TRIUMF and CNIC to work together to help further realize the benefits that medical isotopes bring in diagnosing and treating life-threatening illnesses, from cancer to dementia to cardiac disease. Vancouver, June 24, 2019 – TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre, is pleased to announce that it has joined a growing list of Canadian organizations that are members of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC).
The CNIC is an independent body of representatives from the Canadian health sector, nuclear industry, and leading research groups, convened specifically to promote Canada’s role in the production of the world’s supply of radioisotopes. Together, the organizations hope to extend the benefits of medical isotopes to more patients and allow them to live fuller lives after receiving a disease diagnosis.
Founded in 1968, TRIUMF brings together scientists, researchers, and innovators from across Canada and around the world to further the frontiers of research. From the hunt for the smallest particles in our universe, to work that advances the next generation of batteries or develops medical isotopes to diagnose and treat disease, TRIUMF produces discoveries that have a tangible impact on daily lives.
“TRIUMF is excited to join an alliance of forward-thinking organizations dedicated to promoting Canada’s leadership role in the research, production and distribution of the global supply of radioisotopes,” said Kathryn Hayashi, President and CEO of TRIUMF Innovations, TRIUMF’s commercialization arm. “By leveraging this strong coalition of organizations, we hope to grow awareness around Canada’s world-leading capacity for medical isotope research and production, and help translate this expertise to save lives around the world.
TRIUMF recently announced its Institute for Advanced Medical Isotopes (IAMI), a state-of-the-art facility for research into next-generation, life-saving medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. Located on TRIUMF’s campus in Vancouver, IAMI will support both research and commercialization, all enabled by new laboratories and a TR-24 medical cyclotron. IAMI will significantly increase British Columbia’s and Canada’s capacity for the sustainable and reliable production and distribution of medical isotopes for health research and clinical use, including technetium-99m and fluorine-18.
James Scongack, Chair of the CNIC, noted: “This year represents an opportunity for the CNIC, as recent government investments in isotope research will allow Canada to remain a leader in this area. The CNIC is focused on leveraging public and private coalitions into demonstrable results for Canadians, which is why we are so pleased to welcome TRIUMF as part of the CNIC.”
Throughout 2019 and beyond, the CNIC will continue to promote public awareness about the use and benefits of medical and industrial isotopes and radiation technologies, and work with government stakeholders to ensure the public policy landscape promotes innovation and supports the continued progress in the area of isotope research, development, and production.
About TRIUMF
TRIUMF is Canada’s particle accelerator centre. From the hunt for the smallest particles in the universe to the development of new technologies, including next generation batteries and medical isotopes, TRIUMF is pushing the frontiers in research to advance science, medicine, and business. For more information, visit www.triumf.ca. @TRIUMFLab
For more information contact:
Sean Lee Head, External Relations and Interim Head, Communications TRIUMF
604.222.7655
seanlee@triumf.ca