March 22, 2011
Atlantic Innovation Fund Project Announcement, March 20th at Acadia University. Pictured from left: Dr. Ray Leblanc (VP -Learning, research & Innovation; CDHA), Dr. Robert Abraham, Barbara Campbell, Dr. Mark Filiaggi, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Dr. Michael Dunbar, Dr. Daniel Boyd, and Dr. Julia Taylor (Director, Research Development and Planning; CDHA
Dr. Daniel Boyd in the Department of Applied Oral Sciences has been awarded an Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) investment from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to develop minimally invasive systems for bone augmentation. Together with team members Dr. Mark Filiaggi (Applied Oral Sciences), Dr. Robert Abraham (intervention radiologist, CDHA), Dr. Michael Dunbar (orthopaedic surgeon, Biomedical Engineering and CDHA) and Barbara Campbell (Associate Director, Industry Liaison and Innovation), this research project will seek to innovate - through a comprehensive approach involving development of new biomaterials, surgical devices and protocols - minimally invasive clinical procedures to address bone loss or implant instability, leading to reduced recovery times and risk of infection while also potentially avoiding full hip or knee implant replacement. This project, with estimated costs of $2.5 million, will receive approximately $1.7 million from the AIF fund over a 5-year period. Bearna Medical Ltd, a research and development company in novel bioactive glasses based in Ireland, will provide additional funding and expertise as the primary industrial partner.
The AIF plays an important role in enhancing Atlantic Canada's ability to carry out leading edge R&D and in bringing new knowledge, jobs and business opportunities to the region. The fund has been an important catalyst for many Atlantic Canadian businesses, universities and research institutions, creating close to 760 partnerships to help commercialize innovative ideas, products and services.