A federal minister has announced in Windsor, the second phase of research funding.
Speaking at the Institute for Border Logistics and Security on Wheelton Drive, the Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan announced a competition will be launched in October for a $144 million investment over six years.
The funding is the second stream of the 'New Frontiers in Research Fund' and consultations will begin Wednesday for that phase.
After 10 years of having no consultations with the research community, Minister Duncan says it is important to seek input from Canadian researchers to see if the funding is being distributed and done properly.
Minister Duncan says research is vital for a thriving economy for the future.
"Why should we care about research? Because research helps us have a better environment, cleaner air, cleaner water, it will help us have new medical cures and treatments," says Duncan. "If we want new technology, we want research."
Duncan tells AM800 News the consultations are important so researchers can be heard.
"We have to have a strong relationship with our researchers. They have to have input into the system," says Duncan. "This is the seventh consultation we are doing with the research community."