More than $23 million for the University of Alberta for new labs and equipment to help researchers discover, innovate and train the next generation of scientists
EDMONTON, 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 Alberta. The Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi, on behalf of the Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, announced an investment of $23,808,321 through the CFI's Innovation Fund to support research infrastructure at the university.
The funding for the University of Alberta 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
"The Innovation Fund projects here at the University of Alberta are truly incredible. It is an honour to have the opportunity to support such impressive research—projects that address major problems in our society today such as heart failure and climate change. I have no doubt that science will push Canada to the forefront of future innovation and discovery."
– The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"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
"Research infrastructure is critical to enabling knowledge creation and innovation. This CFI funding strengthens the University of Alberta's research capacity in a number of diverse areas—nanotechnology, Arctic research and the health sciences—where U of A research can improve the lives of Canadians and people around the world. On behalf of the University of Alberta, I want to thank CFI and the Government of Canada for their ongoing support for Canada's research ecosystem."
– Dr. David H. Turpin, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Alberta
"Technological innovation is rapidly changing both the way manufacturing is carried out and the products being made. From the Internet of Things to powerful portable electronic devices to flexible electronic sensors that can be interfaced with both the human body and thousands of kilometres of pipelines, advanced manufacturing requires both cutting-edge techniques and highly skilled personnel. This centre, called AIMMS or Advanced Integrated Manufacturing for Micro/Nano Systems, enables the discoveries made in the Centre of Nanofabrication at the University of Alberta—the nanoFAB—to be translated into commercial prototypes and products, all while continuing to train the next generation of scientists and engineers. AIMSS looks to not only enable true diversification of the economy by bridging the gap between the lab and mass manufacturing of high-tech products but also spur economic growth."
– Dr. Jillian Buriak, Canada Research Chair in Nanomaterials for Energy, University of Alberta
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 atInnovation.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]
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