A $1 million investment in the Marine Institute of Memorial University in Budget 2007 will see the establishment of the School of Ocean Technology, further positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in ocean technology development and industrial outreach.

"The ocean technology sector is growing rapidly in Newfoundland and Labrador and government is fully prepared to meet emerging education, training, and research requirements and opportunities by investing in the marine and nautical training sector," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "The sea has always provided for us, and as science and technology progress, we recognize that we have the ability to fill a unique and growing market in this sector."

Dr. Axel Meisen, President of Memorial University, said the establishment of the new School of Ocean Technology in the Marine Institute is a major advancement and will further strengthen the institute's recognition as a global leader in education, training, and research and development (R&D) related to ocean technology. "The school will produce highly-qualified personnel, specifically focused on the needs of the ocean technology sector," said Dr. Meisen. "The school will work in close partnership with industry, undertaking in particular, leading-edge R&D to support the growth of companies in the important ocean technology sector."

Once established, the school will offer expertise in the fields of instrumentation and equipment used in ocean industries, with a focus on marine information and communication technology (ICT), marine geomatics and underwater technology.

The Marine Institute�s Executive Director, Glenn Blackwood welcomed the Provincial Government�s commitment to the new school. "The ocean technology sector today is being recognized as one of the most important growth areas for the provincial economy," said Mr. Blackwood. "The Marine Institute has worked closely with the sector in its early stages of development and we will expand our efforts through our new School of Ocean Technology.  As Canada�s most comprehensive institute dedicated to education, training, applied research and industrial support for the ocean industries, it is a natural fit for the Marine Institute to continue to lead the province in the ocean technology sector with innovative programs and research."

Approximately 250 additional seats for students will be created at the Marine Institute as a result of the Provincial Government�s support of the School of Ocean Technology. Research and development will be a key mandate for faculty, staff and students.

Budget 2007 allocated $300,000 for a new Research and Development Strategy which is designed to give Newfoundland and Labrador a competitive edge in sectors such as ocean technology, genetic research, environmental monitoring and alternative energy technologies. The R&D Strategy will be developed in collaboration with Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and the private sector.

"Education is very much part of government�s overall vision for a successful economy, with $22.5 million being invested over three years as part of our $90 million White Paper on Post-Secondary initiatives," said Minister Burke. "These funds are helping to position our post-secondary institutions as a key partner in supporting the province�s Innovation Strategy."

The Innovation Strategy recognizes that scientific pursuits, while having intrinsic value, also have tremendous economic value. "The School of Ocean Technology reflects the goals of the Innovation Strategy in that it will draw together experts under one roof, allow them to share research, and incubate new technologies," said Minister Burke. "It will provide an excellent training ground for students and enhance the province�s reputation as a world leader in ocean technology."

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

The School of Ocean Technology will provide both academic and industrial services for the ocean technology sector, and will ensure the Marine Institute�s student capacity through four tailored post-secondary programs:

2007 05 15                                                      9:35 a.m.