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 Trent University Receives $2.5 Million to Support Two ResearchersFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CFI funding to boost Trent’s ability to track environmental contamination through two cutting-edge projects November 27, 2006, Peterborough A $2.5 million grant announced today by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) will have a profound impact upon how we understand the impacts of chemical contaminants and climate change as two primary Trent University researchers gain the opportunity to significantly advance their work in state-of-the-art facilities. An investment of $2,558,085 will support projects led by Professors Douglas Evans and Chris Metcalfe. Through the CFI’s Leading Edge Fund, Prof. Doug Evans will receive $1,266,760 in support of his project entitled Upgrading and Expansion of the Trent University Worsfold Water Quality Centre and Isotope Ratio Facility. These funds will support the purchase of new mass spectrometers used to measure chemical contaminants in the environment, such as pharmaceuticals that pass into waste water after human consumption. CFI also announced that The Microenvironment Laboratory at Trent University project led by Prof. Metcalfe will receive $1,291,325 under the New Initiatives Fund. This new lab will actually support the research of 14 faculty members at Trent, who are involved in developing models that allow scientists to accurately predict the future impact of climate change, pollution and other negative pressures on biological, physical and chemical processes in the natural environment. Trent University’s Associate Vice President of Research Jim Parker welcomed the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s announcement. “Today’s announcement by CFI will strengthen Trent’s ability to continue making significant contributions to the study of environmental contamination,” said Prof. Jim Parker. “This research will become more critical as the search for scientifically-based solutions intensifies in the face of growing pressures on our natural environment.” Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro added his congratulations from Ottawa: “CFI’s strategic investment in Trent reinforces the University’s position as one of Canada’s leading centres for environmental research,“ he said. “Peterborough is already renowned for its natural beauty, and Trent’s excellent work will soon bring our area widespread profile for its cutting-edge contributions to environmental research.” Today’s funding announcement will cover 40% of the total project costs. Trent University is seeking the support of private donations to support the remaining portions. Funding for these projects is part a major $422,343,180 investment announced today by the CFI to support 86 projects at 35 institutions across the country, an investment which marked the inauguration of two new CFI funds. $141,449,405 was awarded under the Leading Edge Fund (LEF), designed to enable institutions to build on and enhance already successful and productive initiatives supported by past CFI investment. Another $183,429,964 million was awarded under the New Initiatives Fund (NIF), designed to enhance Canada’s capacity in promising new areas of research and technology development. Finally, $97,463,811was awarded under the already existing Infrastructure Operating Fund, which assists institutions with the incremental operating and maintenance costs associated with the new infrastructure. “The CFI’s support of cutting-edge research infrastructure has transformed Canada’s research landscape and increased the country’s international competitiveness,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “Investments like these have allowed Trent University to become a destination of choice for some of the world’s top research talent.” A complete list of projects funded today by the CFI can be found at: www.innovation.ca. One of Canada's top universities, Trent University is renowned for striking a unique balance between outstanding teaching and leading-edge research. The University is consistently recognized nationally for faculty who maintain a high level of innovative research activity and a deep commitment to the individual student. Distinguished by excellence in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences and increasingly popular professional and graduate programs, Trent is dedicated to providing its students with an exceptional world view, producing graduates who are ready to succeed and make a difference in the world. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River. Together with its satellite campus in Oshawa, Trent draws excellent students from throughout the country and around the world. The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. - 30 - For further information: |
