U of S Awarded Nearly $690,000 from Canada Foundation for Innovation

Posted July 04, 2002


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 4, 2002 2002-07-05-OTHER

U of S Awarded Nearly $690,000 from Canada Foundation for Innovation

Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded almost $690,000 from the
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for labs and equipment, as well as
related operating support, that will advance research and teaching in
leading-edge areas.

Six researchers will receive a total of $529,343 under the CFI New
Opportunities Program to purchase equipment and lab facilities for projects
ranging from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combating
tuberculosis-causing bacteria. U of S will also receive $158,802 from the
CFI's infrastructure operating fund.

"This is exciting news for the U of S," said U of S Acting Vice-President
Research Bryan Harvey. "These new facilities and equipment are potentially a
tremendous addition to our research capacity and will help launch the
careers of some of our highly talented new faculty members."

Nationally today, the CFI and Industry Canada Minister Allan Rock announced
$30 million for 39 universities and research institutions. With New
Opportunities funding, the CFI contributes 40 per cent of eligible project
costs and universities must find the remaining 60 per cent.

"These investments will help Canada move from 14th place to among the top
five leaders in innovation worldwide," said Rock. "These recipients will
help train the next generation of outstanding Canadian researchers, ensuring
that Canada's prosperity continues."

"Today's announcement means the U of S will boost its research
infrastructure which will allow it to better compete as an international
leader and in turn, bring benefits to the local community and the region,"
said Saskatchewan's cabinet minister Ralph Goodale.

Many of the U of S projects will involve training of graduate students. The
projects are:

- Ronald Geyer (biochemistry) -- $186,000 to launch a proteomics laboratory
that will develop new technology for analyzing the function and interaction
of proteins in a wide range of organisms including plants, animals, viruses,
and pathogens. The research focus of this lab will make it unique in Canada
and it will enhance graduate and undergraduate teaching.

- Luis Melo (physiology) -- $80,000 for an ultrasound medical imaging system
that will be used to develop and test new gene and cell-based therapies for
cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, hypertension, and artery
disease. This project will build on U of S research strengths in genomics,
the new science of deciphering the genetic code of life.

- Carey Simonson (mechanical engineering) -- $79,200 for equipment to study
moisture properties in buildings and building materials. The aim is to
develop healthier buildings with comfortable indoor temperature and
humidity, good indoor air quality, and low energy consumption. This
equipment will allow U of S researchers to join international research and
product development in this area.

- Xuin Guo (geography) -- $64,905 for equipment to study the rate at which
carbon is stored in soil and released into the environment by various
land-use practices. The study will help develop land-use methods that
reduce greenhouse gas emission.

- David Sanders (chemistry) -- $60,000 for equipment to develop new ways of
combating disease-causing micro-organisms that are multi-drug resistant such
as the bacterium that cause tuberculosis. This equipment will build on a
strong U of S initiative in structural biology and will complement the
Canadian Light Source (www.usask.cls.ca) synchrotron now under construction
at the U of S.

- Jeff Hudson (biology) -- $59,238 to launch a new research program that
will study artificial and natural factors, such as climate change, that
affect the chemistry of freshwater and marine environments. The program
will enable water research to proceed at internationally competitive levels.

"The CFI is pleased to support these New Opportunities researchers, which
will contribute to the development of world-class expertise at the U of S,"
said CFI President David Strangway.

CFI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation established by the federal
government to strengthen the capacity for innovation in Canadian
universities and research institutions. With a $3.15-billion budget, CFI
makes its investments in partnership with all levels of government, as well
as with private and voluntary sectors. For more information, visit:
http://www.innovation.ca/

-30-

For more information, contact:

Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506