Five NB AIFs Announced $11.5M
May 22nd, 2013
The AIF funding in Fredericton will assist UNB to carry out three projects: develop hardware, software and MRI measurement tools to help detect and extract hydrocarbons, including oil and gas; develop an IT toolset to identify potential risks and threats to computer systems; and develop natural fibre-based wraps for pulp baling and carton box strapping, as a renewable and cost-effective packaging alternative.
In Moncton, AIF funding will help the Atlantic Canada Research Institute to study the loss of chromosome 3, which causes some cancers to be resistant to current treatments. AIF support will also help the Université de Moncton to validate the health benefits of Ahiflower oil as a possible dietary supplement.
Projects
University of New Brunswick (Fredericton)
Project: Tools to detect hydrocarbons
Investment: $2,520,118
This project will develop hardware, software and MRI measurement tools to be used by industry to enhance detection and extraction of hydrocarbons, including oil, gas, shale oil and gas, most notably from unconventional and marginal reservoirs.
Contact:
Bruce J. Balcom, Professor
Director MRI Research Centre
Canada Research Chair in MRI of Materials
Department of Physics
(506) 458-7938
University of New Brunswick (Fredericton)
Project: Stronger, less expensive, natural fibre-based packaging alternative
Investment: $1,541,722
The objective of this project is to develop fibre-based technologies to replace plastics, wire, and less durable paper products traditionally used in the packaging manufacturing sector. The mechanical properties of the fibre-based material are targeted to be increased by 50% as well as 50% less expensive than existing paper products. The research will lead to new commercial applications and demand for paper-based products.
Dr. Yonghao Ni
University of New Brunswick
(506) 453-4547
University of New Brunswick (Fredericton)
Project: IT toolset to reveal and mitigate security threats and risks
Investment: $1,799,848
This project will develop a software product to address security breaches and vulnerabilities that compromise critical information system infrastructure. The project involves developing an intelligent toolset for automated security analysis and risk management for large-scale computer systems, most of which are currently for defense use. This toolset will include a process of identifying system threats and assessing corresponding risks.
Contact:
Dr. Ali Ghorbani
(506) 458-7265
Ghorbani@unb.ca
Université de Moncton (Moncton)
Project: Exploring health benefits of Ahiflower
Investment: $2,701,782
This project will explore the use of biofertilizers that will increase the oil yield of Ahiflower and other seed crops. Ahiflower is a wild plant that produces seeds with a unique Omega-3 fatty acid-enriched oil profile with beneficial biological properties. Research will provide data required for the commercialization of Ahiflower oil as a new health-promoting dietary supplement and food ingredient. The research will also identify unique molecules derived from the oil that may have pharmacological properties. Finally, this project will also qualify the health benefits of combining Ahiflower oil with dairy products.
Contact:
Dr. Marc Surette
(506) 858-4293
Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (Moncton)
Project: Discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutic
Investment: $2,897,602
This project will study the loss of chromosome 3, which causes some cancers to be resistant to current treatments. The goal of this project is to identify novel targets in cancer cells as candidates for drug development.
Contact:
Mr. Hai Lequang
Director of Finance and Administration
(506) 869-2811