Putting the best research tools in the hands of Canada's scientists

More than $1 million for state-of-the-art research equipment at University of Alberta

EDMONTON, April 11, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's scientists are driven to make discoveries that lead to new opportunities, a stronger economy and a growing middle class, but they need sophisticated tools and laboratories to help them break new ground in areas such as climate change, clean energy, ocean research and artificial intelligence.

Today at the University of Alberta, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announced more than $1 million to support 11 projects at the institution.

In addition, Minister Sohi also announced an investment of more than $810,000 to support five projects at the University of Calgary.

The investments were made through the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), which helps universities attract and retain top researchers from around the globe?particularly early-career researchers?thanks to equipment that will give them a competitive advantage in their field.

The funding at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary is part of the more than $42 million announced by Minister Duncan today that will support 37 new projects at 186 universities and research hospitals across the country.

This investment, coupled with the Government of Canada's significant support for basic science through Budget 2018, will help build Canada's reputation as an international research leader while ensuring new generations of scientists have the opportunity to realize their ambitions.

Quotes

"I want to congratulate all of today's recipients who will now have access to state-of-the-art tools and research infrastructure that will allow them to explore some of our most pressing questions. The answers they find contribute to the evidence our government needs to build a stronger economy and a more prosperous future for all people."
? The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"It's truly incredible to hear about the research projects funded by the CFI at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. Our country's top researchers are addressing major issues facing Canadians today, such as diabetes, obesity and stroke risks, and it's exciting to see how they will thrive with the right tools and equipment. By doing so, our scientists will take Canada to the next level in research excellence."
? The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities    

"Investing in a new generation of research talent is more important than ever before for Canada. The Canada Foundation for Innovation is making it possible for our brilliant researchers to remain in Canada, to build our economy and to contribute to solving the problems of the world."
? Dr. Roseann O'Reilly Runte, President and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation

"State-of-the-art facilities and equipment help us attract and retain innovative, driven researchers who share our priority of strengthening and diversifying our local, provincial and national communities for a better future. We thank the Canada Foundation for Innovation for its continued investment in research infrastructure that provides our scholars with the tools they need to pursue research of critical importance to Canadians."
? Dr. Ed McCauley, Vice-President (Research), University of Calgary

"The investment announced today is providing our researchers with the cutting-edge tools and environments needed to make bold discoveries that improve the lives of Canadians. The John R. Evans Leaders Fund continues to be a critical source of support, and on behalf of the University of Alberta, I congratulate all of the recipients and thank the Government of Canada and the Canada Foundation for Innovation for continuing to support Canada's researchers and innovators."
? Dr. David Turpin, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Alberta

Quick facts

• The John R. Evans Leaders Fund helps a select number of exceptional researchers at institutions across the country conduct leading-edge research by giving them the tools and equipment they need to be or become leaders in their field.
• The total funding of $42,337,780 announced by Minister Duncan includes $32,567,523 in capital funding for infrastructure and $9,770,257 awarded under the CFI's Infrastructure Operating Fund, which helps institutions with the incremental operating and maintenance costs associated with the acquisition of new infrastructure.
• Budget 2018's record-setting investment of nearly $4 billion in new support for science will enable Canadians to make the world-changing discoveries we can't even yet imagine.
• This investment includes $1.7 billion for the granting councils and the next generations of researchers and scholars.
• Budget 2018 announced $763 million for the Canada Foundation for Innovation to put cutting-edge tools in the hands of our scientists, scholars and students and ensure they have state-of-the-art labs and facilities to make their greatest discoveries.

Associated links

• Canada Foundation for Innovation
• John R. Evans Leaders Fund
• CFI Research Facilities Navigator
• List of CFI-funded projects and stories about the facilities

Follow the Canada Foundation for Innovation on Twitter @InnovationCA and subscribe to its YouTube channel for videos about the organization and its many transformative research projects.

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development on Twitter @ISED_CA.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada