Government Of Canada Announces More Than $465 Million For Fundamental Research
June 23rd, 2016
Minister Duncan announced over $465 million for more than 4,000 awards that are the result of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) 2016 competition for the discovery research programs. The programs, which include funds for scholarships, fellowships, research supplements and equipment grants, support researchers and students who are furthering our understanding of the world and how it works.
Today’s announcement was made at McMaster University and featured the work of Dr. Leyla Soleymani, an engineering physicist who is investigating the relationship between light, electronics, molecules, and nanomaterials. Her goal is to fabricate a handheld device sensitive enough to detect trace amounts of genetic material that signal the presence of illnesses ranging from cancer to infectious diseases. Within a matter of years, Dr. Soleymani hopes her discoveries will give individuals and health-care providers the tools they need to quickly diagnose some of the most severe disorders before they cause significant harm. Dr. Soleymani is receiving a Discovery Grant along with a special $120,000 supplement in recognition of the promising nature of her research.
Quotes
“Today’s investment will allow many of Canada’s scientists and engineers to explore the frontiers of knowledge where they can make exciting new discoveries. Our government is committed to investing in these future research leaders and in the cutting-edge ideas that will lead Canada to social and economic growth for a better tomorrow.”
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
“Discoveries build the necessary foundation for an innovative, prosperous and sustainable society. A diversified and high-quality research base requires us to provide equality of opportunity across gender and culture. Bringing together multiple points of view strengthens our science, technology and innovation ecosystem and extends its many benefits more equally.”
– Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President, NSERC
“The NSERC discovery program is extremely important to us as an institution. These awards support our scientists in their fundamental research efforts, their commitment to technology transfer and knowledge mobilization, and their training of the next generation of leaders.”
– Dr. Patrick Deane, President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University
For more coverage about funding in Atlantic Canada, see links below:
http://www.dal.ca/news/2016/06/24/treasury-board-president-scott-brison-announces-nserc-funding-at.html
http://www2.acadiau.ca/home/news-reader-page/acadia-researchers-awarded-2016-discovery-grants.html