The Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences (SCILS), designed by DIALOG, celebrated its grand opening on Monday, October 16. Located at the Seneca@York Campus in Toronto, SCILS is a 3,000 sq. ft. laboratory that will increase the capacity of Seneca’s applied research to develop and test new products in controlled operating environments.

Honourable Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, joined Seneca Polytechnic officials along with members of DIALOG, to officially open the new home of the Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences. The new facility builds on Seneca Polytechnic’s strengths in biological sciences and applied chemistry, providing access to infrastructure, talent, and funding opportunities to support the life sciences industry in Ontario.

The $9.4-million lab will power a significant increase in research and development for the life sciences industries, while providing employment and advanced learning opportunities for hundreds of Seneca students and recent graduates. Overseen by Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry, SCILS is home to Canada’s first graduate certificate program in cosmetic science.

The facility was funded by the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and College Industry Innovation Fund, the Ontario Research Fund, and industry research partners and institutional investments.

About Seneca Polytechnic

Seneca Polytechnic is taking on rebuilding the economy and tackling equity and sustainability. They deliver great polytechnic education that combines rigorous academics with practical training. From health care to technology, business to creative arts, community services to arts and sciences, Seneca helps students get ready to make their mark in the world with expert faculty, excellent staff, outstanding facilities, and co-op and work placements to get our graduates job-ready. Full-time or part-time, in-person or online, students choose the option that suits them.