Released on April 3, 2000
Key research and development projects at Saskatchewan's two universities arereceiving a major boost of more than $2.1 million in provincial and federal
support.
The projects are being funded through the provincial Strategic Initiatives Fund
and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Funding includes:
$901,904 in provincial funding and a CFI contribution of $701,904 for a
specialized electron microscope at the University of Saskatchewan. The
microscope is an important support tool for the work to be conducted at
the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility.
$117,800 each from the provincial government and the CFI to establish a
toxicity laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan. The facility
will take part in projects dealing with environmental contamination,
nutraceuticals and agricultural biotechnology.
$99,835 each from the provincial government and the CFI for
establishment of an information laboratory at the University of
Saskatchewan Department of Computer Science. The unique lab will allow
researchers to work together on projects that involve extremely large
amounts of data.
$50,449 each from the provincial government and the CFI to purchase an
electron microscope for energy and environmental research at the
University of Regina.
The provincial government is also providing $50,000 for purchase of a lab-scale
dryer at the University of Saskatchewan's soon-to-be-opened bioprocessing lab.
The dryer is an essential part of the bioprocessing research that will take
place at the lab.
"These projects will greatly enhance the research capabilities of our
universities and Saskatchewan's reputation as a leader in research and
development in Canada." Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice
MacKinnon said. "They underscore our government's commitment to the 'r & d'
that builds our knowledge-based economy and ultimately creates jobs and
opportunities for people."
"These projects are critical to build the capacity to conduct leading-edge
research in Saskatchewan," President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for
Innovation Dr. David W. Strangway said. "The new facilities and installations
will also be used to train more young Canadians for the knowledge based
economy."
The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit organization established by the
federal government to strengthen the capacity for innovation in Canadian
universities and research institutions.
Saskatchewan's Strategic Initiatives Fund was renamed the Strategic Investment
Fund in the recent provincial budget. It's mandate is to provide seed money
and to fund feasibility studies, business plans and specialized technical
equipment purchases for the province's research firms. The fund complements
the new $10 million Innovation and Science Fund, which will be the main source
of provincial matching funds for projects seeking support from the CFI.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis Carmen Charette
Economic and Co-operative Development Senior Vice-President
Regina Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
Phone: (306) 787-1691 Ottawa
Phone: (613) 947-6125