The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) have passed their seven-year renewal and will receive $68.8 million over the next four years. The Stem Cell Network's grant is $6.4 million annually (up from $5.3 million), followed by AUTO 21 (unchanged at $5.8 million) and the Canadian Water Network ($5 million, up from $3.7 million). The three networks were launched in 2000 and are now eligible for an additional seven years, subject to a mid-term review after four years. The only NCE which failed to pass the mid-term review is the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network. Its continued funding was rejected by the NCE Selection Committee despite a positive assessment by an International Expert Panel (R$, November 12/07)….