New Program Launches 1,000 Paid Internships for Life Sciences Growth

The life sciences sector in Canada is poised for significant growth, with a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and industry needs. On March 3, 2024, Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API), in collaboration with Mitacs, unveiled the Life Sciences Placement Program (LSPP), which will create 1,000 paid internships across the country.

According to Dr. Tamana Yousof, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alberta, the rapid expansion of the life sciences field has highlighted a critical disconnect. Many students and postdoctoral researchers complete their training without clear pathways to employment in companies that require their expertise. “This disconnect is holding back commercialization,” she noted during the kickoff of Life Sciences Week in Edmonton.

The LSPP aims to address these challenges by offering funding support and tailored training to ensure participants acquire practical, industry-ready skills. The program encompasses a wide range of life sciences activities, including early-stage research, clinical validation, and commercial manufacturing.

Accelerating Talent Movement into Industry

One of the program’s key objectives is to expedite the transition of talent from academia to industry. API has streamlined the approval process, reducing timelines from four months to as little as three weeks. This efficiency allows companies to onboard qualified individuals when they need them, enhancing project success and innovation.

Dr. Yousof emphasized that Alberta is not only producing strong research but is also fostering an environment where scientists can develop entrepreneurial skills and forge industry connections early in their careers. “This presents a real opportunity to contribute, shape, and grow alongside a province that’s embracing change and driving innovation,” she stated.

Andrew MacIsaac, CEO of API, described the launch of the LSPP as timely. “Canada’s life sciences sector is pulling together in new ways,” he explained, adding that Alberta is well-positioned to lead this charge. MacIsaac expressed excitement about the program’s potential impact, particularly during Life Sciences Week, which showcased a vibrant ecosystem of over 60 events and attracted more than 5,000 registrations in Edmonton and Calgary.

Fostering a Stronger Workforce Pipeline

Leaders from Mitacs, a national research organization, also highlighted the significance of the partnership. CEO Stephen Lucas underscored the importance of connecting “top-tier talent to industry, contributing to reduced costs to commercialization, accelerated growth, and a stronger workforce pipeline.”

The LSPP reflects Alberta’s evolving landscape, where industry and academia are increasingly aligned. During the Life Sciences Week kickoff, Dr. Yousof remarked, “This is a model designed not just to support individuals entering the workforce, but to strengthen competitive advantage, leveraging Canada’s world-class post-secondary institutions for economic growth.”

As the life sciences ecosystem continues to mature, initiatives like the LSPP are crucial for ensuring that innovations developed in research labs successfully reach markets and ultimately benefit patients. The program represents a significant step toward creating a robust talent pipeline that can sustain the growth of Canada’s life sciences sector.