The Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill University calls on gouvernment to reinvest in the Fonds de recherche du Québec

MONTREAL, April 14, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill University (PGSS) calls on the Quebec government to continue to reinvest in the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) and increase funding for graduate scholarships at the conference on the national policy of research and innovation taking place tomorrow.

This comes in light of the 63M cut in research that was then followed by a reinvestment of 26.5M.¹ Of this, 31M was originally cut from the FRQ with only 16M reinvested still leaving a funding gap of 15M for the next year. An ongoing reinvestment in the FRQ is necessary to develop high quality research and train researchers. Furthermore, we request the Government to invest in scholarships that will provide essential funding for the next generation of Quebec researchers and increase students' accessibility to graduate programs and recent graduates' accessibility to postdoctoral positions.

By reinvesting in the FRQ, the provincial government will support its goal to develop a knowledge based economy with investment of 3% of GDP in research and development (R&D)². The increased investment will assist the transition towards a knowledge based economy and the increase the innovation capacity within Quebec society while increasing opportunities for world class researchers to remain in Quebec.

The government acknowledges that further investment in research is required. The development of the new political strategy for research and innovation needs to reaffirm the government's commitment to investing in research centers and provide funding for graduate research training.

About the Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill University (PGSS)

The PGSS is the representative body for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows at McGill University, and lobbies and advocates on their behalf. It also coordinates numerous services, activities, and benefits for its members.

¹ 'Research funding cuts could have serious repercussions for Quebec society' McGill Reporter, February 22th, 2013 available at
http://publications.mcgill.ca/reporter/2013/02/research-funding-cuts-could-have-serious-repercussions-for-quebec-society/

² Gouvernement du Québec (2013) Assises nationales de la recherche et de l'innovation, Cahier du participant, Québec, les 15 et 16 avril 2013 p4 available at http://www.mesrst.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/administration/librairies/documents/RST/Assises/assises_cahier_participant.pdf

SOURCE: POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS' SOCIETY OF MCGILL UNIVERSITY (PGSS)

For further information:

Jonathan Mooney, Secretary General
Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill University (PGSS)
514-686- 4770
[e-mail]