands-on, immersive training in isotope research, development, and delivery.
As part of its commitment to working alongside industry to develop new talent and advance collaborative research in areas like imaging, radiopharmaceuticals, and nuclear technology, Western University has signed several MOUs with partners like Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), and Kinectrics, all proud CNIC collaborators. Recently, Western University also delivered its first-of-a-kind Nuclear Hub, with a key focus on nuclear isotopes to explore opportunities in the industry and contribute to mutual goals in the nuclear science community.
“Through collaboration and knowledge exchange between industry and leading academic institutions like Western University, we can work together to develop the best training programs to nurture Canada’s future isotope leaders,” said James Scongack, Chair of the CNIC. “As we envision a future focused on innovation and growth across Canada’s isotope industry, this new membership allows us to better anticipate and meet the industry’s emerging workforce needs.”
“Western is proud to partner with the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council, reinforcing our commitment to innovation in nuclear medicine and highlighting our leadership in medical imaging and radioisotopes,” said David Muir, Associate Vice-President, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, at Western University. “This collaboration not only showcases our role in advancing Canada’s isotope production but also ensures our continued leadership in this essential field. By joining forces with the CNIC, we leverage our long-standing strengths and foster a healthier, more innovative future together.”
The CNIC, whose 85+ members are working together to leverage Canada’s collective strengths in the production and use of isotopes and nuclear medicine technologies, is pleased to strengthen its foundation with the addition of Western University.
About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization. The CNIC supports over 85 members from across science, academia, healthcare, and nuclear-sector organizations dedicated to maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader in the production of life-saving isotopes. The CNIC raises awareness and advocates for long-term policies that support health-care innovation and will save countless lives for decades to come.
To learn more about the CNIC, visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
For more information, please contact:
Melody Greaves
Manager, Strategic Relations
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
melody.greaves@canadianisotopes.ca