Minister Chagger celebrates funding for new research partnerships at Memorial University

News Release

Over $6.5 million to be invested in climate change and marine conservation research

March 2, 2016 – St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Two research teams have received federal funding to study the effects of climate change on soil and the impact of environmental change on oceans. While touring Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, stopped at Memorial University to meet the teams and learn more about their research projects.

Dr. Paul Snelgrove, Director of the Canadian Healthy Oceans Network, and his team are receiving a Strategic Partnership Grant for Networks of $5 million over five years through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). This funding will support their development of tools to protect Canada's three oceans. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is also supporting the network with an investment of $1 million over five years and is providing researchers with access to specialized equipment and laboratory space.

Dr. Susan E. Ziegler is receiving an NSERC Strategic Partnership Grant for Projects of over $590,000 to study the impact of climate change on natural organic matter in boreal forest landscapes and associated aquatic ecosystems. The objective of her research is to reduce the potential negative interactive effects of climate change and harvesting.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is investing in Newfoundland and Labrador's forestry and ocean industries. I look forward to seeing the new ideas generated by Memorial University researchers that will improve Canada's environmental sustainability."

– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"Science is critical to the protection of our aquatic environments and the sustainability of our marine resources. The knowledge and expertise created through this partnership will increase Canada's marine science base and will inform our decisions for sustainable oceans management."

– The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick facts

  • On March 1, 2016, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, announced more than $48 million in funding for 76 teams of researchers at universities across the country.
  • Through these strategic partnerships, Memorial University will connect with companies and government organizations to increase research and training in areas that could strongly enhance Canada's economy, society and/or environment.

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About NSERC

NSERC invests over $1 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. Our investments support a brain trust of over 11,000 professors—world-leading researchers in their fields—in delivering discoveries and valuable world firsts in knowledge. Our investments enable partnerships and collaborations that connect industry with discoveries and the people behind them. Researcher-industry partnerships established by NSERC help inform R&D, solve scale-up challenges and reduce the risks in developing high-potential technology.

Our investments provide scholarships and hands-on training experience for the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada, more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows.

Contacts

James Fitzmorris
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism
343-291-2700

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.XNCR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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