TORONTO, November 11, 2025 – Ontario’s life sciences sector is driving groundbreaking discoveries, attracting global investment, and improving the lives of millions – and last week the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) brought together researchers, students, government leaders, and industry partners at a reception at Queen’s Park to showcase how universities are powering the success of this sector across the province.
From breakthrough medical treatments and vaccines to sustainable biotechnologies and agri-food innovations, Ontario’s universities are not only strengthening the life sciences economy but also ensuring our province remains a global leader in health innovation.
At the event, researchers showcased the impact of university-led innovation through interactive displays in regenerative medicine, sustainable agriculture, drug and vaccine development, biomanufacturing and more – featuring technologies from advanced pathogen detection systems to AI-driven medical tools that demonstrate how Ontario-made discoveries are transforming lives and fueling economic growth.
In her opening remarks, COU Chair and President and Vice-Chancellor of York University, Rhonda Lenton, noted, “Ontario universities have long been leaders in life sciences innovation – from discovering insulin to creating the first external pacemaker. It’s a legacy that continues today with the remarkable researchers who are joining us tonight – our key innovators and entrepreneurs in life sciences.”
The Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn highlighted the importance of research and innovation for the province and shared, “Ontario’s universities are epicenters for innovation. We know that an investment in research is an investment in a stronger, more prosperous Ontario. I want to thank all of the universities across Ontario who are leading life-changing research that is not only saving and improving lives but also attracting investment, creating jobs, and further cementing the province as a global leader in critical industries.”
MPP Peggy Sattler, Critic, Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Dr. Adil Shamji, MPP for Don Valley East of the Ontario Liberal Party and Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre of the Green Party, also spoke and echoed the value of Ontario’s universities in driving critical research, delivering excellence in many disciplines through innovation, and creating a strong life sciences ecosystem for the province.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnerships between universities and industries, Jason Field, President and CEO of Life Sciences Ontario shared in his remarks, “Universities in Ontario have fully embraced partnership with the industry and the ecosystem particularly in life sciences. We understand that there is tremendous research that starts off at universities and is commercialized through our private sector. There’s entrepreneurship that is nurtured at our academic institutions, and ultimately this research translates into real prosperity for Ontarians, outcomes for patients and economic generation for our province.”
In closing, COU President and CEO Steve Orsini emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and shared, “We have the power to build a more self-reliant, innovative, and competitive future – one where discovery drives progress and improves lives. The ideas and connections made tonight will spark new collaborations, fuel economic growth and strengthen Ontario’s position as a global leader in life sciences.”
Together, Ontario’s universities and partners are not only advancing research – they are building the foundation for a healthier, more resilient province. Read our booklet, Fueling Ontario’s Future: Advancing the Life Sciences Ecosystem, to discover how universities are fostering talent, driving innovation, and forging partnerships that strengthen communities and power Ontario’s prosperity.
Queen’s Park Event 2025 – Fueling Ontario’s Future: Advancing the Life Sciences Ecosystem
Click on the above image to scroll through photos from the Queen’s Park 2025 event.