Putting new tools in the hands of leading Canadian scientists

More than $13 million at Dalhousie University for new labs and equipment to help Canadian researchers discover, innovate, and train the next generation of scientists

HALIFAX, Oct. 13, 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 Dalhousie University. The President of the Treasury Board, Scott Brison, on behalf of the Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, today announced an investment of $13,170,737 through the CFI's Innovation Fund to support research infrastructure at the university.

The funding for Dalhousie University is part of the more than $554 million announced by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan yesterday. 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 this 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

"Investing in Canada's scientists is investing in our country's prosperous future. By putting the tools into the right hands and encouraging creative minds to excel, we will become recognized as a global leader in environmental, medical and social research, and benefit from cutting-edge research and discoveries."
? The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board

"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

"Dalhousie's researchers have always been leaders in discovery and innovation. The significant investment made by the Government of Canada today will allow them to continue to make a significant impact in Nova Scotia, Canada and beyond, and train the next generation of world-class scientists."
? Dr. Alice Aiken, Vice President Research, Dalhousie University

"The new National Facility for Seismic Imaging will be the largest of its kind in the world and will be used for unparalleled monitoring of structures that generate earthquakes. The research carried out through our facility, which uses innovative ocean bottom seismometers constructed with Canadian state-of-the-art technology, will position Canadian scientists at the forefront of future discoveries and inform the development of guidelines and policies required to protect Canadians."
? Dr. Mladen Nedimovi?, Project Lead, future National Facility for Seismic Imaging at Dalhousie University

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 yesterday 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 at Innovation.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