Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, announces support for discovery research programs in Nova Scotia
News Release
June 23, 2016 – Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Government of Canada recognizes the role of science in a thriving, clean economy and in providing the evidence necessary to make sound policy decisions—decisions that can shape the future of our environment, climate, health and society. That's why the government continues to make significant investments in fundamental science.
The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, today announced funding for discovery research in the natural sciences and engineering at universities across Nova Scotia.
Minister Brison announced a total of $10,103,511 for Dalhousie University. The total for universities in the province of Nova Scotia, including Dalhousie, is $12,255,861.
The announcement follows Minister Duncan's national announcement of $465 million for more than 4,000 awards that are the result of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC) 2016 competition for the discovery research programs. The programs, which include funds for scholarships, fellowships, research supplements and equipment grants, support researchers and students who are furthering our understanding of the world and how it works.
Today's announcement, made at Dalhousie University, featured the work of Dr. Chris Algar, who studies environmental factors that affect the cycle of nitrogen in coastal waters and sediments. In addition to this cycle, Dr. Algar also examines the relationship between nitrogen and marine plants to better understand the sensitivity of Nova Scotia's coastal environment.
Quotes
"The NSERC Discovery Grants Program is an integral component of the government's efforts to develop, attract and retain the world's most talented researchers. The Government of Canada's investment in Nova Scotia researchers contributes to the world-class research performed at the universities in this province."
– The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants
"Today's investment will allow many of Canada's scientists and engineers to explore the frontiers of knowledge where they can make exciting new discoveries. Our government is committed to investing in these future research leaders and in the cutting-edge ideas that will lead Canada to social and economic growth for a better tomorrow."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
"We are so very pleased to have Minister Brison here today to announce this year's Discovery Grant recipients. Research is what drives change and growth and what helps us find answers to fundamental questions about the world and ourselves."
– Dr. Richard Florizone, President, Dalhousie University
"Discoveries build the necessary foundation for an innovative, prosperous and sustainable society. A diversified and high-quality research base requires us to provide equality of opportunity across gender and culture. Bringing together multiple points of view strengthens our science, technology and innovation ecosystem and extends its many benefits more equally."
– Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President, NSERC
Quick facts
- NSERC investments in discovery are backed by a highly functional quality control process. Panels of world-leading researchers review and evaluate research proposals submitted by their peers.
- The $341 million support for NSERC's flagship Discovery Grants Program will foster research excellence in the full range of science and engineering disciplines. These grants, which are subject to rigorous quality assurance, support ongoing programs of research with long-term goals and build the foundation for innovation.
- The more than $82 million in Scholarships and Fellowships will launch a new generation of scientists and engineers, with support at levels of study from graduate to post-doctoral.
- Researchers will share an additional $26 million in Research Tools and Instruments Grants to purchase new research equipment needed for world-leading discovery, innovation and training.
- In addition, NSERC is providing $15 million for resources to selected researchers to accelerate progress and maximize the impact of their promising research proposals through the Discovery Accelerator Supplements Program.
- At small universities, 43 researchers will receive Discovery Development Grants, totaling $860,000, to support their research.
Associated links
Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin
Follow NSERC on social media:
Twitter: @nserc_crsng
About NSERC
NSERC invests over $1 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. Our investments deliver discoveries—valuable world-firsts in knowledge claimed by a brain trust of over 11,000 professors. 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 of developing high-potential technology.
NSERC also provides scholarships and hands-on training experience for more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows. These young researchers will be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada.
Contacts
Véronique Perron
Press Secretary, Minister of Science
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-2600
veronique.perron@canada.ca
Martin Leroux
Media and Public Affairs Officer
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
613-943-7618
media@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Search for related information by keyword
Hon. Kirsty Duncan Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Economics and Industry
Page details
- Date modified: