Bernadetta Mah
Programs Manager, BC Innovation Council

Bernadette Mah is the BC Innovation Councils new Manager, Science & Technology Programs. Ms. Mah joined the Science Council of BC (BC Innovation Council predecessor) in 1991 as a Programs Coordinator. In that capacity she has helped many researchers, entrepreneurs and other innovators to obtain funding for their applied R&D projects. She has a M.Sc. in Microbiology and Immunology from UBC.

Before coming to the BC Innovation Council she worked in biotechnology research at the University of Ottawa. She has also completed a variety of financial and management courses through the University of BC.

Ms. Mah is currently responsible for the day-to-day administration of several of the BC Innovation Councils Science & Technology funding programs. The Programs Department currently delivers eight different programs ranging from graduate scholarships to applied industrial research and development, to support for post-secondary research infrastructure.

The budget for these programs totaled approximately $25 million in fiscal year 1999/00. Council's programs operate in all areas of technology ranging from Aquaculture and Biotechnology to Manufacturing and Information Technology. Council's review of project applications relies heavily on its invaluable network of volunteer peer review committees with a broad range of expertise.

Ms. Mah is responsible for liaison with funding providers, program promotion, design, delivery and evaluation. The BC Innovation Council is a member of the Canadian Technology Network, and works closely with other agencies such as the National Research Council, Forest Renewal BC, Fisheries Renewal BC, and related organizations, e.g. Life Sciences BC, Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Association.