The Aquatic Toxicology Research Facility - the flagship of the Toxicology Centre's expansion - is the first of its kind in Canada and one of only a few similar research resources in the world.

"Our researchers are among Canada's pioneers in understanding the impact of contaminants on wildlife and aquatic systems and ultimately on human health," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon. "Their vision, together with the support of our funding partners, strengthens our national role in aquatic toxicology research and training. It will allow us to claim a leading role on the international stage."

The innovative facility is the culmination of a concerted five-year effort led by the Centre's director, Karsten Liber. The expansion provides U of S scientists with the tools needed to detect, monitor and evaluate toxic pollution in Canada's lakes, rivers and other aquatic ecosystems. Their findings will help address critical questions about water quality, ecosystem health and national environmental policies.

"Canada's New Government is creating a knowledge advantage in Saskatoon by investing in people, new ideas and advanced technologies," said Bradley Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt. "Our investment will advance the University of Saskatchewan's research infrastructure by providing it with the equipment needed to solidify itself as an international leader in aquatic toxicology research."

"This new research facility is an impressive example of the type of strategic orientations and partnerships that are essential to ensure the long-term health and stability of Canada's ecosystems," said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. "This facility represents what the CFI is all about: providing the tools to institutions and researchers so that they can do the leading edge research that will benefit all Canadians."

The infrastructure project, which took two years to complete, adds 760 square metres of new space to the Toxicology Centre while other areas of the 21-year-old building have been renovated to accommodate additional faculty, staff and students. The expansion provides researchers with larger laboratories for analytical, wet chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology research, specialized tanks for aquatic species, separate areas for animal culturing and experimentation, and dedicated water treatment areas.

These resources will enable U of S researchers to explore the effects of water quality and pollutants on fish, amphibians, plants and other aquatic species under controlled conditions. Their findings will guide regulatory decisions about issues such as economic development in Canada's North and the use of "green chemistry" to produce environmentally friendly alternatives to toxic chemicals used in industry.

A core group of 14 U of S toxicology researchers - including Canada Research Chairs John Giesy and Monique Dubé - will use the new resources with research collaborators and partners, technical staff and visiting scientists. The expansion will add about 50 to 60 new staff to the roster over the next few years, and will also serve as a training ground for undergraduate and graduate students starting their careers in environmental toxicology.

Capital funding for the Toxicology Centre's expansion comes from a variety of sources. The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) awarded $3.2 million, while Western Economic Diversification Canada provided $650,000 in funding to buy specialized research equipment. As well, the U of S is making a $4.6 million strategic investment as part of its aim to promote research excellence in environment, resources and sustainability. Industry, researcher and vendor in-kind contributions account for $700,000, while the remaining $2.6 million is anticipated to be contributed by the Government of Saskatchewan.

Established in 1986, the Toxicology Centre serves as the hub for undergraduate and graduate programming in toxicology at the U of S. It's also home to the internationally-recognized Toxicology Group whose multi-disciplinary members from across campus promote research, academic programs and public awareness in toxicology. A major priority is the Northern Ecosystem Toxicology Initiative (NETI) - a program that focuses research, education and public awareness on environmental toxicology issues in Canada's North.

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For more information, contact:

Karsten Liber
Director, Toxicology Centre
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7444
karsten.liber@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/toxicology

Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research