GOVERNMENT FUNDS RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AT THE U OF S

Released on January 28, 2005

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing nearly a half million dollars in equipment at the University of Saskatchewan to advance research into robotics and brain diseases as well as industrial chemistry.

"Through the Innovation and Science Fund, the Government of Saskatchewan is proud to be a contributing partner in the province's research sector," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said. "These initiatives exemplify the positive, reciprocal benefits for the researchers, students, and industries for which the research is being undertaken"

The projects include:

- $86,200 to mechanical engineer Reza Fotouhi for a mobile robot, industrial arm and set of flexible manipulators to study diverse uses including handling hazardous materials, performing rescue missions in industrial and space applications, and with potential uses in farming.

- $91,619 to medical researcher Helen Nichol for equipment to use X-rays at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron to help reveal how excess iron is deposited in the brain in certain diseases, work that may also have applications in treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This research builds on the university's strengths in biomedical, agricultural, and veterinary science.

- $137,008 to chemist Matthew Paige for an atomic force microscope that will establish Saskatchewan as a leader in single-molecule research while benefiting the health care industry and initiating scientific and industrial innovation.

- $183,690 to chemist Jens Müller for equipment, unique in Canada, for investigating and analyzing reactive intermediates, which are unstable compounds formed during chemical reactions. Understanding these compounds has practical applications in techniques such as vapour deposition, used in everything from protective coatings to electronics.

Provincial support for these projects matches federal funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) under the New Opportunities Fund, a program that supports newly recruited academic staff and helps universities attract high-calibre researchers and students.

"Provincial government support is critical for research success at this university and in our province," U of S Vice-President, Research, Steven Franklin said. "Today's funding reaffirms this strong partnership, a relationship that has helped bring the Canadian Light Source to Saskatchewan and helps support innovative projects by our individual researchers."

"The CFI is a proud partner in these projects that will provide researchers with the tools they need to transform innovative ideas into leading-edge research that will benefit all Canadians," CFI President and CEO, Dr. Eliot Phillipson said.

The Innovation and Science Fund supports research at Saskatchewan's universities, colleges, and research institutes on projects receiving approval and funding from the CFI, the Canada Research Chairs, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit organization that was established by the federal government in 1997 to strengthen the capacity for innovation in Canadian universities, colleges, hospitals and not-for-profit research institutions.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie MacLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609