University of Manitoba looks to boost vaccine development, research facilities

The University of Manitoba has announced the creation of two new research facilities dedicated to vaccine development and bio manufacturing.

The University of Manitoba is taking a major step to help boost vaccine development and the study of viruses.

The university announced a pair of new research facilities on Friday, one at the Fort Garry campus and the second at its Bannatyne campus.

Mario Pinto, vice-president of research and international at the university, said the new projects include the University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan and the University of Calgary.

“It’s very critical that we come together,” Pinto said. “We have to admit that we don’t have all the knowledge at one site, so it’s critical that we pool our knowledge to make advances rapidly in a shorter time frame.”

The facility at the Fort Garry campus will be over 21,000 square feet in size and will be focused on examining new models of vaccine preparation.

The facility on the Bannatyne campus will include a secure laboratory with specialized testing facilities for studying the effects of viruses on animals.

Pinto said the two new facilities will help attract researchers and students to the university.

“This will allow us to invest in the next generation of scientists and turn kids on to science and build the workforce of the future,” he said.

Pinto said the Bannatyne campus is expected to be running within a year, while the larger facility will be ready in two years.

The university is receiving $57 million from Ottawa and $16.7 million from the province for the project.