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Re: 'University benefits from funding announcement,' News, Sept. 19.

I was pleased to see The Mirror's coverage of the recent $21 million provincial investment in health science research. This type of research investment in our post-secondary institutions is critical in generating the cutting edge, first-rate research that drives economic growth in today's global, knowledge-based economy and moreover supports the transformation of our future health and well-being.

Ontario universities have robust research programs, particularly in health and life sciences. Our researchers discovered insulin, stem cells and are in the forefront of one of the largest scientific projects in history - a global effort to unlock the genome of 50 of the most common cancers.

Our own York researchers, who were granted funding as part of this investment, are at the forefront of key research, ranging in focus from autism and protein biophysics to the role bacteria play in spreading genetic material and biological causes of cancer and neurological disorders.

York University applauds the Ontario government's support of more than 116 research projects aimed at health research. These investments will help build on existing research talent and ingenuity to create globally competitive opportunities in every region of our province. They will not only provide a catalyst for innovation but will enhance the ability of Ontario universities to attract and retain the brightest research talent from around the world.

It is vital that governments continue to invest in university research to assist our top researchers advance disease prevention and develop new health technologies for the future health of all Ontarians and indeed all Canadians.

R. Roy McMurtry,

Chancellor

York University