Top Ontario university researchers touch down in Thunder Bay to discuss "What Matters Now" as part of travelling Research Matters campaign

TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Fighting malnutrition with fertilizers, keeping clean water flowing, balancing the environmental consequences of economic growth, wearing smart technology, and exploring Aboriginal rights will be in the spotlight as five leading Ontario university researchers discuss "What Matters Now" during a stop in Thunder Bay.

The free public event is the latest in the popular travelling Research Matters campaign to highlight important university research.

"University research really can help us to focus on what's going to matter next," says Bonnie M. Patterson, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities, which represents the province's 21 publicly assisted universities. "But there is also an immediacy to university research that we hope will shine through as a result of this discussion. What does the world need to focus on at this moment? What should our global priorities be to improve lives?"

Hosted by public broadcaster Piya Chattopadhyay, the event will take place at Thunder Bay's Fort William Historical Park on Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Those who can't attend can watch a live stream online at http://yourontarioresearch.ca/events/wht-matters-now/live-webcast/

Researchers will also answer questions from the audience and via social media.

The public will learn that night who won the grand prizes in the 2014 Virtual Scavenger Hunt, which include several $500 cash prizes for Ontario university students.

Hundreds of online sleuths have been taking part in the Virtual Scavenger Hunt, which put the spotlight on key research conducted at universities across Ontario. Throughout the month of February, scavengers received 21 online video clues by email. Each clue prompted them to search online to discover research treasure.

Researchers taking part in the What Matters Now event are:

• Maria DeRosa, Carleton University: Can nanotechnology help feed the world?
• Margaret Smith, Lakehead University: What is the way forward for Aboriginal peoples and natural resources?
• April James, Nipissing University: Has Ontario reached a watershed moment?
• Kate Hartman, OCAD University: What kind of microprocessor are you wearing?
• Ross McKitrick, University of Guelph: Can economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand?

Research Matters travels next to Toronto on April 9 and wraps up in Kingston on April 23. The series kicked off in Hamilton on Nov. 4, and stopped in London, Ont. on Nov. 26.

University researchers are improving the health, happiness and richness of life for people around the world. Their work crosses all disciplines and not only changes lives, but is essential to helping government, businesses and communities make informed decisions.

For more details on Research Matters please check out www.yourontarioresearch.ca and follow @OntarioResearch on Twitter.

COU is a membership organization of 21 publicly assisted universities in Ontario. It works closely with the provincial and federal governments to shape public policies that help universities deliver high-quality programs for students and advance the research and innovation that improves the social, cultural and economic well-being of Ontarians.

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SOURCE: Council of Ontario Universities

Wendy McCann, Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Telephone: [phone] x233, Cell phone: [phone], Email Wendy McCann ([email protected])