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Rna Diagnostics, a Laurentian University Spinoff, Secures CDN $8 Million in Series A Financing

Rna Diagnostics, a Laurentian University Spinoff, Secures CDN $8 Million in Series A Financing

(September 22, 2021) Laurentian University and Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI) are pleased to announce that Rna Diagnostics Inc., a leading precision cancer diagnostics company created from a discovery made by HSNRI Scientist and Laurentian University Professor Dr. Amadeo Parissenti, has received an $8.0 M series A investment from iGan Partners and BDC Capital, through its Bridge Financing Program.

The discovery that chemotherapy treatment can promote RNA degradation (RNA disruption) in patient tumours was made in 2007 by Dr. Parissenti and his research associate, Dr. Baoqing Guo, in their lab at Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI).  The RNA disruption assay (RDA), patented by Laurentian University and licensed to Rna Diagnostics in 2010, determines whether a patient is responding to cancer therapy, early during treatment, independent of cancer type and cancer therapy.  RDA measures response at 5 weeks after the start of a selected regimen. The RDA cancer diagnostic technology allows oncologists to assess a selected treatment’s efficacy early during treatment, thereby enabling the tailoring of chemotherapy treatments to an individual’s response to treatment in real time. This means that if a patient’s tumor is not responding to treatment, 80% of ineffective doses and lost time can be avoided. 

Rna Diagnostics’ reference laboratory is headquartered at the Health Sciences North Research Institute in Sudbury and Dr. Parissenti continues to study the cellular mechanisms involved in RNA disruption with Drs. Carita Lanner and Tom Kovala of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in the hopes of finding additional tools to predict or monitor chemotherapy response and outcome in cancer patients.  Laurentian University and Health Sciences North Research Institute gratefully acknowledge the Clinical Trials Group of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Northern Cancer Foundation for supporting this important discovery and further validation studies.

“Laurentian University is proud to offer its congratulations to Dr. Parissenti and Rna Diagnostics Inc. on this incredible milestone, the investment will provide critical funding to complete the clinical trials and bring to market a technology that will improve cancer treatments worldwide while impacting positively on the quality of life of cancer patients,” said Laurentian University’s Vice-President, Research Tammy Eger. “A true northern innovation created by outstanding partnerships and collaboration.”

“Our institution is thrilled to host RNA Diagnostic Inc.’s reference laboratory, which is collecting and analysing samples from around the world for the BREVITY Trial,” said Greg Ross, HSN and HSNRI’s Vice-President Academic and Research Impact. “Dr. Parissenti’s leadership in this strategic research is evident through his mentorship of learners in his lab and the positive exposure to meaningful research opportunities that will help patients in our Northern communities. RNA Diagnostics Inc. is truly putting Sudbury on the map.” 

“The continued support of iGan Partners and our current investors, combined with the support of BDC Capital as a new investment partner, is exciting,” said John Connolly, President and CEO of Rna Diagnostics. “The closing of this series A financing will allow us to complete the pivotal validation trial (BREVITY) of the RNA Disruption Assay™ (RDA)™. BREVITY is currently recruiting patients at over 40 breast cancer centres in Europe and North America.”

 “This is an enormous, expensive problem for cancer centres. Typically, in solid tumors, only 30-40% of patients receive a survival benefit from a given drug regimen,” Connolly said. “Patients with nonresponsive tumours (identified by the RDA) can therefore forgo the ineffective treatment and its side-effects and moved quickly to alternate treatments”.

LU researchers awarded $50,000 to address vaccine confidence in Northern Ontario

LU researchers awarded $50,000 to address vaccine confidence in Northern Ontario

Team to visit workplaces across Northern Ontario to engage on safety and effectiveness of vaccines

August 3, 2021 - With support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), researchers and staff from the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) and the Science Communication Graduate Program will be travelling across Northern Ontario this September to enhance confidence in vaccination use with workplaces and communities.

 

Although many individuals have received their COVID-19 vaccinations, some remain hesitant and have questions. “Vaccine confidence has real implications to the health and safety of workplaces and communities,” acknowledges Dr. Chantal Barriault, Director of the Science Communication Graduate Program.

 

This $50,000 grant allows for 1) the development of evidence-based materials and resources and 2) for a team to travel to remote and northern communities to engage workers and community members in conversation around COVID-19 risk mitigation and to encourage confidence in the efficacy and safety of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

 

“Northern Ontario has a unique culture, and the concerns and questions Northern Ontarians have may not reflect the concerns of other Ontarians. Sharing and exchanging health and safety information with people living in Northern Ontario is a core mission of CROSH; we are excited to reconnect with communities and better understand their concerns and choices,” says Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director, CROSH.

 

Researchers, students, and staff from CROSH and the Science Communication Graduate Program will be traveling to interested workplaces and communities across Northern Ontario using the CROSH Mobile Research Lab, which is custom-designed to conduct occupational health and safety outreach and research.

 

Vice-President of Research, Dr. Tammy Eger says: “CROSH has over 10 years of experience connecting and engaging with Northern Ontario workplaces and communities, and Laurentian University’s Science Communication Graduate Program is world-renowned for training professional science communicators; they are ideally positioned to conduct this important work.”

 

For anyone interested in having the team visit their workplace, please contact: croshtech@laurentian.ca

Transdisciplinary Team of LU Researchers Nets Federal Grant

Transdisciplinary Team of LU Researchers Nets Federal Grant

New Frontiers in Research Fund to be used on innovative project involving robotics

July 6, 2021 - A transdisciplinary team of researchers from the McEwen School of Architecture, the Bharti School of Engineering, and the Behavioural Neuroscience Department have successfully applied for a grant to fund a project aiming to reshape how the north makes itself.

The principal investigator, Prof. Steven Beites, alongside co-applicants Marc Arsenault, Blake Dotta, and Reza Foruzanmehr, have received $250,000 from the New Frontiers in Research Fund, an initiative of the Canada Research Coordinating Committee.

The team's proposal, entitled 'Human-Robot Interaction and Collaboration as a Catalyst for Creative Economy, Community Outreach and Emerging Design-Build Solutions in Ontario's North', aims to harness advanced technologies as a way to strengthen northern economies and communities.. 

The major goal of the project is to eliminate barriers to digital tools and technologies in the North through the development of a portable, cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) for large scale fabrication and assembly. This would have many important uses, particularly in northern  communities where building costs are prohibitive. As part of the project, a user-friendly custom-built interface for the CPDR will also be designed.

The project has the potential to deploy new materials through emerging technologies; to improve rural and northern health by directly confronting the housing crisis in remote communities; to address the technological challenges in Northern Ontario; and to engage in community-centered research that benefits all northern communities, including Indigenous and Francophone.

 

Quote: 

“It’s an exciting project that focuses on Northern Ontario and seeks to introduce emergent technologies to non-professional users as a means to revitalize northern communities through making, ideation and invention.” Prof. Beites

IT’S OFFICIAL! McEwen School of Architecture is Canada’s 12th and Newest fully accredited School of Architecture!

IT’S OFFICIAL! McEwen School of Architecture is Canada’s 12th and Newest fully accredited School of Architecture!

English, Francophone, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives are all central to the unique tri-cultural mandate of the program.

(June 22, 2021 - Sudbury, ON) - Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA) is pleased to announce that the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)/Conseil Canadien de Certification en Architecture (CCCA) has granted the professional Master of Architecture Program ‘Initial Accreditation’ for a term commencing July 1, 2021. 

English, Francophone, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives are all central to the unique tri-cultural mandate of the program. Through Elders in residence, Indigenous faculty members, French design studio instruction, and local community-design and design-build exercises each year, students are exposed to an array of methods, knowledge, and experience that is uniquely ‘Northern’. The lessons learned from these local contexts are then extrapolated to address global issues in the disciplines of architecture, landscape design, and sustainable built environments. 

The school’s cooperative education model is rooted in Northern Ontario’s (Canada’s) cultures and experiential learning. It features an integrated co-operative program where students obtain practical experience through work-term placements with related architectural and design employers. 

Since its opening in 2013, over 250 students have successfully completed their undergraduate degree (BAS) at the School, and 100 students have since graduated from its Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program. 

“The McEwen School of Architecture has a lot to be proud of and this external validation is further proof of the high quality student experience being delivered at Laurentian University. This achievement is thanks to many years of exceptional work from staff, faculty, and students of the school. The confidence expressed in the school by the accreditation team at the CACB also reflects a broader confidence in the future of Laurentian.” said President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Haché. 

The McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA), one of Laurentian University's professional schools, is located in downtown Sudbury, Ontario. The MSoA offers a four-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), followed by a two-year Master of Architecture degree (M.Arch).  The School’s accreditation status covers both programs leading to the Master of Architecture degree.

“It is a proud moment for us all -- a culmination of the hard work on the part of faculty, staff and students who have shared the vision and a common passion for the School, through its various stages of development. We are grateful for all those who have contributed to those efforts and supported the School in so many ways. The CACB/CCAA’s initial accreditation has been a goal we are thrilled to celebrate together today.” -- Dr. David Fortin, Director of the McEwen School of Architecture. 

“The MSoA International Advisory Board’s guidance and the support of our extended community, which spans all of northern Ontario, have been instrumental to this achievement. Co-op employers, collaborators and colleagues, partners and donors, so many individuals have invested time, energy and resources in a new generation of architects educated in the North who are unique agents of change for our communities. These significant contributions must be acknowledged. This achievement has been a collective effort and as such, is deeply rewarding.’’ -- Dr. Terrance Galvin, Founding Director, McEwen School of Architecture. 

About the CACB Accreditation Process 

“The CACB only accredits Programs that are intended by their institution to be professional degrees in architecture that lead to licensure. Professional accreditation of a Program means that it has been evaluated by the CACB and substantially meets the educational standards that comprise, as a whole, an appropriate education for an architect.” 

The full CACB/CCCA Accreditation process had three phases: Eligibility, Candidacy, and Initial Accreditation. After launching the undergraduate program in September 2013, the McEwen School of Architecture was successful in its bid for CACB Eligibility in 2017. It achieved CACB Candidacy Status in 2018 and submitted its third and final ‘Architecture Program Report’ for Initial Accreditation in 2020. The MSoA was eligible to apply for the final stage of Initial Accreditation only after the “completion of a minimum of 2 years of continuous candidacy status.” The School also had to follow the criterion of “completion of the professional degree program, for which accreditation is sought, by one graduating class.” This means that the M.Arch graduating classes of 2019 and 2020 will be grandfathered in according to CACB procedures. 

The MSoA calibrated its timeline to meet the above national criteria for a new professional program in Architecture. At the provincial level, the MSoA also had the support of the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) who, in conjunction with the CACB, allowed M.Arc graduates from both years to begin logging their intern hours towards licensure in architecture offices across Canada. 

Applications for the newly accredited MSoA professional program remain open. All interested applicants should contact the school directly at architecture@laurentian.ca.

Laurentian Board Chair renewed to complete CCAA process

Laurentian Board Chair renewed to complete CCAA process

Claude Lacroix endorsed by Board to extend mandate

June 18, 2021 - The Board of Governors of Laurentian University voted on June 15, 2021 to re-appoint Claude F. Lacroix as Chair for a term of up to one year, effective at the close of the annual general meeting of the Board on June 18, 2021, when his current two-year term ends. Mr. Lacroix has been a Board member since 2006.
 
“This strategic renewal will enable an important continuity of leadership and stability within our Board of Governors as we complete the CCAA process. Laurentian remains committed to conducting a fulsome review of its bicameral governance as it moves forward. Mr. Lacroix’s deep understanding and connection to the Laurentian community is and will be a guiding light in our decision making.” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.
 
Mr. Lacroix is an Alumnus, having earned his B.A. from Laurentian University in 1991. He graduated from the faculty of Law at L’Université de Moncton in 1996. Mr. Lacroix is a partner at Lacroix Lawyers | Avocats.
 
Mr. Lacroix is actively involved in his community. He is past president of both the Laurentian University Alumni Association and the Sudbury District Law Association; past interim chair of Science North Board of Trustees, past executive member and director of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation; past president of the Ontario French Speaking Trial Lawyers Association; and a past chair of the Sudbury Airport Community Development Corporation.

Ontario awards $1.25 Million in funding to three LU projects

Ontario awards $1.25 Million in funding to three LU projects

eCampus Ontario grants will enhance learning tools and outcomes for northern Ontario

June 7, 2021 -- The government of Ontario is aiding the work of researchers from Laurentian University by awarding grants to three novel projects. The grants, totalling $1,246,7775, are awarded through the auspices of eCampusOntario, the province's multilateral online learning portal. This work will lead to a positive outcome for students and researchers alike.

The projects coming to light thanks to these grants cover a diverse range of topics and goals:


Collaborative Healthcare Simulation: Led by the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), this project includes the development of twelve immersive and interactive virtual reality training modules for use in Nursing (RN), Respiratory Therapy (RT) and other allied health programs across Ontario. The bundle of modules targets both undergraduate and graduate programs and utilizes the latest advancements in immersive technologies. The resultant modules are flexible enough to be used across institutions at no extra cost, while also being suited to use in remote or northern areas where access to simulation training is limited. During the current COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, this technology will allow students and workers to engage in live, synchronous immersive scenario training at home or abroad. CROSH is partnering with Lumeto, Inc., as well as Georgian College and the Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network. Nicole Lafrenière, RN, BScN, CHSE, from the School of Nursing and Allied Health, is the principal investigator on this project.

 

The Stories of Decolonization Film Project: this two-part, multilingual documentary series sheds light on the ongoing negative impacts of colonialism. It includes curriculum guides which will be available in English and French, and two films with optional subtitles in French, Anishinaabemowin, Cree, and English. Thanks to distribution through eCampusOntario, the material will be widely accessible and allow institutions greater ability to to share important ideas about decolonization. The project is a collaborative effort involving Social Work researcher Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara, as well as her collaborators Gladys Rowe and Teddy Zegeye-Gebrehiwot.

 

Virtual Learning Strategy Funding - Targeted Supports for Digital Capacity: Laurentian University will be able to expand its digital learning footprint thanks to this grant. It will allow for the creation of two full-time bilingual teaching positions - one in Instructional Design, and one in Media Design and Development. This will subsequently lead to the creation of somewhere between 15 – 30 new online non-credit micro-credential courses over the next few years. Bettina Brockerhoff-Macdonald, Director of Laurentian's Centre for Continuing Learning, will oversee this expansion.

 

QUOTES

“We thank eCampusOntario for their investment in virtual learning, which will enable Laurentian and our partner institutions to advance opportunities for students studying in French, English, Anishinaabemowin and Cree, particularly in rural and remote communities.” -- Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research for Laurentian University

“I’m proud to see the efforts of our staff rewarded with these grants. The funding will allow the development of non-credit courses that will greatly benefit northern communities." Dr. Joël Dickinson, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Laurentian University

Laurentian to offer most courses on-campus this fall

Laurentian to offer most courses on-campus this fall

Working towards a partial return to in-person classes

May 11, 2021 -- With the 2021 Spring Semester now underway, Laurentian University is looking ahead to Fall 2021 with plans to have face-to-face activities and in-person course delivery back on campus. 

The focus for the Fall Semester is providing the best student experience while safeguarding the health, safety and wellness of our community.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have placed the utmost importance on the safety of our community. We appreciate that our students want to be learning on campus and we look forward to making this happen in a safe and controlled environment” said President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Haché. 

The University will work collaboratively with faculty, students, and staff to provide for the return of students as well as the safe delivery of as many classes as possible on campus. The plan factors in the significance of the in-person student experience, the requirements related to hands-on learning, and additional measures to safely deliver fall 2021 courses on campus, in consultation with public health authorities. Further, the University must take into account all potential scenarios for September 2021, while working with our local public health authorities. 
The University will also continue to deliver a multitude of academic programs and courses online, allowing students from around the world to attend Laurentian virtually. 
“We understand that the past year has been very difficult on our students and we want to do everything we can to improve their experience for Fall 2021. Their university experience has been significantly impacted by the pandemic and we want to support them in every way possible in their return to campus. We are looking forward to returning to campus,” added President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Haché. 
The University continues to provide remote support to students, faculty, and staff through their day-to-day activities. The Fall Semester takes place from September 2021 to December 2021. 

Laurentian University has been a leader in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and was the first public university in Canada to recognize the severity of the pandemic, suspending in-person classes in March, 2020.  We will continue to lead in our return-to-campus planning. 

As we look towards the fall, we hope to welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus. 
 

Strong Enrolment for Spring Semester

Strong Enrolment for Spring Semester

Laurentian students show strong support for Spring courses

May 6, 2021 -- With the official start of Laurentian University’s Spring Semester on May 3rd, the University embarks on a new journey, one that carves out a path forward for students, faculty, and the community. Laurentian offers a wide variety of courses in French and English in areas such as; business, engineering, Indigenous Social Work and many more. The Spring Semester plays a key role in allowing students to take extra courses on new topics, or catch-up on courses they may have missed. 

“We are encouraged to see that our enrolment levels this spring are very similar to last year and substantially ahead of our 2019 enrolment. Students are wise to take advantage of the Spring Semester and further their education.” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. 

There are currently over 4,300 domestic and international students enrolled for this Spring Semester, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. This semester, which will be delivered largely remotely, plays a key role in allowing students to continue their education safely from home. 

Included in this spring’s course offerings are two Gerontology courses (previously taught by Huntington) and six Indigenous studies courses (previously taught by the University of Sudbury). Through engagement with the Laurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC), discussions are ongoing with respect to additional Indigenous studies courses that may be developed and offered by Laurentian in future, in addition to the existing programs and courses that currently exist.

Laurentian University Commences Proceedings Under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act

Laurentian University Commences Proceedings Under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act

Primary goal of the CCAA filing and restructuring is to ensure that current and future students will continue to have access to a high quality post-secondary education

Feb. 1, 2021 – Laurentian University of Sudbury (Laurentian) today commenced a court proceeding under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). Laurentian’s Board of Governors and Administration determined that commencing these proceedings is the best path forward that will allow for the opportunity to financially and operationally restructure the University. The University has taken this step with a view to emerging as a fully restructured and financially viable institution. The Initial Order requested by the University and granted by the Court provides for the appointment of Ernst & Young Inc. as the court-appointed Monitor in these proceedings. The primary goal of the CCAA filing and restructuring is to ensure that current and future students will continue to have access to a high quality post-secondary education at Laurentian for years to come. Current students will not see a change in their day-to-day education and Laurentian will continue actively recruiting new students. Laurentian has kept the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) fully apprised throughout the process leading to this step being taken, and will continue to work with MCU during the CCAA proceeding. Further information is available at www.laurentianu.info.

Laurentian University to maintain remote delivery in spring semester

Laurentian University to maintain remote delivery in spring semester

Senate votes to continue delivery of classes through online mediums to maximize safety.

January 25, 2021 -- The Laurentian University Senate voted in favour of delivering the Spring 2021 semester via remote delivery. As with similar discussions regarding the 2021 Winter term, the Senate decided to balance providing the best possible education for our students while safeguarding the health, safety and wellness of students, faculty, and staff.

Though the end of the pandemic is in sight, with mass vaccinations against SARS CoV-2 on the horizon, we will continue to do all we can to mitigate risk and maximize the safety of our community. As with Fall 2020 and Winter 2021, a limited number of classes will be delivered in-person but with strict safety protocols in place. The recent announcement of on-campus testing for the virus will continue to be a valuable tool in our efforts to improve safety.

The University continues to support students, faculty, and staff through their day to day activities remotely. Laurentian University has been a leader in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and was the first public university in Canada to recognize the severity of the pandemic, suspending in-person classes in March, 2020. The spring semester takes place from May 2021 to August 2021.
 

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