April 29, 2004
New Positions Announced to Promote NSERC and SSHRC Success
Posted April 29, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 29, 2004 2004-04-27-OTHER
New Positions Announced to Promote NSERC and SSHRC Success
With the aim of improving U of S success in NSERC and SSHRC competitions,
two new short-term co-ordinator positions are being created to help improve
the quality and quantity of grant proposals, Vice-President Research Steven
Franklin announced today.
Both appointments take effect Sept. 1st and will involve working with a
full-time grants development officer. They are full-time positions for the
first year and will likely become part-time positions for two subsequent
years.
The new positions are funded through the federal Indirect Costs Program
which helps cover the indirect costs of federally sponsored research.
Universities must use the money to strategically invest in programs and
services that will foster research growth.
"I am delighted to announce these new positions which will help improve our
research success in these critically important Tri-Council areas, while
complementing efforts already underway to boost health research success
through the Co-ordinator of Health Research unit in my Office," Franklin
said.
Mathematics professor Chris Soteros has been appointed NSERC Research
Coordinator, providing strategic direction and support for efforts aimed at
intensifying the research activities of the natural and applied science
community on campus. Soteros is currently the U of S NSERC (Natural Sciences
and Engineering Research Council) Representative.
English professor Peter Stoicheff will become the SSHRC Research
Co-ordinator, providing strategic direction and support for efforts aimed at
intensifying research, scholarly and artistic activities within the SSHRC
community. Stoicheff is currently the U of S SSHRC (Social Sciences and
Humanities Research Council) Transformation Officer.
The two co-ordinators will work to increase grant applications and proposal
quality by providing expert advice, guidance and support to principal
investigators, including budget review and other aspects of proposal
development. Mentorship programs, internal review processes, and grant
preparation assistance are other potential initiatives.
Both will ensure that campus researchers and scholars are aware of new and
continuing funding programs and will provide feedback from researchers to
their respective granting council on programs, regulations, and needs.
"In co-ordination with deans and associate/assistant deans of research, they
will promote campus awareness and support of the research, scholarly and
artistic agenda and help foster an environment in which faculty priorities
are appropriately addressed," Franklin said.
They will also encourage development of interdisciplinary groups, support
development of collaborative grant applications, and help researchers and
scholars take advantage of multi-partner and multi-agency funding
opportunities.
Both granting councils are striving to encourage collaborative research that
is more international in scope and more interdisciplinary, and that connects
the university and public sectors.
Both Soteros and Stoicheff will work closely with their respective
communities to develop strategic initiatives and will represent community
needs in discussions at the national level. NSERC has undertaken a new
vision this year and SSHRC is currently consulting with universities,
colleges, community partners, scholarly organizations, and governments to
receive feedback on how it can become a more flexible and well-funded
supporter of Canadian researchers.
The two co-ordinators will work closely with the executive members of the
Office of the Vice-President Research but will continue to work out of their
current offices.
The U of S success rate for the 2003-2004 SSHRC standard research grants
competition was 29 per cent (13 successful applications out of 45
submitted). The national average was 43 per cent. An additional 11
applications were deemed of sufficient merit, but were not funded due to the
limited available SSHRC funds.
The U of S success rate for the 2003-2004 NSERC operating grants competition
was 66 per cent (67 successful applications out of 102 submitted). The
national average for 2003 was 80 per cent.
Tri-Council funding not only benefits individual researchers who receive it,
it also has an impact on other funding available to the university.
Tri-Council performance affects allocations received through programs such
as the Indirect Costs Program, the Saskatchewan University Funding
Mechanism, the Canada Research Chairs Program, and the SSHRC Institutional
Grant. As well, the more Tri-Council funding received, the greater the
number of graduate students the university can financially support.
More information about Soteros is available at
http://math.usask.ca/~soteros/index.html and about Stoicheff at
http://www.usask.ca/english/people/faculty.php?FacultyID=56
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
Steven Franklin
U of S Vice-President Research
(306) 966-8514
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2506
April 27, 2004
Dr. Stephen Covey to address Saskatoon area students at HighSchool Leadership Conference
Posted April 27, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 27, 2004 2004-04-21-EXT
Dr. Stephen Covey to address Saskatoon area students at
High School Leadership Conference
The University of Saskatchewan Extension Division and the Saskatoon and
District Industry-Education Council worked together to provide 500 Saskatoon
and area high school students with the opportunity to hear Dr. Stephen Covey
speak at a High School Leadership Conference being hosted in Saskatoon on
May 3 and 4.
Dr. Covey, advisor to 150 of North America's Fortune 500 companies and
author of the international bestseller, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective
People, is in Saskatoon to address the 2004 Leadership Conference hosted by
the U of S Extension Division, the College of Commerce and Leadership
Saskatoon. Over 700 business leaders from around the province are registered
to attend that event.
Media are invited to attend Dr. Covey's presentation to the students on
Monday, May 3 at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel, Saskatoon, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
According to Janet Uchacz-Hart, Executive Director of the Saskatoon and
District Industry-Education Council, "this represents a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity for our future business leaders to hear a motivational speaker
of this stature in person."
"Because of his affinity towards youth," says Helen Duncan, Director of the
Business and Leadership Program at the U of S Extension Division, "Dr. Covey
offered to make himself available to address a youth group during his visit.
We're delighted that we could make this opportunity available - and the more
exposure to the campus we can provide these students, the better."
The second day of the conference will focus on the 7 Habits of Highly
Effective Teens Program and involves professional facilitators and teachers.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Helen Duncan
Program Director, Business and Leadership Programs
Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5523
or
Janet Uchacz-Hart
Executive Director
Saskatoon and District Industry-Education Council
Tel: (306) 683-7566
April 26, 2004
U of S Training Camp Prepares Team Canada for Biology Olympiad in Australia
Posted April 26, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 26, 2004 2004-04-18-OTHER
U of S Training Camp Prepares Team Canada for Biology Olympiad in Australia
The University of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that Vishvajit Singh
(Markham, ON) and Jenny Wang (Toronto, ON) were selected to represent Canada
at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) in Brisbane, Australia July
11-18, 2004. The two runners up were Ralph Zhang (Edmonton, AB) and Jeffrey
Anchan (Calgary, AB).
Singh and Wang were selected from ten participants who attended the
week-long National Biology Training Camp at the U of S held April 16-25. It
was a rigorous week of laboratory work and testing where students were
exposed to theory by U of S professors and researchers who are authorities
in their fields. Students also performed experiments in state-of-the-art
laboratories.
The IBO is a competition for secondary school students, testing their skills
in tackling biology problems and performing biology experiments. In bringing
together gifted students, the IBO tries to challenge and stimulate these
students to expand their talents and to promote careers in the field so
biology talents are nurtured.
It is expected that 45 countries will participate in IBO 2004 and will
attract around 500 international visitors to Australia.
Canada has been awarded the hosting duties for the 2007 IBO to coincide with
centennial celebrations at the U of S. It is expected that more than 200
students from a various countries will come to compete in Canada. Training
Camps will be held annually at the U of S leading up to the IBO in 2007. In
the long term, these Camps will be a means to entice the youth of the
country to be more engaged in biology and life science education.
With projects like the Canadian Light Source synchrotron (CLS) and the
expansion of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) it is of
particular value to the Prairies to make investments in young people
interested in these areas.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Professor Chary Rangacharyulu
University of Saskatchewan
Tel:(306) 966-6412
Email: chary.r@usask.ca
Website: www.usask.ca/biology/cbo/training.html
Erin Taman
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: erin.taman@usask.ca
U of S Awarded $700,000 for Research in Environment, Medicine, and Manufacturing
Posted April 26, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 26, 2004 2004-04-20-OTHER
U of S Awarded $700,000 for Research in Environment, Medicine, and
Manufacturing
Today seven University of Saskatchewan researchers were awarded grants
totaling nearly $700,000 through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
New Opportunities Fund.
The grants will back a wide range of research that could yield tools to help
combat greenhouse gas emissions, help industry clean up their waste streams,
yield new manufacturing processes, offer insights into some genetic
diseases, and even offer more efficient ways to heat food.
"The research supported by this round of CFI funding highlights the breadth
of outstanding scientific inquiry at the University of Saskatchewan," said U
of S Vice-President Research Steven Franklin. "We enjoy a vibrant,
interdisciplinary environment, one that fosters ideas and innovation."
CFI will provide up to 40 per cent of the total $1.75 million in funding for
the research projects, with the balance to be made up from other partners.
To date, the CFI New Opportunities Fund has provided $6.9 million for 56
projects at the U of S.
"Today's investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure will help support the
development of world-class expertise in communities across the country and
help to attract the best research minds in the world to Canada," said
Lucienne Robillard, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
"Today's announcement is a good news story for the U of S which will bring
economic and social benefits to the local community and the region," said
Ralph Goodale, Saskatchewan regional MP and Minister of Finance.
The seven latest recipients and their CFI New Opportunities Fund grants are:
- Jens Müller (chemistry) -- $183,690 to examine "intermediates",
unstable chemical compounds formed during chemical reactions. Understanding
intermediates is key to a deeper knowledge of chemistry, and may yield new
insights into chemical vapour deposition, a process used in everything from
protective coatings to electronics.
- Matthew Paige (chemistry) -- $137,008 for a state-of-the-art imaging
laboratory for the development of experimental techniques to measure
properties of individual molecules one at a time. This innovative new branch
of research has the potential to revolutionize current understanding of the
physical and biological sciences.
- Helen Nichol (medicine) -- $91,619 for cryostats, a high resolution sample
positioner and other equipment for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). This
synchrotron-based technique is shedding light on the chemical form and
cellular location of iron that accumulates in the brain and nerves when
specific genes are disrupted. This work may lead to better treatment for
metal overload disorders, as well as diseases like Alzheimer's and
Parkinson's.
- Reza Fotouhi (engineering) -- $86,200 for a mobile robot, its industrial
arm, and a set of flexible manipulators for a robotics and control
laboratory. This facility, unique in the province, will allow research into
robotics motion and control. Robots have applications in mining, space,
bioengineering industries, and in the not too distant future, farming.
- Mehdi Nemati (engineering) -- $74,000 to develop environmental
technologies based on the principles of biochemical engineering and life
sciences. His program targets problems encountered in the petroleum and
mining industries, including management and treatment of specific waste
streams and tailings, control of souring in oil reservoirs, biocorrosion,
and microbially enhanced oil recovery.
- Hui Wang (engineering) -- $67,600 for a laboratory to explore and develop
processes to chemically convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemical
commodities from which products such as fine chemicals and plastics can be
made. These processes will also help reduce this greenhouse gas emission
into the atmosphere. Wang's research will focus on the development of the
commercial catalysts that speed the transformation of CO2 and methane into
carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
- Oon-Doo Baik (engineering) -- $59,504 to explore the physics behind radio
frequency (RF) heating of foods and biomaterials. RF heating offers rapid
and uniform heat distribution, superior penetration and high energy
efficiency. Baik will look at how RF heating affects the quality of
products, and how these techniques may be adapted for Canadian industries.
"These awards represent a strategic boost to the research capabilities of
these universities," said Carmen Charette, CFI Interim President and CEO.
"These projects were selected following a thorough assessment process and
will help ensure that researchers and graduate students at the U of S have
access to a world-class facility and training environment."
The CFI works to strengthen the capability of Canadian universities,
colleges, research hospitals, and other not-for-profit institutions to carry
out world-class research and technology development. More information is
available at www.innovation.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Michael Robin
U of S/CLS Research Communications
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Valérie Poulin
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
(613) 996-3160
Cell: (613) 447-1723
April 20, 2004
U of S Students Win International Competition in San Diego
Posted April 20, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 20, 2004 2004-04-12-CO
U of S Students Win International Competition in San Diego
On Saturday, April 17, six College of Commerce students won first place at
the 40th annual International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition
hosted by the University of San Diego. There were 27 teams competing.
The U of S student team included final year students: Ryan Plewis, Lorraine
Hurst, Paul de Leon, Stephanie Yang, Jon Herman, Matt Herman and was coached
by Professor Ayten Archer.
Students have been competing since February when they began managing a
computer- simulated international company named Pangea International - a
manufacturer of golf supplies. Each week students from around the globe made
computerized business decisions in the areas of international business
strategy finance, accounting, sales force management, marketing and
production operations management which were sent to San Diego for assessment
and processing.
The students left on Wednesday, April 14 for San Diego where they competed
in the final stages of the competition and met the student teams from
competing universities. In San Diego, the students were presented with
international business scenarios for three consecutive days and judges
observed the team and measured how decisions were made and how they fared
under pressure.
"It was a challenge and a learning experience that will benefit us
throughout our careers," said student, Lorraine Hurst.
In addition to winning the overall competition, the U of S team was declared
the winner of the "Strategic Communications Category" for their production
of an outstanding annual report, business plan and presentation. The annual
report combined the languages of English, Mandarin and Spanish.
"The ability to demonstrate an understanding for intercultural communication
is imperative given our competitive global economy. The U of S team chose to
reflect its own cultural and experiential diversity in its communications
strategy," said faculty advisor Ayten Archer, "Our students acted as
excellent ambassadors once again for Canada. Winning such a prestigious
competition shows that the training the students receive in the College of
Commerce is truly outstanding."
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Ayten Archer
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8424
Lorraine Hurst
ICSBC Winner- College of Commerce 4th year Student
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8424
April 16, 2004
U of S Safety Review Complete
Posted April 16, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 16, 2004 2004-04-08-OTHER
U of S Safety Review Complete
An independent safety review conducted by Calgary consultants was made
public today by the University of Saskatchewan.
The review makes over 40 recommendations for enhancements to safety on
campus. The majority of the recommendations, which were welcomed by the
campus community, are expected to be implemented by September 2004.
They include:
- Relocate Campus Security to the Students' Union building - a more
visible, accessible, and central location;
-Increase Campus Security foot patrols in buildings;
- Install CCTV cameras at major entrances and assess the potential of
centrally coordinating the 165 existing cameras;
- Re-focus the duties of Campus Security to community policing and provide
additional training;
- Communicate safety alerts to campus community within four hours of a
violent incident;
- Work with Student and Enrolment Services to educate the student community
on security and personal safety.
The review took two months to complete and involved consultation with the
campus community. The consultants assessed the effectiveness of current
safety programs and activities on campus; reviewed the timelines, adequacy
and mechanism of communication to the university community on safety issues;
assessed staffing levels in security and the appropriateness of their
training and preparedness.
Tony Whitworth Vice-President Finance and Resources, who initiated the
review, said: "Personal safety is of paramount importance and we are
committed to making the recommended changes. Many have already been
implemented; others are still in progress and will take until September to
complete."
Robin Mowat University of Saskatchewan Students' Union President said: "I
want to thank the university for working together with the campus community,
including the Students' Union, toward a safer U of S. Personal safety on
campus can only be assured when all campus citizens work together and look
out for each other."
-30-
For further information, contact:
Tina Merrifield
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2213
Robin Mowat
President
University of Saskatchewan Students' Union
Tel: (306) 966-6965
U of S Students Excel in International Mathematics Competition
Posted April 16, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- April 16, 2004 2004-04-10-AR
U of S Students Excel in International Mathematics Competition
A team of three University of Saskatchewan undergraduate students recently
achieved the highest ranking among all Canadian universities entered in an
international mathematical modeling contest.
They, along with three other U of S teams, competed in the Mathematical
Contest in Modeling (MCM) an international undergraduate contest that ran
for four consecutive days - a 96-hour effort.
Achieving the ranking of Meritorious were: Jennifer Kohlenberg of Saskatoon
- 3rd year Engineering Physics; Chad Phipps of Saskatoon - 3rd year
Engineering Physics; Jennifer Zwarych of Saskatoon - 3rd year Engineering
Physics and Mathematics; supervised by James Brooke, Department of
Mathematics and Statistics.
In total, 599 teams from 11 countries competed. The MCM challenges teams of
students to analyze a real-world problem. Each team selected between two
very different problems, which were designed to address contemporary
technological questions and consequently were open-ended and had no correct
solution.
Teams were allowed access to a variety of resources such as the library and
Internet but were not permitted to solicit help from any person other than a
fellow team member. Teams were isolated from one another, and they worked
and ate together on campus over the four days.
A total of 12 U of S students competed in four teams sponsored by three
departments - Mathematics and Statistics (with two teams), Physics and
Engineering Physics, and Computer Science. The other teams consisted of the
following students and supervisors:
Receiving an Honorable Mention were: Briana Hanlon of Swift Current- 3rd
year Mathematical Physics; Richard Hydomako of Saskatoon - 3rd year Physics;
Andrijan Jelovic of Saskatoon - 4th year Engineering Physics and Computer
Science; supervised by Raj Srinivasan, Department of Computer Science.
Receiving an Honorable Mention were: Ben Wilson of Saskatoon - 4th year
Engineering Physics; Ward Wurtz of Melfort - 6th year Engineering Physics
and Mathematics; Michael Barnett of Prince Albert - 4th year Engineering
Physics and Computer Science; supervised by Kaori Tanaka, Department of
Physics and Engineering Physics.
Receiving a Successful Participant were: Andrew (AJ) Hrapchak of Saskatoon -
3rd year Mathematics; Richard McCrea of Saskatoon - 3rd year Microbiology
and Physics; Jordan Miller of Saskatoon - 3rd year Mathematical Physics;
supervised by James Brooke, Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Professor James Brooke
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6089
Email: brooke@sask.usask.ca
Professor Raj Srinivasan
Department of Computer Science
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6128
Email: raj@math.usask.ca
Professor Kaori Tanaka
Department of Physics and Engineering Physics
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6406
Email: kaori.tanaka@usask.ca
April 14, 2004
Seven U of S Researchers Nominated for Innovation Awards
Posted April 14, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 2004-04-06-OTHER
Seven U of S Researchers Nominated for Innovation Awards
Seven University of Saskatchewan researchers whose work advances needle-free
drug delivery, emergency stroke treatment and added value for canola were
nominated for the third annual Innovation Place-Industry Liaison Office
"Award of Innovation."
Doug Gill, Managing Director of the Industry Liaison Office (ILO) for the
University of Saskatchewan, announced the nominees late Tuesday at the
"Celebrate Success!" award nominations reception at the Saskatoon Centennial
Auditorium.
"The technologies developed by this year's nominees have the potential to
improve our lives, both directly through improved medical treatment, and
indirectly by increasing prosperity in our province and country," he said.
The award honors U of S researchers who have brought new and commercially
viable technology to the ILO for development into marketable products.
The award, sponsored by Innovation Place and the ILO, will be presented May
11th at the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium at the "Celebrate Success!"
gala, an event sponsored by the Saskatoon and District Chamber of Commerce
and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
"Universities play a key role as incubators for new innovations," Gill said.
"The U of S is proud to contribute with our partners at Innovation Place and
elsewhere in bringing novel products and processes to the marketplace."
The finalists are:
Pharmacy professor Marianna Foldvari and chemistry professor Ron Verrall
have developed a biomaterial-based needle-free delivery system that allows
therapeutic proteins and vaccines to be delivered via the skin. The
technology can be used to insert normal DNA and other large molecules like
proteins into the body to treat genetic and dermatological diseases as well
as scars from burns. Applications extend to treatment of HIV, hemophilia,
cancer, and a wide range of infectious diseases.
Forte Pharmaceutical Laboratories Inc. was incorporated to commercialize the
technology and seek further outside investment. A licensing agreement
between Forte and ILO is pending.
Vivian Ramsden and Jim Thornhill in the College of Medicine, together with a
team of specialists, developed and patented the Cooling Arch, a therapeutic
tool used in emergency medicine. For victims of stroke or head trauma,
inflammation after the main event causes great damage and even death.
Front-line medical personnel apply the C-shaped arch to the neck of the
patient to cool the blood going into the brain and reduce inflammation.
Sensors on the device monitor the cooling effect.
David Maenz, Henry Classen and Rex Newkirk at the College of Agriculture
have developed a process to fractionate canola meal, one of the highest
quality plant-based protein sources in the world. The technology is used
to separate the meal into multiple products, such as high-protein
concentrates for the aquaculture industry, customized protein fibre
products for cattle feed, and various co-products for use in markets from
food to cosmetics. By adding value to canola meal, the process promises
to increase the worth of Prairie canola, benefiting farmers and creating
new economic opportunities.
MCN BioProducts Inc. was founded in 2000 to bring the canola fractionation
technology to market. The company has secured venture capital from various
partners, has proven its technology, and is on the brink of major
commercialization.
The annual Award of Innovation is open to U of S employees and students.
Selection criteria include the novelty of the innovation and its potential
commercial impact. The selection committee includes representatives from
Innovation Place and the University of Saskatchewan.
In addition to a financial award, the winner will be recognized with a photo
on the "Award of Innovation" wall at the Industry Liaison Office and a
personal trophy.
Innovation Place (www.innovationplace.com) is one of North America's most
successful research parks. The Industry Liaison Office (www.usask.ca/ilo)
works with inventors to help commercialize innovations developed at the U of
S.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Doug Gill
Managing Director
Industry Liaison Office
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7335
www.usask.ca/research/ilo
Michael Robin
Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/
April 12, 2004
Canada's Brightest Minds Attend Biology Training Camp on U of S Campus
Posted April 12, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 12, 2004 2004-04-05-AR
Canada's Brightest Minds Attend Biology Training Camp on U of S Campus
The University of Saskatchewan is hosting 10 of the brightest grade 12
students interested in biology for a week of intense training to lead up to
an International competition in Australia.
The National Biology Training Camp held April 16-25 at the University of
Saskatchewan campus, is a rigorous week of laboratory work and testing.
Out-of-province students were selected based on their scores from the
National Biology Competition conducted by the University of Toronto. The
three students from Saskatchewan were selected based on their aptitude in
biology and the health sciences.
The students are: Amanda Adams (Saskatoon, SK), Jeffrey Anchan (Calgary,
AB), Daryn Bikey (Nipawin, SK), Sameer Lakha (Oakville, ON), Alfred Lee
(Burnaby, BC), Anirudh Mirakhur (Saskatoon, SK), Vishvajit Singh (Markham,
ON), Jenny Wang (Toronto, ON), Darwin Yeung (Toronto, ON), Ralph Zhang
(Edmonton, AB).
These students will spend a week on campus. They will be exposed to theory
by U of S professors and researchers who are authorities in their fields.
Students will do experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories and will
interact with graduate students and other researchers working on campus.
This training camp is held in preparation for the International Biology
Olympiad (IBO) which will be held in July in Brisbane, Australia. Each
participant will be recognized as an IBO Finalist, which will be an asset
towards gaining admission in and scholarships to prestigious Universities
across Canada. This year, two students from the Training Camp will be
selected to represent Canada in Australia.
More importantly, Canada has been awarded the hosting duties for the 2007
IBO to coincide with centennial celebrations at the U of S. It is expected
that more than 200 students from 50 countries will come to compete in
Canada. Training Camps will be held annually at the U of S leading up to the
IBO in 2007. In the long term, these Camps will be a means to entice the
youth of the country to be more engaged in biology and science education.
With projects like the Canadian Light Source synchrotron (CLS) and the
expansion of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) it is of
particular value to the Prairies to make investments in young people
interested in these areas.
"Our province and the campus, are fertile grounds to train the future
researchers that might one day work at organizations such as the CLS," said
Camp organizer Chary Rangacharyulu. "These students should be continually
challenged and an effective way to do this is to bring them in contact with
the best minds in Canada - our professors and graduate students."
It is expected that the Camp will grow in 2005 to double the number of
participants.
"The Training Camps and IBOs will serve as catalysts and motivators for the
young people of Canada who are interested in science, biology and
biotechnology. The end result is better prepared scientific personnel for
the country's research and technology enterprises," said Rangacharyulu.
This year, students will study in the areas of cell biology, classical
genetics, plant physiology/evolution, and animal physiology/ethology.
Media are invited to interview students and visit campus during the week of
the camp. To arrange a visit please call Chary Rangacharyulu at 966-6412 or
Erin Taman at 966-6919.
Media are also invited to attend the Awards Brunch on Sunday, April 25 at
10:30 a.m. at Marquis Hall, Upper Place Riel.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Chary Rangacharyulu
Professor
University of Saskatchewan
Tel:(306) 966-6412
Email: chary.r@usask.ca
Website: www.usask.ca/biology/cbo/training.html
or
Erin Taman
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: erin.taman@usask.ca
April 06, 2004
The Government of Canada announces new funding for the Canadian Light Source
Posted April 06, 2004
Released by the Government of Canada
Date: April 6, 2004
The Government of Canada announces new funding for the Canadian Light Source
(Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of
Finance and Member of Parliament for Wascana, on behalf of the Honourable
Lucienne Robillard, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for NSERC,
today announced that the Government of Canada will provide $19 million
towards the operation of the Canadian Light Source (CLS) - a
state-of-the-art synchrotron research facility located at the University of
Saskatchewan. NSERC is providing $16 million to the CLS while Western
Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will contribute up to $3 million.
"It is with great pleasure that the Government of Canada is announcing this
contribution to the Canadian Light Source project," said Minister Goodale.
"This unique facility is paving the way for pioneering scientific
discoveries right here in Saskatchewan. The synchrotron will benefit all
Canadians and help us enhance Canada's competitiveness in today's global
knowledge-based economy."
"The Canadian Light Source is an excellent example of collaboration between
the public and private sector," said Minister Robillard. "Through today's
investment, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to remain
competitive in today's 21st century economy."
"This contribution to the Canadian Light Source builds on the Government of
Canada's
commitment to commercialize bright ideas and innovative research projects,"
said
the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic
Diversification Canada.
A truly national "big science" project, the $174-million CLS will be used
by, and is critically important to, scientists across the country from
virtually all disciplines. Synchrotrons create light millions of times
brighter than sunlight and are used to analyze the nature and structure of
molecules. The CLS synchrotron, a leading-edge instrument, promises major
research breakthroughs in disciplines from the basic sciences of chemistry,
physics, geology and biochemistry to the applied sciences of genomics,
global warming, engineering, radiology and medicine.
"NSERC is proud to support the work being done at the Canadian Light Source
in Saskatchewan," said Dr. Tom Brzustowski, President of NSERC. "Once fully
operational, this facility will serve to enhance Canada's competitiveness in
a broad range of scientific disciplines, while helping us to become one of
the world's top countries in RandD."
The CLS is scheduled to open this fall. Today's funding announcement will
bring the total operating budget over five years to $89.8 million. Today's
announcement of continued support for the CLS is made possible with funding
from the March 2004 budget. This contribution is in addition to previous
announcements on funding for research and the granting agencies.
"Today's support for the Canadian Light Source's operational activities will
go a long way in attracting world-class researchers to the facility,
providing maximum return on the investment in infrastructure, and ensuring
that Canada's scientific community and industry sectors are able to compete
on an international level," said Peter MacKinnon, President of the
University of Saskatchewan.
"This new money demonstrates a commitment on the part of the Canadian
government to operate this project as a truly world-class research facility
with the capability to recruit top staff scientists and provide the level of
support required by national and international users," said Dr. Bill
Thomlinson, CLS Executive Director.
The CLS synchrotron research facility is a unique Canadian science endeavour
that came about through an imaginative partnership among the federal
government, three provincial governments, numerous universities, and other
private and public sector organizations. CLS capital contributions have been
made by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Province of Saskatchewan,
Western Economic Diversification Canada, Ontario Synchrotron Consortium
(Ontario Innovation Trust), Alberta Synchrotron Institute (Alberta Science
and Research Authority and Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical
Research), the University of Saskatchewan, National Research Council, City
of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Natural Resources Canada, the
University of Alberta, the University of Western Ontario, Boehringer
Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., and Cisco Systems.
NSERC, now also known as Science and Engineering Research Canada, is a key
federal agency investing in people, discovery and innovation. It supports
both basic university research through research grants, and project research
through partnerships among postsecondary institutions, government and the
private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.
Note to Editors: A short video clip from March 31, showing detection of the
first light in a CLS scientific beamline, can be downloaded from the CLS Web
site at: www.lightsource.ca.
- 30 -
For further information, contact:
Suzanne Godbout
Communications Division
NSERC
Phone: (613) 943-0310
Fax: (613) 943-0742
E-mail: suzanne.godbout@nserc.ca
Kathryn Warden
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506
Fax: (306) 966-2411
E-mail: kathryn.warden@usask.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Canadian Light Source - A State-of-the-Art Facility
The $174-million national facility at the University of Saskatchewan is one
of Canada's largest science projects in a generation, and it's being
completed on time and on budget. It is scheduled to open this fall.
The CLS is only the second of a new class of synchrotron light sources in
the world, moving Canada into a position of prominence in this critically
important area of science and technology.
Synchrotron light - from the infrared through to the ultraviolet and X-ray
wavelengths - is perfect for probing the molecular arrangement and
inter-molecular interactions that underlie the structure and function of
materials. It has been used by materials scientists to improve lubricants in
spacecraft, by mining companies to reduce the toxicity of their tailings,
and by biomedical researchers to develop novel medications.
More than 400 scientists from diverse fields are already involved with the
CLS and this number will continue to grow. The project enjoys the
endorsement of 27 universities across the country.
The Government of Canada funding announced today will bring the total
operating budget over five years to $89.8 million. This budget will go a
long way to enabling the CLS to stay competitive with other synchrotrons
around the world with 24/7 operations, sufficient scientific staff to build
a vibrant in-house research program, and a high level of support for
visiting scientists from government, academia and industry.
Prior to today's announcement, the CLS had secured operating funding from
NSERC, the National Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research and the University of Saskatchewan, along with an anticipated $5
million from fee-for-service charges to non-academic users.
Until now, Canada's synchrotron scientists have had to travel outside of the
country to collect their data, lining up at overbooked synchrotrons in, for
example, Europe and the United States.
About the size of a football field, the CLS takes advantage of a
pre-existing University of Saskatchewan linear accelerator and electron gun,
and has benefited from experienced personnel with accelerator expertise.
This national resource represents an unprecedented level of co-operation
among governments at all levels, universities across the county, and
industry.
For more information, please visit: www.lightsource.ca
- 30 -
For further information, contact:
Suzanne Godbout
Communications Division
NSERC
Phone: (613) 943-0310
Fax: (613) 943-0742
E-mail: suzanne.godbout@nserc.ca
Kathryn Warden
Office of the Vice-President Research
Univesity of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506
Fax: (306) 966-2411
E-mail: kathryn.warden@usask.ca
April 05, 2004
New U of S $1.4-M Research Chair to Explore Behaviour of High-Pressure Materials
Posted April 05, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monday, April 5, 2004, 11:30 a.m. 2004-04-03-OTHER
New $1.4-M Research Chair to Explore Behaviour of High-Pressure Materials
Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded $1.4 million over the next
seven years for a new NSERC Canada Research Chair in Theoretical Materials
Science, as well as $160,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
to buy related laboratory equipment
John Tse, recruited from the National Research Council's Steacie Institute
for Molecular Sciences in Ottawa, will join the U of S department of physics
and engineering physics in July.
"We're delighted to welcome Dr. Tse to the U of S," said President Peter
MacKinnon. "His expertise and research acumen will capitalize on some of our
major assets and create powerful collaborations with faculty on campus. It
will also yield exciting opportunities for graduate student research and
training in materials science."
Tse will use the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron and the
Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre (SSSC) at the U of S to explore the
strange behaviour of materials under high pressures and temperatures -- new
knowledge that could lead to advanced alloys and electronics as well as
better understanding of the chemistry and dynamics of Earth's molten iron
core.
Tse will also collaborate with staff scientists at the CLS to develop a
world-class laboratory for the study of high-pressure phenomenon, featuring
a diamond anvil cell on one of the X-ray beamlines. This and other tools
will allow examination of materials under conditions normally found only
deep inside the Earth.
With the addition of Tse's Chair, the U of S has now been awarded $18.5
million to support 19 Chairs, as well as more than $2.23 million in related
CFI and partner infrastructure funding.
"The work our Chairholders are doing in universities throughout the country
plays a key role in making Canada a better place to live," Industry Minister
Lucienne Robillard said today in Calgary where the new chairs were awarded.
"Congratulations to all the new Canada Research Chairs."
Nominations for Canada Research Chairs are evaluated by a team of academic
peers who choose the most outstanding candidates from those submitted to the
program by universities. 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 $900-million Canada Research Chairs Program was created to enhance
universities as centers of world-class research excellence by attracting and
retaining excellent researchers in Canadian universities. For profiles of U
of S Chair holders, visit http://www.usask.ca/crc or the national Canada
Research Chairs Web site at http://www.chairs.gc.ca.
NSERC, now also known as Science and Engineering Research Canada, is a key
federal agency investing in people, discovery, and innovation. It supports
both basic university research through research grants, and project research
through partnerships among postsecondary institutions, government and the
private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.
The CFI (www.innovation.ca) is an independent, federally funded corporation
that fosters research and technology development by funding infrastructure
at Canadian post-secondary institutions, hospitals and non-profit
institutions.
The CLS is one of the country's largest science projects of the last 30
years. Due to open this fall, the U of S-owned national research facility
will be used by researchers in industry, government and academia. For more
information, visit: www.lightsource.ca
-30-
For more information, contact:
John Tse
Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences
National Research Council
Ottawa, Ontario
(613) 991-1237
John.tse@nrc.ca
http://steacie.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Michael Robin
Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/
April 02, 2004
Synchrotron Recognized as a Powerful Tool to Track Environmental Arsenic
Posted April 02, 2004
2004-04-02-OTHER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 2, 1:30 p.m. (11:30 a.m. MST)
Synchrotron Recognized as a Powerful Tool to Track Environmental Arsenic
The Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan has been awarded
a federal Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) certificate which
recognizes the first-in-Canada synchrotron's value in testing arsenic
quickly and with unprecedented accuracy, an advance that will help protect
the environment.
Federal Environment Minister David Anderson made the announcement at the
Globe 2004 Environmental Conference in Vancouver today.
"The Government of Canada is proud to recognize Canadian Light Source as a
recipient of the ETV Awards," Anderson said. "The technology developed by
Canadian Light Source demonstrates how the innovation of industry can make a
difference to protect the environment and improve the health and quality of
life for all Canadians."
The certificate recognizes synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy
(XAS) as a valid method for determining the various oxidation states of
arsenic within a sample. Some arsenic states are stable, while others are
more toxic and can move through groundwater supplies.
"Saskatchewan is proud to be recognized as an innovator using synchrotron
science to benefit the environment," said Industry and Resources Minister
Eric Cline. "As it prepares to come on stream, more and more researchers are
discovering applications for the Canadian Light Source. It is an incredibly
versatile tool that will have a profound effect on environmental research
and Canadian global competitiveness."
"We are delighted to receive recognition of this superior method of
tracking the bioavailability of arsenic," said Bill Thomlinson, executive
director of Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI). "This is a powerful tool to
help industry and regulators preserve our environment."
Arsenic is often found together with valuable minerals like gold, cobalt,
nickel and uranium. This creates a challenge for mining companies, who must
ensure arsenic exposed by their operations is managed in a way that will
ensure protection of the environment.
For example, COGEMA Resources Inc. is using synchrotron analytical
techniques to prove arsenic in their tailings treatment facility in northern
Saskatchewan is properly bound in mineral form. John Rowson, director of
McClean Regulatory Affairs for the uranium mining company, says the
synchrotron provided the data they needed to demonstrate that the company's
process was working as planned.
"The requirements of our tailings preparation process are driven by
satisfactory long-term performance," he says. "I'm talking about thousands
of years in the future. There was really no other technique available in the
world that would determine the structure of the arsenic precipitates."
Jeff Cutler, CLSI senior industry liaison scientist and acting co-director
of research, explains that traditional testing techniques demand sample
preparation which can alter the chemistry of the sample. Synchrotron
analysis extracts data with little preparation or change to the sample.
"You can literally take a scoopful of muck out of your back yard or a mine
site, pick the twigs and leaves out of it, run the sample and get the
arsenic speciation states," Cutler says. "You can look at it unaltered, then
send it away for more testing. You don't have to destroy the sample every
time you test it."
The technique is also much faster than traditional wet-lab methods, yielding
results in minutes rather than hours. This means hundreds of samples can be
run in a day.
The certificates are issued through the federal government's ETV program
(www.etvcanada.ca). Established by Environment Canada and Industry Canada in
1997, the ETV program supports innovative technologies by assuring users
that the product or service will perform as promised.
Globe 2004 (www.globe2004.com) is the eighth in a series of biennial
conferences on business and the environment. The event brings together
corporate and government leaders, as well as environmental technology
innovators from around the world to discuss trends, challenges and solutions
to the world's environmental problems.
The CLS is one of the country's largest science projects of the last 30
years. Due to open for business this fall, the U of S-owned national
research facility will be used by researchers in industry, government and
academia.
Synchrotron light - millions of times brighter than sunlight - is used to
view chemical reactions and the molecular structure of materials, paving the
way for new drugs, more powerful computer chips, better engine lubricants,
more effective medical imaging, environmental monitoring and a host of other
applications for science and industry. More information on the Canadian
Light Source is available at www.lightsource.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Bill Thomlinson
Executive Director
Canadian Light Source Inc.
(306) 657-3600
william.thomlinson@lightsource.ca
Jeff Cutler
Acting Co-Director of Research
Canadian Light Source Inc.
(306) 657-3530
jeffrey.cutler@lightsource.ca
John Rowson
Director of McClean Regulatory Affairs
COGEMA Resources Inc.
(306) 343-4576
john.rowson@cogema.ca
www.cogema.ca
Michael Robin, Communications Officer
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Backgrounder
Environmental Technology Verification Certificate for Canadian Light Source
Inc.
April 2, 2004
Synchrotron Analysis of Arsenic in the Environment
What claim is being made to support the ETV certificate?
The specific wording of the performance claim is:
"A synchrotron produces light millions of times brighter than sunlight and
supports high spatial resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) for the
speciation of chemical elements in environmental samples.
Output from data analysis performed by Canadian Light Source Inc. is used to
determine the reactivity, toxicity or bioavailability of heavy metals, for
applications in modeling assessments, remediation compliance, or quality
assurance. The ease of sample preparation enables synchrotron-based X-ray
spectroscopy to achieve accurate and complete arsenic (As) oxidation state
and speciation analyses.
This technique has been optimized to determine the presence of individual
oxidation states of As, for in-situ soils and mine tailings, including
valences As-III, As-I, As0, AsIII, AsV, down to 2 ppm, and for As
concentrations of >200 ppm, the composition for each oxidation state to
within 5 per cent."
Who issues Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Certificates?
Certificates are issued by ETV Canada Inc., a private sector company
licensed by Environment Canada to deliver the ETV program. Recipients are
allowed to use the recognition and logo in their national and international
marketing and communications.
The program, established in 1997 by Environment Canada and Industry Canada,
fosters the country's environmental technology industry by providing
independent verification of performance claims.
More information is available at the ETV Inc. website:
http://www.etvcanada.com.
