Big ideas don't grow by chance

Winnipeg Free Press

01-05-2025

Opinion
Premier Wab Kinew's recent appeal to U.S.-based researchers facing uncertainty to consider relocating to Manitoba is an encouraging and forward-thinking move.
As a result of growing threats to university funding and research south of the border, Manitoba can emerge as a hub for research talent. But if we truly want to capitalize on that potential, we must act strategically by strengthening the foundation of the research ecosystem we already have here at home and then building upon that in a purposeful way.
As a group of researchers from across Manitoba recently articulated in an open letter to the premier, meaningful investment at scale and a long-term vision for local research is the essential first step.
Without it, the province risks missing a rare opportunity to lead.
Despite the premier's welcome message to American researchers, the facts are that Manitoba ranks last in Canada when it comes to provincial per-capita research funding.
Since 2016, Research Manitoba's budget has been cut from $17.1 million to just $12 million in 2023 — a staggering reduction, even before adjusting for inflation. These cuts have undermined Manitoba's capacity to leverage federal research funding, and to recruit and retain top research talent.
Investment in research isn't just an academic issue — it's an economic one that affects all Manitobans. Research is directly linked to the productivity and innovation of a province and nation.
Studies show that for every dollar invested in research in Manitoba, four dollars are returned to the economy. These dollars create jobs in construction and infrastructure as new labs, equipment and spaces are created. Research also supports new career opportunities for current and future Manitoba students, enhancing the value of programs and improving their earning potential for a lifetime.
However, big ideas don't just come to fruition by chance.
They require sustained support from conceptualization to commercialization, where academia and industry work hand in hand. That's why we also need a strategy for the long-term vision of Manitoba research.
Our province has many strengths — agriculture, transportation and logistics, Arctic accessibility, health sciences to name a few — and we need a co-ordinated approach developed by academia and government that allocates increased funding to ensure these world-class abilities become world-leading. This plan would not only support our best and brightest but identify the next generation of talent and provide the resources needed to meet their full potential.
Despite the shortage of provincial funding, the University of Manitoba is delivering real-world solutions to pressing societal problems through external support. For nearly 150 years, researchers at U of M have been at the centre of discovery and innovation, generating new ideas, products and services that are impactful around the world.
A team of U of M researchers recently developed a cutting-edge solution for detecting kidney disease earlier, called the uCR-Chip, a portable diagnostic tool that doesn't rely on costly lab equipment. This made-in-Manitoba innovation will improve health outcomes for individuals with kidney disease, expand access to care for rural, remote and Indigenous communities, and reduce pressure on the health-care system.
Nevertheless, provincial support for these and other great ideas remains alarmingly low. In 2023-24, nearly 38 per cent of UM's research income came from federal sources, with 57 per cent coming from foundations, industry and other grant sources. But only five per cent is from the province.
While we do punch above our weight in receiving research grants from external sources, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from which U of M receives more than any other Canadian post-secondary institution, much more is needed from the province if we want to compete on a national or global scale.
Turbulent times can reveal new opportunities. While the government's interest in recruiting talent from abroad is promising, it must be matched with a long-term commitment to support the researchers already here.
Now is the time for bold action to restore and expand Research Manitoba's funding and lay the foundation for Manitoba-based discovery and innovation to thrive.
Michael Benarroch is president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba, and Mario Pinto is vice-president (Research and International) at the University of Manitoba.