Officially opened in 2011, the Life Sciences Research Institute (LSRI) is a bright, open and spacious new building in the heart of Halifax’s academic health sciences network—next door to Dalhousie Medical School and across the street from the QEII Health Sciences Centre and IWK Health Centre on University Avenue.

The LSRI is home to the Brain Repair Centre’s administrative offices, state-of-the-art core facilities, and the well-equipped labs of a number of neuroscience researchers, including those who form the scientific core of the Atlantic Mobility Action Project. Other scientific organizations who share the space include Genome Atlantic and the Canadian Aerosol Research Network.

The LSRI is also home to technology transfer and industry-oriented organizations that help researchers develop their discoveries into workable innovations. These include:

• BioNova, Nova Scotia’s life sciences industry association
• Dalhousie University Industry Liaison and Innovation Office, which helps translate Dalhousie research results into clinical applications and commercial success
• Innovacorp, a provincial government agency that provides incubation, investment and mentoring to Nova Scotia technology and life sciences enterprises
• Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust, a provincial government agency that provides local matching funds for research infrastructure investments
• Springboard Atlantic, a regional network that facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology from universities to the private sector.

The LSRI is a joint initiative of Dalhousie University, the Capital District Health Authority, IWK Health Centre and other partners. The Government of Canada has designated the LSRI as a centre of excellence for commercialization and research. The building features the latest in green materials and ultra-efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems.