RDC Launches 2014 Ocean Industries Student Research Awards Competition

ST. JOHN'S, Oct. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - The Research & Development Corporation (RDC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2014 Ocean Industries Student Research Awards (OISRA) competition. The competition supports up to $1 million in ocean industries relevant research and represents a strategic investment in the next generation of researchers and in technical expertise required in industry, academia and government.

"Advancing ocean technology in Newfoundland and Labrador is a priority for our government, and we are pleased to support opportunities for research and innovation which will help build knowledge and capacity," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation. "We have an obligation to manage our ocean resources in a sustainable manner and capitalize on development opportunities which will expand the expertise, and competitive advantages that exist in oceans-related industries in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Awards are available to students enrolled in a Newfoundland and Labrador college, institute or university, with industry collaboration required at the graduate level. The competition provides awards of up to $30,000 per year for PhD students, up to $20,000 per year for master's students, $7,500 for bachelor's students and $5,000 for diploma students. Research supervisors are also eligible for awards in support of student research.

Over the past four years, more than 60 student projects have received research awards in fields such as offshore petroleum engineering, geoscience, ocean engineering, marine transport, fisheries, aquaculture and marine science.

"The key to the long-term success of this program is increased collaboration with industry," said Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer of the Research and Development Corporation. "Newfoundland and Labrador companies can provide real world expertise and knowledge, while our student researchers bring the science, passion and innovation required. I look forward to seeing the impact of these awards on both the students and the industry partners with which they collaborate."

The deadline for master's and doctoral candidates is February 20, 2014. The deadline for diploma and bachelor's applicants is May 15, 2014. To find out more about RDC's OISRA program, visit www.rdc.org and follow RDC on Twitter, @RDCNL.

RDC is a provincial Crown corporation with a mandate to strengthen the focus, quantity, quality and relevance of research and development for the economic benefit of the province.  RDC works with R&D stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments to fulfill its mandate.

SOURCE: Research & Development Corporation

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Chris Flanagan
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Research & Development Corporation
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Heather MacLean
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