Province To Fund Human Health Research Projects At U of S

Posted December 16, 2002


December 16, 2002
The following news release was issued today by Saskatchewan Industry and
Resources

Prepared by Saskatchewan Industry and Resources and University of
Saskatchewan Research Communications

PROVINCE TO FUND HUMAN HEALTH RESEARCH PROJECTS AT U OF S

Three University of Saskatchewan research projects that could pave the way
for human health breakthroughs will receive a major boost thanks to a
provincial investment of more than $280,000.

The province will provide funding to purchase equipment for the chemistry
department and the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, and to establish a
unique-in-Canada proteomics lab in the biochemistry department. Proteomics
is the study of the structure and function of proteins.

"We know investing in research and development brings new opportunities and
jobs for Saskatchewan people," Industry and Resources Minister Eldon
Lautermilch said. "Equally important, however, is the potential impact that
this sort of strategic investment can have upon the health and well-being of
people everywhere."

Provincial support comes from the Innovation and Science Fund and matches
funding contributions from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). It
includes:

$40,000 for Dr. Ed Krol of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition to purchase
equipment to study cancer-preventing properties of natural products such as
lignans found in flaxseed. Lignans are plant-derived compounds that may
have health benefits.

$60,000 for Dr. David Sanders of the chemistry department to purchase
equipment to develop new ways of combating disease-causing micro-organisms
that are multi-drug resistant, such as the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

$186,000 for Dr. Ronald Geyer of the biochemistry department to help
establish a laboratory for analyzing the function and interaction of
proteins in a wide range of organisms including plants, animals, viruses and
pathogens.

"Providing the University of Saskatchewan with state-of-the-art equipment
will enable new faculty members to perform cutting-edge research," President
and CEO of the CFI Dr. David Strangway said. "This initiative will help
ensure the university's continued role in contributing to innovation in the
region."

"These new lab facilities and equipment will expand our capacity to do life
sciences research at the forefront of the field," University of
Saskatchewan Acting Vice-President of Research Dr. Bryan Harvey
said. "These new research tools will also enhance our graduate and
undergraduate teaching, and help launch the careers of some highly
talented new faculty members."

The Innovation and Science Fund provides support to Saskatchewan
universities, colleges and research institutes on projects receiving
approval and funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Canada
Research Chairs, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation and the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation established by the
Government of Canada in 1997 to strengthen the capacity for innovation in
Canadian universities and research institutions.

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For more information, contact:

Bob Ellis Suzanne Quinn
Industry and Resources Canada Foundation for Innovation
Regina Ottawa
Phone: (306) 787-8277 Phone: (613) 996-3160

Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 966-2506