$3.7M From RDC For MUN Research
October 01st, 2013
The Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) is investing $3.7 million in Memorial University to support 34 academic-led research projects aimed at solving technical challenges and closing knowledge gaps. The research is being conducted in a range of areas, including natural resource industries, manufacturing and health and life sciences. These projects have secured additional investments totalling $6.3 million through federal funding, private sector investment and other sources.
“Investment in academic research provides the groundwork to enhance opportunities here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for RDC. “Memorial University has consistently been a strong contributor to new knowledge and innovation. Investments like this can lead directly to long term economic benefits to the province.”
Researchers from Memorial’s Fisheries and Marine Institute, Grenfell Campus and St. John’s campus received support for their projects. On the St. John’s campus, the research is taking place within the Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Faculty of Science.
“Research drives innovation, which drives a strong knowledge- and technology-based economy,” said Glenn Janes, CEO, RDC. “By investing in highly-qualified researchers at Memorial University and focusing on research that is relevant to the province, we are building a foundation for future economic prosperity. The resulting R&D capacity will position Newfoundland and Labrador to leverage other funding sources and foster business-academic collaboration.”
Funding is distributed through four of RDC’s academic programs, designed to strengthen institutional R&D capacity through supporting business-academic collaboration, providing funding for new researchers and by leveraging against other funding sources.
“The Research and Development Corporation is one of Memorial’s strongest allies,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor, Memorial University. “Its support for our researchers and students fosters the creation of new knowledge that helps Memorial continue to serve the public good in our communities and beyond.”
Collaborative funding partners for these projects include Bombardier Inc., Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Canada Research Chairs, Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd., Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, the College of the North Atlantic, Ocean Choice International, Dalhousie University, Université Laval, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, NL Geological Survey, Silver Spruce Resources Inc., and others.
The Research & Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador’s research and development performance. RDC works with research and development stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments to make strategic research and development related investments in people, research opportunities and infrastructure. For more information about RDC, go to www.rdc.org.