The federal government is contributing more than $10 million toward the creation of a new nuclear medicine facility at the University of British Columbia.

The Institute for Advanced Medical Isotopes (IAMI) will provide a first-of-its-kind hub in Canada. The new 2,500-square-metre building will house a particle accelerator, as well as research facilities, equipment, laboratories, and office space. By concentrating all aspects of creating, handling, and testing isotopes in one location – from the creation of raw materials to clinical trial work of potential therapies – the IAMI will help Canada stay a leader in the production and research of medical isotopes worldwide.

“The Institute for Advanced Medical Isotopes will be a state-of-the-art facility where industry leaders and academics can work together to push the boundaries of research and discover new ways to protect and improve our health,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

With contributions from the Province of British Columbia, the University of British Columbia, and BC Cancer, industry partners, academic researchers, and clinicians will work together to advance medical isotope production, drug development, cancer therapy, clinical imaging, and radiopharmaceutical research – advancements that have the potential to help thousands of Canadians who suffer from illness.

This project will provide students and local researchers with access to a modern educational facility with innovative spaces for instruction, research, and laboratory work. It also provides TRIUMF and its network with the opportunity to develop new educational programs, increase research capacity, and attract new students from across Canada and around the world.