New Program Launches 1,000 Paid Internships to Boost Life Sciences

In a significant development for Canada’s life sciences sector, a new initiative has been launched to create 1,000 paid internship positions across the country. The Life Sciences Placement Program (LSPP), introduced by Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) in partnership with Mitacs, aims to bridge the gap between research and industry, facilitating smoother transitions for students and postdoctoral fellows into the workforce.

The rapid growth of Canada’s life sciences sector has highlighted a disconnect between academic training and industry needs. Many graduates complete their education without clear pathways into companies that require their expertise, which, according to Dr. Tamana Yousof, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alberta, hinders innovation and commercialization. At the kickoff event for Life Sciences Week held in Edmonton, Yousof emphasized the importance of building industry connections and entrepreneurial skills during training to ensure that discoveries can reach the market effectively.

Alberta is set to play a vital role in this nationwide initiative, which provides funding support and customized training to ensure participants acquire practical, industry-ready skills. The program encompasses a wide range of activities within the life sciences field, from early-stage research and clinical validation to commercial manufacturing.

Accelerating Talent Transition

The LSPP is designed to expedite the transition of talent into the life sciences industry, cutting approval timelines from approximately four months to as little as three weeks. This improvement allows companies to onboard the right personnel without enduring lengthy bureaucratic delays.

Yousof noted that the changes signify more than just a faster process; they indicate that Alberta is fostering an environment where researchers can acquire essential entrepreneurial skills and develop valuable industry connections earlier in their careers.

Andrew MacIsaac, CEO of API, described the timing of the program as pivotal, indicating that Canada’s life sciences sector is evolving and that Alberta is positioned to lead this transformation. “We’re thrilled to announce this impactful program at such a key juncture,” MacIsaac stated, referring to the extensive activities during Life Sciences Week as evidence of the province’s progress.

Mitacs CEO, Stephen Lucas, highlighted the synergy created by the partnership, noting that it connects “top-tier talent to industry, contributing to reduced costs to commercialization and a stronger workforce pipeline.”

Showcasing a Thriving Ecosystem

The launch of the LSPP set a positive tone for Life Sciences Week, which featured over 60 events and attracted more than 5,000 registrations in both Edmonton and Calgary. The programming included facility tours, investment sessions, and discussions on diverse topics, such as rural health delivery and commercialization pathways.

For Alberta, this initiative reflects a mature ecosystem where industry and academia are increasingly aligned. As Yousof articulated during her speech at the event, “This is a model designed not just to support individuals entering the workforce, but to strengthen competitive advantage, leveraging Canada’s world-class post-secondary institutions for economic growth.”

The establishment of the Life Sciences Placement Program represents a critical step in harnessing the potential of Canada’s life sciences sector, positioning it for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.