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Government of Canada invests in discovery and applied research to keep the country at the forefront of scientific advancements

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Support for researchers, innovators and rising talent pushing the boundaries of knowledge to address the world’s most pressing issues

OTTAWA, ON, June 14, 2024 /CNW/ – Discovery-driven research shapes Canada’s response to cotemporary challenges, improving lives through pioneering exploration. The next generation of scientists and engineers are constantly expanding the frontiers of knowledge, creating new possibilities and driving impactful breakthroughs.

Today, Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, and Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, announced $693.8 million in funding for discovery and applied research. The lion’s share, more than $554 million, will flow through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Discovery Research Program. This funding will support researchers venturing into uncharted territory to find solutions to pressing issues such as the protection of the environment, food security and sustainable constructions in cold climates.

This program also connects Canadian research teams to global research questions through international collaborations and attracts the world’s brightest minds to the country to increase the impact of science, technology and innovation in Canada.

In addition, colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics are receiving $30.6 million to conduct applied research projects through the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program. This includes 20 Technology Access Centre grants, addressing innovation challenges by enabling community organizations to take advantage of the college’s expertise, technology and equipment.

More than $94.5 million will also be invested in the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program to support 121 new and renewed chair holders at 39 postsecondary institutions across the country in a wide range of disciplines including health, sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities. As a partner of the CRC program, the Canada Foundation for Innovation will support 18 projects across 15 postsecondary institutions with an additional investment of nearly $4 million via its John R. Evans Leaders Fund.

Finally, over $10 million of this funding will help deliver 44 science promotion and outreach programs that engage and inspire young Canadians to develop their skills and curiosity through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics via the PromoScience program.

Highlighting the commitment to bolstering Canada’s research landscape, Budget 2024 proposes a significant investment of $1.8 billion over five years, and $748.3 million per year ongoing, to the federal granting councils to increase core research grant funding. This substantial investment underscores the government’s dedication to fostering innovation and advancing knowledge, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological advancement on the global stage.

Quotes 

Canada’s science and research sector is solving some of the world’s greatest challenges, all while driving innovation, growth and productivity. Research programs like Discovery give researchers the flexibility to explore the most promising avenues of research as they emerge to ensure Canada remains a world leader in science and new technologies. Congratulations to all exceptional researchers receiving support, we look forward to learning of your successes.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry 

“Investing in research, developing Canadian research talent, and attracting top scientists working on groundbreaking research from around the world boost our innovation capabilities. The discoveries made in the research of today will help launch the businesses of tomorrow.”
Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“In today’s global knowledge economy, Canada needs good science and research knowledge to remain competitive. Investments, like the ones announced today, means scientists, researchers and students are supported to become global leaders in their field, helping expand the frontiers of science and investing in a better future for Canadians.”
Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

“Whether it’s through discovery or applied research, these recipients have the potential to reveal unexpected findings and have a significant impact on our society and well-being. Today’s announcement provides funding for the full gamut of research impact, from the earliest stages of discovery to the final stages of bringing innovations to communities. It also provides support to inspire students in their most formative years, and to spur our research leaders to even greater success. I applaud the dedication of all our discoverers and innovators in tackling the world’s toughest problems and their determination to find bold solutions.” 
– Prof. Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

“The University of Ottawa is thrilled to host this funding announcement. For uOttawa, it means support for three new or renewed Canada Research Chairs and 96 Discovery grant recipients, highlighting a vibrant research environment. This significant investment not only demonstrates the outstanding work being done here at uOttawa but will also help propel us into a future filled with groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. We are grateful for this support by the Government of Canada, which will undoubtedly inspire and empower our researchers to achieve even greater heights.”
Sylvain Charbonneau, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, University of Ottawa

Quick facts

Today’s investment is spread across two NSERC programs and two programs from the three federal research granting agencies (NSERC, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research):

NSERC Discovery Research Program

$554 million in funding over five years to researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including biology, mathematics and statistics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and engineering. NSERC also supports Indigenous research in the natural sciences and engineering. These grants provide recipients with funding to maintain a long-term program of research, foster research excellence and provide stimulating environments for research training.The Discovery Research Program includes several funding opportunities:$427 million in individual Discovery Grants to 2030 researchers across science and engineering disciplines$72.4 million in one-time, one-year extensions with funds to existing Discovery Research grants held by more than 1,800 researchers across Canada impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.$13.3 million in grants to Subatomic Physics research projects, major resources and equipment.$5.5 million in grants through the Discovery Horizons for 15 projects that broadly integrate or transcend disciplines to advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering.$6.7 million in Discovery Launch Supplements to 536 early-career researchers in the first year of their Discovery Grants to help them launch their careers.$25.1 million for 199 Research Tools and Instruments Grants to give researchers access to highly specialized tools needed for their investigations.$2.1 million in Northern Research Supplements to 26 researchers to augment and promote Canadian university-based northern research and training.$1.5 million in Discovery Development Grants to 38 researchers to promote and maintain a diversified base of high-quality research in small universities across Canada.$503,000 in Ship Time grants that will allow four researchers to access vessels in support of their research programs.

College and Community Innovation program (tri-agency):

     Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI) grants

54 awards$9.4 million over 1 year

     Technology Access Centre (TAC) grants

20 awards$21.25 million over 5 years

Canada Research Chairs– 2023-1 cycle (Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat))

121 awards39 institutions$94.5 million

     Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund

18 projects15 institutions$3.9 million

NSERC PromoScience program

44 grants$10.8 million

Associated links

2024 Research Grants competition resultsCompetition Statistics Dashboard – Discovery GrantsCompetition Statistic Dashboard – Research Tools and InstrumentCompetition Statistics Dashboard – Subatomic Physics GrantsApplied Research Tools and Instruments competition resultsTechnology Access Centre competition resultsCanada Research Chairs recipients: 2023-1 cycleJohn R. Evans Leaders Fund competition resultsPromoScience grant recipients

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SOURCE Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

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Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

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SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

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L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

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DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com  

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SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

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HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.  

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change 

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact: 
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com 

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SOURCE HBX Group

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