More than $3 million for 9 collaborative research projects through the Canada Foundation for Innovation's John R. Evans Leaders Fund and NSERC's Strategic Partnerships Grants program
LONDON, ON, March 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Bringing together some of the brightest people from universities, industry and other organizations is vital to developing innovative solutions that will help address some of Canada's biggest challenges. Their combined expertise leads to new technologies and applications, along with the good middle-class jobs that support them. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting partnerships in scientific research that focus on critical issues to Canada's economy, society, and environment.
To demonstrate this commitment, Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary for Science and Member of Parliament for London West, and Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, are pleased to announce more than $3 million in funding for 9 projects at Western University, on behalf of the Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan. These projects are being funded through the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund and through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC) Strategic Partnerships Grants program.
This Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund helps universities attract and retain the best and brightest researchers from around the world by giving them access to cutting-edge research tools. Through this fund, Western University received more than $1 million in funding for five projects ranging from e-health to geology. One of these projects is studying gastrointestinal stem cells to research novel therapies for Canadians affected by colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
The university will also be receiving $2.3 million for four projects as part of NSERC's Strategic Partnership Grants. One of these projects, led by Dr. Bryan Neff, will focus on the reintroduction of Atlantic salmon into Lake OntarioIt has been estimated that this initiative could provide up to $15 million in new revenue over 10 years to local economies through fisheries, and would be a substantial step towards the recovery of lost biodiversity.
Projects funded through NSERC's Strategic Partnership Grants program address challenges in the areas of environment and agriculture, information and communications technologies, natural resources and energy, and advanced manufacturing. By supporting these collaborations, the government is advancing its commitment to build an innovative economy, healthier environment, and to grow Canada's middle class.
Quotes
"Connecting Canada's scientists and engineers with companies and government organizations is vital for creating new jobs and sustainable growth that support a clean, innovative society. Our government's support for such partnerships strengthens talent in key research areas where Canada can be a world leader while simultaneously focusing on fundamental societal and economic issues that will benefit all Canadians and support a stronger middle class".
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
"These investments demonstrate our government's commitment to fostering relationships between scientists and their industrial counterparts, who together expedite breakthroughs made in the lab to the marketplace. Today's investments will strengthen this collaboration, and help secure good-quality jobs."
– Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary for Science and Member of Parliament for London West
"As a former academic who has made securing research investments a priority, today's announcement is incredibly important. It builds upon several contributions Western University has obtained over the past year which are helping to position this remarkable institution as a global leader in research. These particular grants will help encourage findings in two areas that are vital for our country's economic future: advanced manufacturing and natural resource management. In addition, the funding will help Western do even more to attract and retain top-calibre researchers by focusing on their infrastructure needs."
– Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre
"NSERC has made significant investments in unique programs that build strong connections between Canada's brain trust, industry and government sectors. We are proud to support these partnerships tackling significant challenge-driven research that strengthens public policy while also meeting industrial needs."
– Dr. Bettina Hamelin, Vice President, Research Partnerships, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
"Each time outstanding members of the scientific and technological community are supported through connections with Canadian industry and government, and are able to equip their labs with innovative tools and technologies; Canada takes a collective leap forward - toward a stronger economy, a healthier environment and a better quality of life."
– Charmaine Dean, Dean of Science, Western University
"Reintroducing Atlantic salmon into Lake Ontario will result in a substantial step towards the recovery of lost biodiversity in Canada and is an opportunity to develop a sustainable and multi-million-dollar fishery industry."
– Bryan Neff, Professor of Science, Western University, NSERC recipient
Quick facts
- Western University is receiving over $1 million in infrastructure funding for 5 research projects through Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund, as well as $2.3 million in funding for 4 projects with NSERC's Strategic Partnership Grants.
- On February 28, 2017, Minister Duncan announced the Canada Foundation for Innovation's contribution of more than $51 million through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund for 223 projects at 39 universities across the country. This amount includes close to $12 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation's Infrastructure Operating Fund, a mechanism that assists institutions with operating and maintenance costs associated with the new infrastructure.
- A total of 94 projects through NSERC's Strategic Partnership Grants have been announced by Minister Duncan across Canada and are being supported over the next three years. The average funding amount per project for NSERC's Strategic Partnership Grants is $532,065 for a total funding amount of $50,014,110.
- NSERC conducts extensive evaluations to ensure that these projects remain relevant for Canada.
- NSERC's extensive network of peer reviewers meets annually to select the winners for each competition.
Related products
A full list of the funded projects is available online at Innovation.ca.
Recipients of the 2016 Strategic Partnership Grants for Projects
Information on the Strategic Partnership Grants
Associated links
Canada Foundation for Innovation
John R. Evans Leaders Fund
The CFI Research Facilities Navigator – An online directory of CFI-funded labs that are available to collaborate with the private sector.
Where NSERC Invests and Why
A Vision of NSERC in 2020
Follow Minister Duncan on Twitter and Instagram: @ScienceMin
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Devin Munro, Executive Assistant, Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary for Science and M.P. for London West, 519-473-5955; Office of Peter Fragiskatos M.P. for London North Centre, 519-663-9777; Stefanie Power, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science, 343-291-2600; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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