Researchers at the University of British Columbia have received close to $3.1 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to fund cutting-edge research infrastructure for 17 projects.
“We are very grateful to the Government of Canada for its recognition of the value of the exceptional research being undertaken at UBC,” said John Hepburn, UBC Vice President, Research. “Its investment into these state-of-the-art research and training facilities will equip our researchers with the tools necessary to continue to compete in an international setting.”
The announcement is part of $26 million from the Leaders Opportunity Fund, which will fund 117 projects at 29 research institutions across Canada.
UBC projects include research to produce new vaccines against infectious diseases, a facility to study greenhouse gas emissions from landscapes and surface water systems, and a new laboratory to examine effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Highlights of funded projects include:
Sensori-Motor Control in Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis
The award supports research into disruptions in brain connectivity associated with Alzheimer’s disease and MS. The new laboratory will permit researchers to use both neural imaging and probing technologies to examine how these diseases progress and how such brain disruptions impact daily activities.
Integrated Watershed Analysis Laboratory
This new research program brings together ecohydrology and biogeochemistry for the study of greenhouse gas emissions from landscapes and surface water systems. Support will provide tools to assess management practices and climate-change impacts on the cycling of water, carbon and nitrogen.
Cell Analysis Suite for High Throughput Functional Genomics Studies
A new cell analysis suite for high throughput functional genomics studies will improve researchers’ ability to develop therapeutic approaches to treat infections in the face of burgeoning antibiotic resistance and fewer new drug discoveries.
Laboratory for Photosensor Development and Applications for Particle Physics
This project will fund a new facility for developing novel applications of
cutting-edge photosensor technologies. The facility will enable UBC researchers to explore innovative new uses for a variety of such devices in applications ranging from particle physics to medical imaging.
Model-based Building and Infrastructure Engineering Test Bed
This research will develop new ways for the construction industry—the designers, managers, builders, and operators of our built environment—to collaborate through shared computer models of buildings and infrastructure projects.
For a full list of funded projects: www.innovation.ca
The Canada Foundation for Innovation is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed almost $4.5 billion in support of more than 6,000 projects at 129 research institutions in 64 municipalities across Canada.
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