Putting new tools in the hands of leading Canadian scientists - More than $4.7 million at Carleton University for new labs and equipment to help Canadian researchers discover, innovate, and train the next generation of scientists

OTTAWA, Oct. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - With the right kind of investment, scientists will be able to develop groundbreaking 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 Carleton University. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, on behalf of the Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, today announced an investment of $4,746,499 through the CFI's Innovation Fund to support research infrastructure at the university.

The funding for Carleton University is part of the more than $554 million announced by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan last week. 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

"I am happy to celebrate these contributions to some of Ottawa's finest researchers here at Carleton University. Breakthroughs made here, whether in physics, the health sciences or other areas, can change Canadian lives for the better and improve our understanding of the world around us."
? The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"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

"Carleton has always prioritized innovation and excellence in academic research. This funding supports this commitment. This project will advance Canada's leadership in particle physics and will support future growth in this emerging field."
? Alastair Summerlee, Interim President, Carleton University

"Particle and subatomic physics research at Carleton is driven by leading researchers who are committed to innovation and collaboration. These new resources will further drive the important work we are doing. We are grateful for the continued support of CFI and its dedication to excellence."
? Dr. Mark Boulay, Physics Professor and Canada Research Chair in Particle Astrophysics and Subatomic Physics, Carleton 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 last week 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