Mitacs Strengthens Canada-France Research Ties During Mission to Paris

Paris, France — Mitacs undertook a mission to Paris, France, this week to deepen strategic relationships with key academic, government, and innovation partners.

While in France, the Mitacs team — represented by Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, and David Enríquez, Vice-President, External Relations and International Affairs — attended the France Canada Research Fund (FCRF) Executive Committee meeting. They also connected with representatives from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and other key government and academic stakeholders.

In addition, the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Ambassador to France, hosted a reception for Canadian and French alumni of Mitacs programs — a clear demonstration of the strength of the ties the organization has fostered between researchers in both countries. The reception is also a celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the France-Canada Research Fund.

France has been a Mitacs partner country since 2014. Over the past five years alone, the organization has supported more than 1,700 internships between both countries, making France one of Mitacs’s most active international partners.

Mitacs also plays a critical role in Canada-France research diplomacy, contributing to initiatives like the France-Canada Joint Committee on Science and Technology, the France-Canada Research Fund, and the Canada-France Quantum Alliance (CAFQA).

Quotes

“Canada and France have a strong relationship, not only through our history and common language, but also through our shared commitment to advancing research and development collaborations. The work done by Mitacs is an example of how Canada takes that cooperation into action; it is an important testament to the role of bilateral research mobility in advancing strategic goals and expanding global networks.”

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Ambassador of Canada to France and Monaco, and Special Envoy of the Prime Minister to the European Union and Europe

“Meeting with key research collaborators and government officials in Paris was a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the strong, ongoing partnership between Mitacs and the French research and innovation community. As we celebrated the 25^th anniversary of the France Canada Research Fund (FCRF), we recognized the significant impact of this collaboration and reiterated our commitment to advancing research mobility, innovation, and knowledge exchange between our two countries.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“With the support of the Mitacs Globalink Research Award, I have been able to strengthen my knowledge on left-behind places at a global scale, contributing to the enrichment of my doctoral dissertation. Professionally, my participation in the Mitacs program has facilitated networking opportunities in France and throughout Europe. On a personal note, having the opportunity to live in Paris has allowed me to immerse myself in the beautiful French culture. It is a really special experience for me as a Franco-Ontarian.”

Rachel Barber, PhD Candidate at Queen’s University and Globalink Research Award intern at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research

About Mitacs

As Canada’s innovation organization, Mitacs connects businesses and researchers with unrivalled access to talent, financial support, and the partnerships needed to turn ideas into impactful innovations. Through unique collaborations, Mitacs is driving productivity and positioning Canada as a global innovation leader.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.