U of T science and engineering research gets federal funding boost

    562 students also benefit from NSERC awards

    TORONTO, July 21 /CNW/ - World-class research in science and engineering
at the University of Toronto received a significant boost today alongside
student research with federal government injections totaling more than $16.8
million.
    Gary Goodyear, Minister of State, Science and Technology, announced
funding for 13 cutting-edge UofT researchers today at the university's St.
George campus with Dr. Suzanne Fortier, president of the Natural Sciences and
Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). He also announced $15.3
million in awards for UofT students.
    "Our government recognizes that research and development creates a
stronger, more innovative economy and a more prosperous Canada," Minister
Goodyear said. "The support announced today will accelerate the progress and
nurture the talent of our most promising researchers at every stage of their
careers, from undergraduate to graduate to professional."
    Today's announcement outlined multi-million dollar injections distributed
through five NSERC award programs: the Discovery Accelerator Supplements
(DAS); Undergraduate Student Research Awards; Postgraduate Scholarships;
Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships; and Postdoctoral
Fellowships.
    "We are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada and NSERC for this
important investment in the University of Toronto," said President David
Naylor. "This kind of support to both researchers and students is absolutely
essential in enabling UofT - and all Canadian research institutions - to
continue to contribute to the nation's innovation capacity."
    Revolutionary research in artificial tissue engineering and a study of
how global change impacts species distribution were among the 13 UofT projects
chosen for NSERC'S DAS awards, which support outstanding researchers who show
strong potential to become international leaders in their areas. Recipients
include top-notch researchers in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics,
Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Psychology. Each will receive $120,000 in
federal funding over three years.
    In addition, 562 UofT students - from the undergraduate to postdoctoral
levels - received a total of $15.3 million through NSERC scholarships,
fellowships and research awards.
    "These recipients represent some of Canada's finest researchers," said
Dr. Suzanne Fortier. "They are advancing our understanding of the universe
around us. They are uncovering and exploring new areas of knowledge. They are
our trailblazers, driving the innovations of tomorrow. NSERC is proud to
support their work and we look forward to their future achievements."
    DAS award recipient Deborah Zamble, associate professor of Chemistry at
UofT, said the funding will support her lab's investigation into how bacteria
use heavy metals, many of which are essential elements for all living
organisms.
    "This funding will have a significant impact on the biological chemistry
work we're doing to advance knowledge of how bacteria use heavy metals," said
Zamble. "Studying these fundamental systems will help us design new types of
antibiotics and develop a greater understanding of diseases like prion
diseases, anemia, and genetic conditions such as Wilson's disease."
    UofT Vice President, Research Paul Young said that UofT's success in the
five areas of funding speaks to the excellence of the university's researchers
and students. "We are thrilled that our people are being recognized for their
outstanding work - and their potential. Talent is the key to Canada's future.
This investment is a marvelous boost to helping UofT enhance its impact as one
of the world's leading research intensive universities."

For further information: UofT Media Relations, (416) 978-0100,
media.relations@utoronto.ca