Government invests $5.5 million in research network to help improve the health of Canada's freshwater lakes

Large-scale network will bring together country's top water systems researchers   

OTTAWA, Nov. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada's biggest environmental and economic challenges require the brightest minds working together to produce innovative solutions that will support a clean environment, a sustainable economy and a strong middle class. That's why the Government of Canada supports an inclusive and collaborative approach to innovation, one that encourages researchers and their partners to combine their expertise so they may address these crucial issues together.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, today highlighted nearly $5.5 million in funding for a research network, based at Université de Sherbrooke, which is researching ways to modernize the stewardship of Canada's lakes.

This network is one of four that received a total of nearly $22 million, as announced on October 19 by Minister Duncan at Carleton University. Scientists and business leaders will join together in these networks to tackle pressing challenges like targeting pollution, exploring enhanced manufacturing technology, developing sustainable natural resource extraction methods and modernizing the stewardship of Canadian lakes. The four networks are the most recent recipients of funding through the Strategic Partnership Grants for Networks competition, administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The network led by Université de Sherbrooke professor Yannick Huot is bringing together 18 of Canada's top water systems researchers, with the goal of better understanding the health of Canada's freshwater lakes. Researchers are working to develop new monitoring approaches and techniques to better manage the ecosystems of Canada's lakes. As a first step, the network is collecting samples from hundreds of lakes across the country to start compiling useful information that will guide its work.

Quotes

"Our government is proud to support the important work of talented researchers who are collaborating with their partners to create solutions for some of the most critical issues Canada is facing. These networks will help train the next generation of young researchers by providing them with the skills they need for today's job market. By investing in these networks, our government is demonstrating its commitment to generating the evidence needed to support a clean environment, a sustainable economy and a strong middle class."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"I am happy that the research network led by Université de Sherbooke has the opportunity to engage in work that is critical to protecting Canada's numerous lakes. In our region, we are particularly aware of the challenges facing the health of our bodies of water. This network also provides a great opportunity for researchers and stakeholders to work together."
– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

"NSERC is proud to support these networks of researchers and companies that are working to find innovative solutions to some of Canada's most pressing challenges. Facilitating close connections and partnerships with business ensures that discovery research is enriched by industry perspectives and market needs."
– B. Mario Pinto, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

"Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world—more than one million. Knowing the current health of Canadian lakes has become essential to better protecting this valuable resource against current and future threats. On behalf of my network colleagues, I'd like to thank NSERC for enabling us to conduct this Canada-wide study."
– Yannick Huot, professor and scientific director of the network, Université de Sherbooke

"This announcement hits on our desire to highlight the expertise of our researchers in taking on some of society's most critical issues. It further illustrates how university research contributes to the well-being of future generations."
– Luce Samoisette, Rector, Université de Sherbooke

Quick facts

• Four research networks are being supported over the next five years.
• Other networks are focused on helping curb pollution from oil and gas refinery flare stacks; minimizing the environmental impact of mining operations; and developing virtual machining technology software to allow companies to design and produce new products without costly physical trials.
• NSERC conducts extensive reviews to ensure that these networks remain relevant for Canada.
• The 2016 Strategic Partnership Grants competition will focus on advanced manufacturing; environment and agriculture; information and communication technologies; and natural resources and energy. The results of this competition will be announced next year.

Related products

• Recipients of the 2015 Strategic Partnership Grants for Networks
• Information on the Strategic Partnership Grants

Associated links

• Where NSERC Invests and Why
• A Vision of NSERC in 2020

Follow Minister Duncan on social media:
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin

Follow NSERC on social media:
Twitter: @NSERC-CRSNG

About NSERC

NSERC invests over $1 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. Our investments deliver discoveries—valuable world-firsts in knowledge claimed by a brain trust of over 11,000 professors. Our investments enable partnerships and collaborations that connect industry with discoveries and the people behind them. Researcher-industry partnerships established by NSERC help inform R&D, solve scale-up challenges, and reduce the risks of developing high-potential technology.

NSERC also provides scholarships and hands-on training experience for more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows. These young researchers will be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Véronique Perron, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science, 343-291-2600; Martin Leroux, Senior Communications Advisor, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, 613-943-7618, [email protected]; Media Relations: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]