Released on January 27, 1999
Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon today
announced funding of $400,000 for two University of Saskatchewan
research projects to develop new technologies that could lead to new
resource discoveries, improved agricultural methods and new cures for
diseases.
MacKinnon said the government's Strategic Initiatives Fund is
providing $370,000 to the university's Department of Geological
Sciences to help fund a new Trace Metal Analysis Facility. The
Department of Chemistry is receiving $30,000 from the fund to help
finance a powerful computer-aided DNA Targeted Drug Design system.
"These projects are excellent examples of how high-technology research
and innovation can ultimately lead to new products and stronger
industries," MacKinnon said. "The new facilities will build on the
strengths of the University of Saskatchewan, providing jobs and
opportunities for bright researchers. Industry's use of the applied
research will also lead to growth and jobs in our key economic
sectors."
The trace metal analysis facility is an environmentally controlled
laboratory that will measure very small amounts of metals contained in
rock, soil, water and organic tissue. Research will ultimately be
used by mining, agricultural and environmental companies, for projects
as diverse as locating new ore bodies and petroleum resources,
improving water quality by tracing the source of industrial
contaminants and improving wheat crops by testing for toxic metals in
fertilizers and pesticides.
The DNA Targeted Drug Design System will use computer modelling
to study defective DNA strands and cells that cause cancer and
viral infections. The new system could result in industry
researchers developing safer, lower-dose drugs to fight these
diseases and lead to a world-class drug design centre at the
university.
"The University of Saskatchewan welcomes these awards from the
Strategic Initiatives Fund to help fund the research
infrastructure for the laboratories of two very promising young
researchers," said Dr. Michael Corcoran, Vice-President
(Research) at the University of Saskatchewan. "It is critical
that adequate research resources be provided to faculty members
at the start of their careers. The awards being announced today,
which are the first Strategic Initiatives Funds received by the
university, are excellent examples of how partnerships between
universities and governments can work to mutual advantage."
The government's $6 million Strategic Initiatives Fund, from
which the two projects are being assisted, encourages the
development of new technologies and research capacity in
Saskatchewan. Administered by Saskatchewan Economic and
Co-operative Development, the fund is designed to enhance
Saskatchewan's competitiveness and assist in the development of
new, value-added products.
"These two projects illustrate how this fund is designed to
work," MacKinnon said. "By strengthening Saskatchewan's research
capabilities, we are providing more resources and services to
build our economy and create jobs for Saskatchewan people."
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: (306)787-1691
Strategic Initiatives Funds for University of Saskatchewan Projects
The Strategic Initiatives Fund
The Strategic Initiatives Fund is a $6 million economic development fund administered by Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development to encourage the development of new technologies and research infrastructure in Saskatchewan. The goal of this fund is to enhance the competitiveness of Saskatchewan industries, as well as to develop new value-added products and processes to expand the Saskatchewan economy.
Projects Being Funded under this announcement
The Trace Metal Analysis Facility
Proponent Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan. Lead on project: Dr. Chris Holmden, Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences. Others involved: Drs. Robert
Kerrich, Kevin Ansdell, Yuanming Pan and Robin Renault, all of Geological Sciences.
Total Cost of Project: $782,776
Contributors to Project:
Canada Foundation for Innovation (New Opportunities Grant, announced earlier) -- $200,000
Government of Saskatchewan (Strategic Initiatives Fund) -- $370,000 University of Saskatchewan -- $212,776
Description of Project
The department currently has a lab and equipment to analyse rock, soil and water samples. However, precise measurements are difficult due to room pressurization problems and air contaminants.
The new facility will be a metal-free "clean lab" that will be free of dust, rust or any metal impurities that could affect the precise measurement of lab samples. This will be done by creating a higher air pressure in the lab than is the case in adjacent rooms and through the use of highly efficient air filters which will remove virtually all airborne contaminants.
In this sterile environment, the researchers will measure minute, or trace metals in samples of rock, soil, water or organic tissue. This research has long-range applications for companies in Saskatchewan's mining, agricultural and environmental sectors. The research could help industry find new ore bodies and petroleum resources, improve water quality by tracing the source of industrial contaminants in the water, and make better wheat crops by testing for toxic metals in fertilizers and pesticides.
The clean lab would be the first facility of its type in Saskatchewan. It is expected to create jobs in the mining sector as a result of its research, lead to development in rural and northern areas, and enhance the training of highly qualified personnel in the fields of geology and chemistry. It will be accessible to private companies on a fee-for-service basis.
Estimated Completion of Lab
Fall, 1999 will involve demolition and construction of a new air handling system so as to convert the existing lab to a clean analytical lab. The old lab will also be demolished and the new trace metal facility constructed.
For more information, contact Dr. Holmden, 966-5697.
DNA-Targeted Drug Design System
Proponent: Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan. Lead on project: Dr. Malvinder Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry. Others involved: Dr. Adil Nazarali, College of Pharmacy.
Total Cost of Project: $218,525
Contributors to Project:
Canada Foundation for Innovation (New Opportunities Grant, previously announced) -- $87,410
Government of Saskatchewan (Strategic Initiatives Fund) -- $30,000
University of Saskatchewan -- $101,115
Description of Project:
This project involves purchase and application of both an advanced nuclear magnetic resonance device and a powerful, computer-aided modelling system that permit three-dimensional modelling of the interaction between DNA molecules and chemical compounds. This advanced computer package will allow researchers to study defects in DNA that lead to genetic diseases, cancer and viral infections. The new drugs that could be designed from this research are intended to target and bind to disease-causing genes getting at the cause, not the symptoms, of disease.
The project has many applications for users from industry, particularly researchers from the province's biomedical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. This new equipment will be a first for the prairies, and help the university do advanced research in the areas of chemistry, biology and medicine. It will contribute significantly to the training and professional development of graduate students, research technicians and technologists and help train and involve highly qualified personnel in related industries.
Estimated installation of equipment Spring, 1999
For more information contact Dr. Singh, 966-4666
