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Since time immemorial, the sea has always fascinated man. It is a source of food and inspiration. Poets have, over time, sung its praises and today, research scientists observe and question it. Could it possibly contain elements that could save lives? Could we learn from these numerous organisms that survive in the most hostile conditions? And what if the sea could give hope for life… It is with this thought in mind that the Marine Biotechnology Research Centre was founded in September 2000, through the initiative of the Association du cancer de l’Est du Québec (ACEQ), the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) and the Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER). The Centre began its operations in May 2004 in the building erected specifically to accommodate the MBRC.
Some Significant Milestones in MBRC’s History :
Economic Impact 
It is thanks to the financial support of the Economic Development Agency of Canada, the ministère du Développement économique de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation du Québec, the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec, the Conférence régionale des éluEs du Bas-Saint-Laurent, as well as its various partners including, amongst others, the City of Rimouski, Hydro-Québec, the Mouvement Desjardins, the Royal Bank of Canada, Premier Tech, UQAR, ACEQ, the CEGEP de Rimouski and the Institut maritime du Québec, that the MBRC has been able to achieve its objectives until now.
The MBRC has invested 14.5 million for its implementation (buildings and equipment). Since the start of its operations in May 2004, the MBRC has generated 10.2 million in business revenue, which brings the value of the MBRC to 24.7 million. From 2008 to 2013, the estimated revenue generated by the MBRC is in the order of 18 million, for a total of 43 million since its implementation.
Impact on Manpower The Centre now includes a group of 38 regular employees. Since the start of its operations, it has welcomed 19 trainees in various fields of study. Thanks to the specialized occupations that the MBRC offers, it has been able to retain a highly skilled labour force. It is important to note that 75% of the Centre’s employees are people who originate from the Québec Maritime regions. Impact on the Regional and Provincial Partnerships The organization’s commitment towards the environment impacts the regional partnership. The MBRC’s implementation was the product of a concerted effort between the ACEQ, the UQAR and the Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER). The UQAR and the MBRC work together to carry out projects for various customers in biotechnology. Three of the MBRC’s research scientists are associate professors at the UQAR. A sharing arrangement for the equipment is being set up between the two organizations. In cooperation with the UQAR’s management team, the MBRC is currently assisting in the training of a graduate student.
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CRBM-MBRC | Tous droits réservés