March 25, 2003
Province Invests $500,000 in U of S Scientific Research Projects
Posted March 25, 2003
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mar. 24, 2003
Province Invests $500,000 in U of S Scientific Research Projects
(Prepared by the Saskatchewan government and the University of
Saskatchewan.)
Provincial funding of more than $500,000 will help the University of
Saskatchewan with eight research projects in areas such as soil sciences,
biology, geography, engineering, agriculture and plant sciences.
"These projects all seek to create solutions that will contribute to
strengthening Saskatchewan's economy either through new expertise, increased
employment, or more competitive products and practices," Industry and
Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "Maximizing the innovative capacity of
our province keeps us at the forefront of the knowledge-based marketplace."
Provincial support comes from the Innovation and Science Fund and matches
funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) under the New
Opportunities Fund, a program to assist new faculty members in their first,
full-time academic positions. Project funding includes:
- $64,000 to establish methods for predicting the movement of agricultural
and industrial pollutants and their impact on soil, air, groundwater, and
surface water quality. Research led by Bing Cheng Si, department of soil
sciences;
- $64,000 to examine the adaptive behaviours of pest insects, thereby
contributing to the development of biocontrol alternatives to pesticides.
Research led by John Gray, department of biology;
- $40,000 to monitor subarctic watersheds for an improved ability to respond
to environmental change in Northern ecosystems. Research led by Sean Carey,
department of geography;
- $57,000 for fire science laboratory equipment to improve knowledge of
materials subjected to high temperatures, and to also address a current
shortage of fire science experts. Research led by David Torvi, department of
mechanical engineering;
- $79,000 for equipment to research moisture properties of buildings and
building materials, a leading cause of building failure and poor indoor air
quality. Research led by Carey Simonson, department of mechanical
engineering;
- $65,000 for field and lab equipment that will help lead to a method for
calculating carbon credits and predicting carbon sequestration, a vital
component of dealing with climate change issues. Research led by Xulin Guo,
department of geography;
- $70,000 for equipment to study grassland plants and forage species with
the aim of enhancing their sustainability given their important role in beef
cattle production. Research led by Yuguang Bai, department of plant
sciences; and
- $107,000 to enhance the natural ability of pulse crops (lentils, beans,
chickpeas and peas) to fix their own nitrogen, thereby reducing the use of
nitrogen fertilizer, which is escalating in price. Research led by Rosalind
Ball, department of plant sciences.
"This investment will ensure that these new researchers will have access to
the equipment and facilities they need to undertake leading-edge research
and to train young Canadians for the knowledge economy," President and CEO
of the CFI David Strangway said.
"Today's announcement will provide eight of our talented new faculty members
with the tools they need to help solve challenges as diverse as
environmental pollution, climate change, indoor energy consumption, fire
protection and pest management," U of S Acting Vice-President of Research
Bryan Harvey said.
The Innovation 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.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8277
Email: rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca
Douglas Lauriault
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Ottawa
Phone: (613) 996-3193
www.innovation.ca
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan Research Communications
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 966-2506
Email: kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
March 21, 2003
LuAn Mitchell-Halter donates $1 million for Gingara family trust at the U of S
Posted March 21, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 21, 2003 2003-03-11-OTHER
LuAn Mitchell-Halter donates $1 million for Gingara family trust at the U of
S
Entrepreneur and philanthropist LuAn Mitchell-Halter, accompanied by her
husband Reese and three children, presented a gift of $1 million to the
University of Saskatchewan on Friday to establish the Gingara Trust Fund.
In presenting the gift to U of S President Peter MacKinnon, Mitchell-Halter
said the donation is in honour of her late parents, Anna and Peter Gingara,
and will be used at the discretion of the University.
"The Gingara family and the University of Saskatchewan go back a long way
together, to a small farmhouse at Brooksby, Saskatchewan where my dad was
born," said Mitchell-Halter during a ceremony at the Faculty Club. "He was
one of nine kids, several of whom eventually attended this University. The
education he received here launched him on a lifetime of success, allowing
him to do what he loved - be a teacher."
MacKinnon said the donation will help future generations of Saskatchewan
people fulfil their dreams and contribute to their communities.
"This university has been a rich source of knowledge for this province since
it was founded in 1907 and LuAn's generous gift will ensure that future
generations will continue to benefit," he said.
Mitchell-Halter has been named Canada's Number One Woman Entrepreneur for
three successive years and been honored as a Leading Women Entrepreneur of
the World. Montreal's McGill University recently named her as the 2003
recipient of the McGill Management Achievement Award for excellence in
business and community service.
Mitchell-Halter serves as chair of Mitchell Gourmet Foods, but the donation
to the U of S is a personal gift from her family, many of whom attended
Friday's ceremony.
She is the youngest of Anna and Peter Gingara's five children. Her father
taught mathematics in Prince Albert, Melfort and other Saskatchewan
communities. Her mother was a 4H instructor and an accomplished cook who
operated a restaurant in Melfort and later managed the Saskatoon Co-op's
restaurant before retiring to Clinkskill Manor.
Many members of the Gingara family continue to live near the homestead at
Brooksby and in the Melfort and Nipawin areas.
-30-
For further information, contact:
Erin Taman
Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6919
E-mail: erin.taman@usask.ca
Website: www.usask.ca
or visit LuAn Mitchell-Halter's website:
www.luanmitchell.com
March 20, 2003
Province Funds Geoscience Research at U of S
Posted March 20, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 20, 2003
(Prepared by the Saskatchewan Government and the University of Saskatchewan)
Province Funds Geoscience Research at U of S
Provincial funding of $46,000 to the University of Saskatchewan for three
geoscience projects will benefit the province's potash and petroleum
industries.
The U of S geological sciences department will research the nature of
certain minerals and rocks to provide new perspectives on several
sedimentary rock formations that are vital to Saskatchewan's economic
health. The research will facilitate development of future exploration
programs.
"By investing in cutting-edge geosciences research we are investing in
studies that will be helpful to the potash and petroleum industries, two key
contributors to our economy," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline
said. "This government is also committed to providing enhanced opportunities
in specialized training for students who will become our high-calibre
scientists of tomorrow."
Provincial support comes from the Geoscience Research and Student Training
Program. The three U of S geological sciences research projects include:
- $16,100 to investigate calcium and magnesium isotopes for a better
understanding of petroleum reservoirs in Saskatchewan, led by Chris Holmden;
- $15,000 for detailed seismic characterization of the edges of a key
potash-bearing rock formation south of Regina, led by Igor Morozov and
Zoltan Hajnal;
- $14,900 to analyse carbon and strontium isotopes in certain Saskatchewan
carbonate rocks and compare the patterns to those found in Alberta's
petroleum-producing rocks of a similar age. Chris Holmden is leading this
research.
"These industrially relevant projects will directly contribute to the
training of professionals in geology, geophysics and aspects of computer
science, providing new research opportunities for our students in
leading-edge technologies," U of S Acting Vice-President of Research Bryan
Harvey said.
Geoscience research is a vital component of Saskatchewan's successful
petroleum and potash industries.
The oil and gas industry invested $1.4 billion in the province during the
2001 calendar year and generated gross royalty and tax revenues of $684
million in the 2001/2002 fiscal year. Saskatchewan is the largest potash
producer and exporter in the world. In recent years, annual sales for
Saskatchewan potash have totaled $1 billion per year.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Industry and Resources
Regina
(306)787-8277
rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan Research Communications
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
March 17, 2003
Water Resources Expert Appointed to U of S Canada Research Chair
Posted March 17, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 17, 2003 2003-03-09-OTHER
Water Resources Expert Appointed to U of S Canada Research Chair
Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded $1.4 million over seven
years to create a new Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate
Change, as well as $150,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
for related laboratory equipment.
John Pomeroy, recruited from the University of Wales, UK, will join the U of
S geography department August 1. He will study how the atmosphere affects
changing water and snow resources, research critical to managing the
environment and sustaining society in Western and Northern Canada.
"We're delighted to have a scientist of Prof. Pomeroy's calibre take up this
Canada Research Chair which will help U of S and its partners build on their
international prominence in hydrology and make major advances in the study
of water quality, climate change and water resource management in the most
water-deprived region of Canada - the Prairies," said U of S President Peter
MacKinnon.
The announcement was made in Montreal by Industry Minister Allan Rock as
part of a $95.3-million investment to create 106 new Canada Research Chairs
at 36 universities, as well as $12.1 million in CFI infrastructure support.
To date, the U of S has received a total of $11.5 million to support 12
Chairs, as well as $1.2 million in infrastructure funding from the CFI.
Pomeroy's Chair funding will help train graduate students, postdoctoral
fellows, technicians and computer programmers in his lab. The CFI money will
help fund a $375,000 Saskatchewan Watershed Research Facility to test and
develop a model for predicting water supply and assessing drought, flood and
climate impacts.
Pomeroy will also use the U of S-owned Canadian Light Source synchrotron
(www.cls.usask.ca) to investigate the chemical structure of snow and water.
He says rural water shortages on the Prairies have contributed to dramatic
rural population declines in the last 50 years, and that poor water quality
makes many supplies unusable.
"Estimates of current and future changes to the Prairie climate tell us that
water resources will have to be better managed to provide enough supply and
sufficient quality for our needs," he said.
"To predict and manage water resources more effectively, we must gain a
better understanding of how climate and land management influence water
resources and how to reduce the uncertainty of predicting water supply and
flooding in the Prairies."
He will collaborate in this research with federal and provincial partners,
as well as international agencies and other U of S researchers.
A former U of S graduate, Pomeroy said it is a "great honor to return to the
institution where so many discoveries have been made."
"Saskatoon developed as the founding centre of Canadian hydrology and
aquatic science because of the ground-breaking research conducted at the U
of S and later carried on in the National Water Research Institute at
Innovation Place," he said.
He added, "The U of S has recently made great strides in reaffirming its
eminence as both a research and teaching institution. There is a clear
dynamism around campus and the success in gaining research grants is showing
up in new facilities, new people and a cutting-edge education for the
students."
Co-author of a book and author of more than 150 publications, Pomeroy has
won scientific research awards from NATO, the Japan Science and Technology
Agency, and Environment Canada. He has led large international studies and
has convened several international conferences on water, snow and climate in
Canada, Europe and Japan. He has UK and U.S. government research funding
totalling $2 million CDN.
Pomeroy is the only Canadian on the Scientific Steering Committee of the
International Association of Hydrological Sciences' recently launched
"International Decade for Prediction of Ungauged Basins", a 2003-2013
initiative to improve estimates of water resource supply, variability and
characteristics.
Pomeroy was trained in geography (B.Sc), agricultural engineering (Ph.D) at
the U of S during the 1970's and 80's. Later he worked as a research
scientist in England, Wyoming and Saskatoon (at the federal water research
institute on campus). At the University of Wales, he established the UK's
first water science degree.
The new Chair is among 31 allotted to the U of S under the $900-million
Chairs Program. For profiles of U of S Chairholders, visit:
www.chairs.gc.ca/english/profile/index.cfm.
Nominations submitted by universities to the Chairs Program are reviewed by
a team of academic peers who choose only the most outstanding. U of S
research priority areas for the Chairs are biotechnology, environmental
sciences, health sciences, identity and diversity, materials science, and
technology and change.
The Chairs Program was created to enhance universities as centers of
world-class research excellence by attracting and retaining excellent
researchers in Canadian universities. By 2005, Canadian universities will
have 2,000 new Canada Research Chairs (www.chairs.gc.ca).
"The Canada Research Chairs Program is one we can be proud of," said
Minister Rock. "It will serve three generations of scholars and scientists
-- the senior researchers, the younger ones, and the graduate students who
will benefit greatly by being able to work with world-class researchers in a
high-profile environment."
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan
Research Communications Officer
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Dr. John Pomeroy
Coordinator, Water Science
Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences
University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Tel. 01970-622781, outside UK 44-1970-622781
Fax 01970-622659, outside UK 44-1970-622659
John.Pomeroy@aber.ac.uk
http://www.aber.ac.uk/glaciology/jwp/jwphome.html
March 05, 2003
Brain Awareness Week 2003 Runs March 10-16
Posted March 05, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 5, 2003 2003-03-05-OTHER
Brain Awareness Week 2003 Runs March 10-16
Did you know that regular physical activity generates the growth of new
brain cells? Learn about this and exciting new advances in research at Brain
Awareness Week (BAW) March 10-16. BAW activities will let you brainstorm
about new things, learn interesting brain facts at the public lectures and
try hands-on activities at the Brain Show.
The Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network (SNN), a group of more than 140
neuroscience researchers, hosts BAW to inform the public about exciting
strides in unraveling the mysteries of the brain. The theme of the week is
"Take Care of Your Brain."
The week will feature two public lectures beginning at 7 p.m. at the Frances
Morrison Library:
- "Exercise - It's good for your brain!" - Dr. Bruce Reeder (Dept. of
Community Health and Epidemiology, U of S) - Monday, March 10
- "Psychiatric consequences of brain injury." - Dr. Sherif Meguid (Dept. of
Psychiatry, U of S) - Tuesday, March 11
Activities will wrap up with the popular Brain Show on Sunday, March 16 from
10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Saskatoon City Hospital Atrium. Attractions this
year include:
- A model MRI unit for children to explore
- Speaker's Corner featuring topics such as music and the brain
- "Jump Rope for Heart" demonstration by students from Holy Family School at
2 p.m.
- Informational displays by participating agencies and researchers
"Current research shows that one in three North Americans will experience
some form of mental disorder at some point in their lives," says U of S
neuroscientist and SNN member Sergey Fedoroff.
"We hope to raise awareness of the importance of neuroscience research and
inform people of some advances in brain research. We can do that through the
public lectures and the popular Brain Show."
Visit the SNN Brain Awareness Week homepage at www.usask.ca/snn/baw03.html
for additional information.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Erin Taman
Communications, University Advancement
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-6919
E-mail: erin.taman@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/communications/
Dr. Sergey Fedoroff
Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4080
E-mail: sergey.fedoroff@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/snn/baw03.html
Focus On Your Future Opens Doors For Students
Posted March 05, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 5, 2003 2003-03-06-AR
Focus On Your Future Opens Doors For Students
The College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan is helping
students build aspirations and career plans at Focus On Your Future.
This Saturday, U of S faculty and professionals from a wide range of career
backgrounds will guide students in their personal career journeys by
providing valuable information during a variety of sessions. Whether
students want to be architects or pharmacists, forensics experts or
journalists, Focus On Your Future is the place for them to gain a better
idea of what choices and programming is available.
Media are invited to attend this symposium on Saturday, March 8 from 10:00
a.m. - 4:30 p.m. All events will take place in the Arts Building on the U of
S campus, and are designed for current and prospective Arts and Science
students.
- Choosing Your Major - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Room 146, Arts Bldg. Sometimes
it's hard to know how to "follow your heart." (Speaker: Donna C. Bretell,
Co-ordinator of Academic Advising, U of S)
- Career and Program Information Fair - 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Main and
2nd floor Arts Bldg. Tour display booths featuring a wide variety of career
areas and professional colleges, as well as a full selection of Arts and
Science departments and interdisciplinary programs.
- Marketing Your Arts and Science Degree - 12:15 - 1:15 p.m., Room 134, Arts
Bldg. Pick up tips on job search techniques: how to get a foot in the door;
how to be in the right place at the right time; networking and more.
(Speaker: Doug Rain, Director - Student Development and Academic Success, U
of S)
- Career Panel Discussions - 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Arts Bldg. Meet with
professionals to learn about careers in new and developing fields. (For a
complete list of our panel discussions, please visit our website at
www.arts.usask.ca/focus/.)
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer W. Webber
Communications Officer
Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan
Phone : (306) 966-1982
E-mail : jennifer.webber@usask.ca
Website: www.arts.usask.ca/focus/
March 04, 2003
Minister Speaks About Women and International Development
Posted March 04, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 4, 2003 2003-03-02-OTHER
MINISTER SPEAKS ABOUT WOMEN AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
On Thursday, March 6, the Honourable Susan Whelan, Minister for
International Cooperation, will be speaking to students enrolled in the
University of Saskatchewan's Department of Women's and Gender Studies about
Women and International Development.
The Minister's visit to the U of S is part of International Women's Week
(March 2-8, 2003).
Minister Whelan will address, and take questions from, students from
1:00-1:45 p.m. in Room 2E25, College of Agriculture, University of
Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive.
Members of the Media are welcome to attend this session.
-30-
For additional information, please contact:
Rob Norris
Coordinator - Communications and Program Development
University of Saskatchewan International
Phone: (306) 966-2428
Cell: (306) 241-9339
E-mail: Rob.Norris@usask.ca
Website: http://www.usask.ca/usi/
$3 Million Announced to Support Further VIDO Expansion
Posted March 04, 2003
Prepared by Western Economic Diversification and the University of
Saskatchewan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2003
$3 MILLION ANNOUNCED TO SUPPORT FURTHER VIDO EXPANSION
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN - The Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization
(VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan is adding a third floor to its
current expansion to provide space for more researchers participating in a
national genomics project. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is
providing $2.5 million for the extra floor while Saskatchewan Industry and
Resources will contribute $500,000.
Public Works and Government Services Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of
Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic
Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), and
Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline today announced
funding for the $3 million third-floor project, which brings the total
value of the VIDO expansion to $17.3 million.
The scientists and equipment installed on the new floor will fulfill
VIDO's role in a $27 million Genome Canada project to use genomics - the
science of unraveling the genetic basis of life - to better understand how
immunity to infectious agents works and how it can be enhanced. The whole
expansion will be completed by September 2003.
"The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Western Canada's
research capacity and accelerating our ability to commercialize research
discoveries," said Minister Goodale. "Today's investment builds on WD's $2
million contribution last May for VIDO's current expansion. In
Saskatchewan, Western Economic Diversification Canada and its partners are
helping make this country one of the top five in the world for research
and development."
"Not only are we securing Saskatchewan's position as a global leader in
food animal disease research, we are also drawing more of the best and
brightest scientific minds to this province," Industry and Resources
Minister Eric Cline said. "We are committed to supporting VIDO's research
and commercialization activities as they continue to attract significant
investment to Saskatchewan."
"This new funding will assist VIDO in becoming a leading-edge genomics
centre in animal and human health and will contribute to growing U of S
strengths in life sciences," said Bryan Harvey, U of S Acting
Vice-President Research. "The expansion will increase current lab space
and employ at least 11 trainees and an equivalent number of scientists and
technicians within the first three years of use."
In April 2002, VIDO received $27 million from Genome Canada and its
partners to help lead a national project. In November 2002, VIDO and two
corporate sponsors signed an agreement launching work on the project with
researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of British
Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Cancer
Agency. Researchers will explore the genetics of bacteria to see which
genes are responsible for causing disease, as well as the genes that
marshal the body's defense against these organisms. The work is expected
to lead to the development of new medicines and vaccines to combat
infectious diseases in both humans and animals.
VIDO is a unit of the University of Saskatchewan. It is undergoing an
expansion that will increase the size of its main facility to 80,000
square feet from 30,000 square feet and nearly double its staff, from 85
to 145, in the next five years. Advanced DNA analysis capabilities will
also be added.
VIDO is a global leader in research into the diseases that afflict food
animals. It developed the world's first genetically engineered vaccine to
combat shipping fever in cattle, and continues to develop vaccines and
needle-free delivery systems that have implications for animal and human
health.
Federal funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003
budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
Information about VIDO is available at http://www.vido.org.
-30-
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Joanne Mysak
Manager
Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942
1-888-338-9378
www.wd.gc.ca
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan
Research Communications
(306) 966-2506
www.usask.ca/research
CFI Invests $120,000 to Support Two New U of S Researchers
Posted March 04, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 4, 2003 2003-03-03-AR
CFI Invests $120,000 to Support Two New U of S Researchers
A $120,000 investment announced today by the Canada Foundation for
Innovation (CFI) will help provide cutting-edge infrastructure for two
University of Saskatchewan research projects that will enhance the
capabilities of the Canadian software industry and advance both seismic
imaging and nuclear test monitoring.
"Today's announcement will provide two of our talented new faculty with the
tools they need to do leading-edge research," said Acting Vice-President
Research Bryan Harvey. "Attracting and retaining such high-calibre
researchers to our university is absolutely vital to enhancing
Saskatchewan's ability to compete in a knowledge-based global economy."
Along with this new money from the CFI New Opportunities Fund which is
designed to help launch the careers of new and talented faculty members, U
of S becomes eligible for an additional $36,000 from the CFI Infrastructure
Operating Fund which contributes to operating and maintenance costs
associated with CFI projects.
"Building the capacity of our local researchers to do quality research is
essential," said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Works and
MP for Wascana. "These researchers are leaders in their field and are
helping to build the capacity needed to conduct quality research in our
community."
The two projects are:
- Igor Morozov (geological sciences) -- $60,000 for a $208,494 computer
system that will be used in seismic imaging to create new models of the
Earth's crust and upper mantle.
It will also be used to study the recordings and measure the property of
seismic waves from peaceful nuclear explosions that took place in the
Soviet Union during the '70s and '80s. This information will allow
researchers to distinguish underground nuclear explosions from mine blasts
and earthquakes, contributing to the international effort to monitor nuclear
weapon tests or explosions in accordance with the Comprehensive Nuclear
Test-Ban Treaty which Canada ratified in 1998.
The facility will directly contribute to student training in geophysics,
geology and computer science.
- Kevin Schneider (computer science) -- $60,000 to establish a $150,000,
unique-in-Canada lab for designing and evaluating advanced computer
software.
The lab, to be built in the new Software Engineering Laboratory in the
Thorvaldson Building by the fall of 2004, will include a wall-sized,
high-resolution display screen, computers, workstations and a high-speed
network. It will be used for research into innovative software development
techniques and will involve the training of dozens of students and research
associates. Customized software evaluation work will also be done with
companies. There is potential to commercialize discoveries of new software
designs.
Total funding to U of S from the CFI New Opportunities Fund has now reached
more than $5.35 million for 36 projects since the inception of the program.
Selection criteria include quality of research, need for infrastructure, and
potential benefits of the research to Canada. CFI funds 40 per cent of the
costs, and researchers must come up with the remainder from other sources.
Today's announcement is part of $13.7 million announced nationally under the
New Opportunities Fund, along with $4 million from the Infrastructure
Operating Fund.
"The New Opportunities Fund is helping universities to attract and retain
some of Canada's exceptional researchers and provide them with the
opportunity to accelerate their research careers," said Carmen Charette, CFI
Senior Vice-President.
"This investment in our nation's researchers will help strengthen Canada's
capacity to innovate and to rank among the most innovative countries in the
world," said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry.
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.
- 30 -
For more information:
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan
Research Communications
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
(306) 966-2506
www.usask.ca/research
Douglas Lauriault
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Office: (613) 996-3193
Cell: (613) 447-1723
New Name for World-Class U of S Vaccine Research Centre
Posted March 04, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 4, 2003 2003-03-04-VIDO
New Name for World-Class U of S Vaccine Research Centre
The Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has officially changed
its name to the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) to
reflect its emerging focus on both human and animal vaccine research,
University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon announced today.
"VIDO has been so successful that it has outgrown both its building and its
name," said MacKinnon.
"Over the past two decades, VIDO has transformed itself from a small team of
pioneers in veterinary biotechnology to a world-class research centre for
vaccine development that is now poised to take advantage of the increasing
convergence of animal and human health research."
With its $17.3-million expansion and its leadership in a $27-million
national genomics project, VIDO will be well-equipped to use the power of
genomics - the new science of deciphering and understanding the genetic code
of life - to define the next generation of products for both animal and
human health, he added.
VIDO, established in 1975, is wholly owned by the U of S. The unit is
renowned for the research, development and commercialization of products
used by producers in the food animal industry. It is credited with five
"world firsts" in animal vaccine research, and currently holds, or has
pending, 50 biotechnology patents.
Last fall, VIDO was awarded $27 million from Genome Canada and other
government and corporate funders to lead a national genomics project that
will help fight infectious diseases.
VIDO's expanded, state-of-the-art facility is expected to be completed by
September of 2003. Within five years, VIDO expects its staff to grow to 145,
from about 100 now.
"We've been recruiting staff continuously since the expansion was announced
last year, and we already have 15 new scientists and technical staff on
board in the areas of vaccine formulation, genomics and bioinformatics,"
said VIDO director Lorne Babiuk.
With more space, equipment and staff, VIDO will be able to take full
advantage of the research opportunities at the Canadian Light Source
(www.lightsource.ca) which is being constructed nearby on the U of S campus.
More information about VIDO is available at http://www.vido.org/.
VIDO's new logo is provided below.
Contact information:
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan
Research Communications
966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Lorne Babiuk
University of Saskatchewan
VIDO Director
(306) 966-7475
March 03, 2003
U of S Geochemist Awarded Prestigious Killam Fellowship
Posted March 03, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 3, 2003 2003-03-01-AR
U of S Geochemist Awarded Prestigious Killam Fellowship
University of Saskatchewan geochemist Robert Kerrich is one of 10
outstanding Canadian researchers named as new Killam Research Fellows for
2003.
The announcement was made Friday by the Canada Council for the Arts in
Ottawa. Another 18 Killam Research Fellowships were renewed for a second
year. Total value of the 28 awards is $2 million.
The prestigious fellowships enable Canada's best scientists and scholars to
devote two years to full-time research and writing. There were 104
applicants this year. The fellowship provides $53,000 per year towards
salary replacement costs and covers the Killam Fellow's benefits while on
leave. It is renewable for a second year.
Kerrich, recognized as a U of S Distinguished Researcher in 2000, will study
the origin and evolution of Earth's atmosphere.
"Professor Kerrich has made exceptional, wide-ranging contributions to
Canadian geoscience and his expertise has been sought by various national
and international research organizations," says Acting Vice-President Bryan
Harvey. "We are proud to have such quality people on our faculty and
delighted that he has received this well-deserved recognition from the
Killam Program."
Kerrich will test two competing hypotheses for the origin of Earth's
atmosphere and oceans. Using a specialized U of S laboratory, he will
measure rocks of a variety of ages for nitrogen content and nitrogen
isotopes. The outcome is expected to be a clearer "window" to the early
history of planet Earth when the atmosphere and oceans that sustain life
were first acquired.
In previous research, Kerrich provided the first clear evidence that the
Earth's ancient oceanic and continental crust avalanched 3,000 kilometres to
the Earth's core and returned to the surface as volcanoes. He also developed
what is now widely regarded as the standard model of how gold deposits are
formed -- by fluids circulating through ancient mountain belts in areas
where plates of the Earth's crust once collided.
Other notable honors bestowed on Kerrich include: the Willett G. Miller
Medal of the Royal Society of Canada (1999) which is awarded once every two
years for outstanding research in the earth sciences; Fellow of the Royal
Society of Canada (1992 -- Kerrich was the youngest individual ever to
receive the honor); and the W.H. Gross Medal of the Geological Association
of Canada (1988), awarded annually to a young geologist who has made
outstanding contributions to the field of economic geology in Canada. He has
also received the NSERC Steacie Fellowship.
Kerrich was instrumental in establishing one of Canada's finest geochemical
analytical facilities at the U of S.
He is the fifth U of S researcher to receive a Killam Fellowship. Previous
recipients include: John Courtney (political science, 1998); David Smith
(political science, 1995); Norman Ward (political science, 1974); and
Kiyoshi Izumi (architecture, 1968) who was a member of the former
environmental studies department of what was then the Regina campus of the U
of S.
The Killam Fellowship is administered by the Canada Council for the Arts and
is made possible through a bequest from Dorothy J. Killam before her death
in 1965.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan
Research Communications Officer
Phone: (306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
