Putting new tools in the hands of leading Canadian scientists and researchers

Government of Canada invests $13 million in new labs, equipment and research at the Université de Sherbrooke and $280,000 in social sciences and humanities research at Bishop's University

SHERBROOKE, QC, Jan. 18, 2018 /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 in new research infrastructure at the Université de Sherbrooke. The Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau, on behalf of the Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, today announced an investment of more than $11 million through the CFI's Innovation Fund to support research infrastructure at this institution.

The funding for the Université de Sherbrooke is part of a $554-million investment announced in October 2017. The funding is supporting 117 new infrastructure projects at 61 universities, colleges and research hospitals across Canada.

Minister Bibeau also recognized Government of Canada funding for our country's social scientists and humanities researchers, highlighting an additional $2.1-million investment in Université de Sherbrooke and $280,000 in funding for Bishop's University. This funding is being awarded through scholarships, fellowships and grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), part of a $265-million investment in 3,300 social sciences and humanities research projects across Canada announced in November 2017.

Social sciences and humanities research?including in the areas of education, youth, Indigenous communities, immigration, refugees, technology and the environment?touches the lives of all Canadians. The Government of Canada's investment will help researchers build stronger partnerships with the private and not-for-profit sectors so they may improve the well-being of Canadians in cities, towns and rural areas across the country.

Quotes

"Our government understands that scientists need to have the right support if they're going to make discoveries that will pave the way to a brighter future for all people. That's why today's funding announcement is so important; it gives scientists and researchers the opportunity to further their work in areas where Canada has a competitive advantage. The discoveries, innovations and skills developed by these bright individuals will go a long way in improving our lives, our economy and our future prosperity."
? The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"I'd like to offer warm congratulations to the scientists and researchers receiving funding today for the innovative work they're undertaking at these two universities. For example, the efforts of Institut quantique team members, represented by researcher Alexandre Blais, could eventually lead to treating important societal problems in a few days or a few weeks, which today would take an eternity to resolve. Our government is proud to support such cutting-edge work."
? The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

"Our support for the Université de Sherbrooke and its researchers is a must if we want to maintain the competitiveness of our research clusters and the quality of our research infrastructure. The Quebec Research and Innovation Strategy aims to give Quebec the skills, means and practices needed to create an environment that fosters innovation and values knowledge. The impact of research can certainly lead to innovations in areas such as local development, improving our quality of life."
? Luc Fortin, Quebec Minister of Families and Minister responsible for the Estrie region

"One of the goals of the 2017?2022 Quebec Research and Innovation Strategy is to support researchers and innovators in fostering the cross-fertilization of ideas, to invest in collaborative research and innovative projects, and to ensure access to competitive infrastructure and its financing. We are supporting partnerships and knowledge transfer among players in the research and innovation ecosystem, two inseparable components of Quebec's economic development. Our co-financing of CFI Innovation Fund projects falls squarely within these goals."
? Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

"More than ever, the quality of research infrastructure contributes to the recruitment and retention of researchers, an important condition for training young researchers and highly qualified personnel and an essential component in the competitiveness of Quebec's research institutions. It's therefore even more important to invest in this infrastructure for Quebec to remain competitive both nationally and internationally."
? Hélène David, Quebec Minister of Higher Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women

"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

"All innovation is inherently social, which means the social sciences and humanities are especially important in this time of rapid change. SSHRC-funded scholars and researchers can provide guidance on important changes that are affecting society. Developing a vibrant and long-term culture of innovation in Canada is essential to building a bold and bright future for all Canadians."
? Dr. Ted Hewitt, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

"This support through the Innovation Fund reaffirms once again the Université de Sherbrooke's national and international leadership in quantum physics and electron microscopy. As well, today SSHRC recognizes the excellence and the impact of research on human and societal challenges. These new contributions from the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec will enable us to attract talented young people to the region and retain them. These young people will conduct first-class research within highly prestigious international networks."
? Dr. Pierre Cossette, Rector, Université de Sherbrooke

"Research is a fundamental part of the mandate of Bishop's University, which needs to set itself apart in the Quebec and Canadian post-secondary landscapes and beyond. Bishop's students and faculty researchers must continue to contribute to generating new knowledge and making it available to community partners and end-users. In doing so, they contribute to innovation and economic development in the region, province and country. The SSHRC-funded research being celebrated today touches on various social sciences and humanities areas in which our researchers' expertise is renowned nationally and internationally. The funding granted to these projects will also allow our researchers to continue developing networks of collaborators, be they in the United States, Spain or various United Nations missions, thus giving them the opportunity to pursue their excellent work in partnerships that transcend our borders."
? Dr. Miles Turnbull, Vice-Principal Academic, Bishop's University

Quick facts

• On October 12, 2017, Minister Duncan announced more than $554 million in funding through the CFI Innovation Fund. 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.
• On November 15, 2017, Minister Duncan announced more than $265 million in funding through SSHRC's Talent, Insight and Partnership programs that support post-secondary research and research training in the humanities and social sciences.

Associated links

• Innovation Fund
• CFI Research Facilities Navigator, an online directory of labs that are open for business
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin

Follow CFI on social media:
Twitter: @InnovationCA
Subscribe to its YouTube channel

Follow SSHRC on Twitter: @SSHRC_CRSH  

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada