September 26, 2007
Saskatchewan’s Battle Against Addictions is Strengthened With Assistance From Saskatchewan Health and the U of S
Posted September 26, 2007
September 24, 2007
A joint Saskatchewan Health and U of S release was issued Monday, and is available at: http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=ead9ce29-ef04-4dbc-bad5-957bc9a0f829
September 25, 2007
India, Canadian Light Source, University of Saskatchewan Sign Synchrotron Science Agreement
Posted September 25, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 25, 2007
2007-09-06-OTHER
OTTAWA - An agreement was signed today by the Government of India with the Canadian Light Source (CLS) and the University of Saskatchewan to promote cooperation between Indian and Canadian researchers in synchrotron science. The Letter of Intent was signed during a brief ceremony at the Indian High Commission by Dr. S.K. Sikka, Scientific Secretary to India's Principal Scientific Adviser, CLS Executive Director William Thomlinson and University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon.
"We are very pleased to enter into this partnership with the Canadian Light Source," says Dr. Sikka. "The opportunities for discovery that will come from this collaboration will be of great benefit to both countries."
"This agreement is an excellent bridge between the synchrotron science communities of Canada and India," says CLS Executive Director William Thomlinson. "It reflects that the Canadian Light Source is recognized by the international science community as a centre of excellence. We look forward to the exchange of knowledge and ideas."
The agreement opens the way to explore joint projects between Indian and Canadian researchers in synchrotron science, including materials research, earth and environmental sciences, and biomedical and life sciences. Other opportunities may see Indian researchers travelling to the CLS as customers to use the facility, as well as learn about the operations and design of experimental equipment at Canada's synchrotron.
"This is a significant instrument for the sharing of knowledge between our two countries," says Peter MacKinnon, President of the University of Saskatchewan. "This agreement not only enhances the state of synchrotron science in India and Canada, but it also bolsters the role of the University of Saskatchewan as a place of world-leading discovery."
India is increasing its investment in synchrotron science, including the INDUS-2 synchrotron at the Raja Ramana Centre for Advanced Technology.
A delegation lead by Dr. Sikka will be visiting the CLS and University of Saskatchewan Thursday, September 27.
"This agreement reinforces the reputation of the University of Saskatchewan at home and around the world," says Rob Norris, University of Saskatchewan Global Relations Coordinator. "National facilities like the CLS play a key role in improving Canada's presence and profile in the world."
The Canadian Light Source is Canada's national centre for synchrotron research. Located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, the CLS is a powerful tool for academic and industrial research in a wide variety of areas including environmental science, natural resources and energy, health and life sciences, and information and communications technology.
The University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the University of Saskatchewan a leader in post-secondary education.
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Note: Photographs of the signing ceremony will be available on-line at www.lightsource.ca/media/whatsnew/indialoi.php.
For more information contact:
Matthew Dalzell
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Light Source Inc
(306) 227-0978
matthew.dalzell@lightsource.ca
Rob Norris
Coordinator, Global Relations
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 612-2428
rob.norris@usask.ca
September 19, 2007
Additional Funding Announced for AG Science and Innovation at the U of S
Posted September 19, 2007
September 19, 2007
Today the Government of Saskatchewan announced $3.5 million in funding for a variety of new equipment, commercialization and other initiatives at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) that will boost agricultural science research and innovation. Included in the funding will be support for training more than 30 graduate students over 10 years.
For more information: http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=b6f20823-3a7a-4c33-8840-dc33c3683fbb
September 18, 2007
Westgen Research Suite for Animal Reproduction Opens at the U of S
Posted September 18, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, September 18, 2007
2007-09-05-WCVM
A new laboratory devoted to research into advanced reproduction techniques for livestock opened today at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
Completed this April, the Westgen Research Suite is one of two open-plan laboratories in the veterinary college's new $8-million research wing. The first scientists stationed in the Westgen Research Suite will focus on advancing reproductive techniques in cattle, swine, horses, and other livestock species.
Westgen, Western Canada's Genetics Centre, contributed $640,000 toward the research suite's construction. Based in Milner, B.C., the producer-owned, non-profit society has promoted the development and use of assisted reproduction in Western Canada's beef and dairy industries since 1944.
"Innovative research in animal reproduction techniques is fundamental to our members' future - and to the future of Canada's entire livestock industry," says Tim Hofstra, former president and a current director of Westgen as well as a dairy farmer from Millet, Alta. "Discoveries made in this lab will directly influence the way our members continue to raise cattle whose genetics meet and exceed international standards for fertility, production and overall health."
In the past three decades, WCVM scientists have pioneered new techniques in artificial insemination, spermatology, and embryo transfer for use in livestock. College researchers have won international recognition for groundbreaking studies of ovarian follicle development and the regulation of reproductive cycles.
"The wide range of resources available in the new Westgen Research Suite and in the entire research wing will allow our scientists to continue making major improvements in areas such as assisted reproduction and the cryopreservation of reproductive cells and tissues," says Dr. Charles Rhodes, dean of WCVM.
The Westgen Research Suite will also serve as a focal point for the Canadian Animal Genetic Resources Centre - an animal genetics conservation initiative supported by WCVM, the U of S College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). This program focuses on preserving the diversity of genetics in Canadian farm livestock and investigating new methods to support these efforts.
The Westgen Research Suite includes a multi-user laboratory, cell culture rooms, storage space for liquid nitrogen and a cold room. Reproductive scientists also have access to a second laboratory that serves as the veterinary college's centre of expertise for molecular, cellular and immunological techniques. Both laboratories are equipped with more than $1.5 million in specialized equipment.
The entire research wing provides WCVM with 1,468 square metres of new space that meets Level 2 containment specifications for biosecurity. This federal classification allows researchers and laboratory workers to work with moderately hazardous agents, such as pathogens that cause food poisoning. The research facility also includes offices for more than a dozen faculty members and visiting scientists, work space for graduate students, and a central meeting area for WCVM's research community.
WCVM's new research facility is part of the college's four-year, $57-million expansion and renovation that passed the halfway mark in April 2007. The multi-phase infrastructure project will equip the veterinary college for the future challenges and demands in veterinary medicine, food safety and public health.
WCVM (www.wcvm.com) is a Canadian centre for veterinary education, expertise and research that's located on the U of S campus. More than 400 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the regional college that annually attracts more than $10 million in research funding from public and private sources.
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For more information, contact:
Dr. Charles Rhodes, Dean
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-966-7448
charles.rhodes@usask.ca
David Janssens, President
Westgen, Western Canada's Genetics Centre
Telephone: 604-530-1141 (After September 20)
www.westgen.com
Myrna MacDonald
Communications
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
306-225-4479
Cell: 306-291-9950
sm.ridley@sasktel.net
September 13, 2007
U of S BioVenture Challenge $50,000 Grand Prize Winner Announced
Posted September 13, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, September 13, 2007 9:30 a.m.
2007-09-03-OTHER
Brother and sister team Rachel and Chris Buhler of Floating Gardens Ltd. have won the $50,000 grand prize in the University of Saskatchewan Industry Liaison Office (ILO) BioVenture Business Plan Challenge.
The winner was announced today by Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman at the Geology Atrium at the University of Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food sponsored the BioVenture Challenge $50,000 grand prize.
"This is an important day for the province," said Wartman. "Saskatchewan has tremendous potential to be a major leader in the emerging bio-economy if we continue creating entrepreneurial opportunities. Today's award - which is hopefully the first of many - shows that our best young minds can achieve their full potential right here at home with their friends and families by their side."
The five finalists in the BioVenture Challenge spent the summer receiving intensive coaching and mentorship to refine their business plans. The completed plans were judged by a panel of experts from the ILO and industry. Floating Gardens Ltd. came out on top.
"The quality of business plans we received from these entrepreneurs was simply outstanding," said ILO managing director Doug Gill. "It was extremely difficult to choose just one from a slate of such excellent candidates. Congratulations to Rachel and Chris on their achievement."
Floating Gardens Ltd. will now receive $50,000 to proceed with their venture. The remaining four finalists will have their plans submitted to the Saskatchewan Angel Investors Network (SAINT) for consideration for funding.
The "final five" are:
* Winner: Plant sciences researcher Rachel Buhler and brother Chris with Floating Gardens Ltd. The enterprise is based on "aquaponics," a system that combines fish farming and hydroponics greenhouse techniques. The goal is to produce live fish for sale to the local Asian community, fresh fish for sale to a broader market, and fresh strawberries year round. The Buhlers plan to establish a production facility north of Saskatoon near Osler.
* Joel Campbell plans to further develop his commercial greenhouse facility to grow hardy fruit species. His goal is to promote development of fruit production in Saskatchewan and further diversify its agricultural economy. Campbell currently operates a test facility near Lumsden.
* Patrick Mah is developing a business based on an in situ bioremediation process. The goal is to rehabilitate soils at "brown field" sites - areas of contaminated soil that are often located in otherwise high-value urban locations. His potential customer base has been continually growing and currently lacks economically-viable remediation solutions. Mah's enterprise promises to allow previously contaminated sites to be re-used for both urban and commercial development. He plans to base his company in Saskatoon.
* Steve Mamchur has been working to develop hormone concentrates from natural plant sources that can be used in bio-identical hormone replacement therapies (BHRT). He has developed a prescription mixing process that will increase the number of pharmacies able to mix prescriptions from 400 to 7,500 in Canada alone. Mamchur sees the growing market for hormone replacement treatment creating an opportunity for his processes.
* Tyler Whale is developing a curbside collection company to gather and process compostable material. Whale intends to divert some of the more than 85 million kilograms of compostable waste that goes into Saskatoon's landfill every year. This will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and extend the landfill's lifespan.
The 2007 BioVenture Business Plan Challenge is a joint initiative of the U of S ILO and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food to help promote, develop, and accelerate the bio-economy within Saskatchewan. It is open to recent U of S graduates who are less than 35 years old.
The ILO is dedicated to helping U of S researchers, faculty, staff, and students identify inventions arising from their research and to work with them to protect their intellectual property and help commercialize promising new technologies.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Gill
Managing Director
Industry Liaison Office (ILO)
(306) 966-7335
Doug.Gill@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/ilo
Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
