Putting new tools in the hands of leading Canadian scientists - More than $20 million for the University of Calgary for new labs and equipment to help researchers discover, innovate and train the next generation of scientists

CALGARY, Oct. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - With the right kind of investment, scientists will be able to develop ground-breaking projects that lead to astounding results—for example, reusing composite materials to build and repair equipment in the aerospace industry, detecting and studying dark matter, and working toward the next breakthrough in non-invasive brain surgery to treat diseases such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. ‎

That's why the Government of Canada, through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), is investing new research infrastructure funds in the University of Calgary. The Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, Kent Hehr, on behalf of the Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, announced an investment of $20,385,655 through the CFI's Innovation Fund to support research infrastructure at the university.

The funding will support the expansion of a research project in the Faculty of Science that is being led by Wolfgang Tittel, who will look at the development and implementation of a quantum cryptography network, which promises the secure distribution of email, banking information and other digital communications. This funding will go toward purchasing cutting-edge equipment in the area of quantum networks that, beyond secure communications, will allow connecting future quantum computers.   

The funding for the University of Calgary is part of the more than $554 million announced by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan today. The funding will support 117 new infrastructure projects at 61 universities, colleges and research hospitals across Canada.

This investment will help put the right tools in the hands of the country's scientists so they make discoveries, innovate and train their students for the jobs of tomorrow. By doing so, scientists are contributing to building a bolder, brighter future for all Canadians—one that includes a strong and healthy middle class.

Quotes

"Our government understands that scientists need to have the best labs and tools if they're going to make discoveries that will pave the way to a brighter future for all people. That's why today's funding announcement is so important; it gives scientists and their students the opportunity to further their research in areas where Canada has a competitive advantage. The discoveries, innovations and skills developed in these new, state-of-the-art labs will go a long way in improving our lives, our economy and our future prosperity."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"Hearing about the scientists and researchers here at the University of Calgary is truly inspiring. The projects that feature satellites and address precision medicine and genetic diseases of childhood are examples of what Canadians can achieve when given the proper tools to excel. I am proud that our government can support such ground-breaking research and that much of that research is happening right here in Calgary."
– The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"The Innovation Fund encourages institutions and their researchers to think big and strive to be global leaders by conducting world-class research. This funding pushes researchers to aim higher in their pursuits by collaborating across disciplines, institutions and sectors. With this support, institutions can build on their current research strengths and set their sights on accelerating research that will create social, health, environmental and economic benefits for all Canadians."
‒ Dr. Roseann O'Reilly-Runte, President and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation

"The Canada Foundation for Innovation has a bold vision—creating a robust innovation system in our country and encouraging world-class research that strengthens our economy and improves the quality of life of Canadians—and the University of Calgary is proud to share that vision. Our scholars are forging bold paths in their fields, and CFI's investment is a strong endorsement of the work they're doing and the impact they will have in our communities."
– Dr. Ed McCauley, Vice-President (Research), University of Calgary

"The support from the CFI Innovation Fund will enable Alberta to become a major player in the rapidly expanding field of quantum technology. The long-term goal is to establish a coast-to-coast quantum network for Canadian governments, businesses, academia, the health industry and individuals."
– Dr. Wolfgang Tittel, Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary

Quick facts

• The Innovation Fund supports initiatives that allow universities, colleges and research hospitals as well as students at these institutions to build on existing areas of expertise such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, brain health and renewable energy.
• The investment of more than $554 million announced by Minister Duncan today includes $127,098,512 awarded under the CFI's Infrastructure Operating Fund, which assists institutions with the operating and maintenance costs associated with their new research infrastructure.

Related products

A full list of the funded projects and stories about the facilities are available online at Innovation.ca. For updates, follow the CFI on Twitter @InnovationCA. For videos about the CFI and its many transformative research projects, subscribe to its YouTube channel.

Associated links

Read stories on more projects being supported through this competition
Innovation Fund
CFI Research Facilities Navigator, an online directory of labs that are open for business

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

Follow CFI on social media.
Twitter: @InnovationCA

About the Canada Foundation for Innovation

For more than 20 years, the CFI has been giving researchers the tools they need to think big and innovate. And a robust innovation system translates into jobs and new enterprises, better health, cleaner environments and, ultimately, vibrant communities. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in Canada's universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions, the CFI also helps to attract and retain the world's top talent, to train the next generation of researchers and to support world-class research that strengthens the economy and improves the quality of life of all Canadians.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Ann Marie Paquet, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science, 343-291-2692, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]; Malorie Bertrand, Media Relations and Social Media Specialist, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Office: 613-943-2580, Cell: 613-447-1723, [email protected]