Minister Brison announces $93,732,000 to transform university research at Dalhousie University

News Release

Significant funding for landmark initiatives through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund

September 6, 2016 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada values the critical role the nation's post‑secondary institutions play in attracting world‑class researchers, catalyzing discoveries that improve our health and environment, and contributing to an innovative economy that leads to more opportunities for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

To underscore this commitment, the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, celebrated $93,732,000 in funding for the Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier initiative at Dalhousie University. The funding is part of a landmark investment of $900 million in 13 post‑secondary institutions through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. The Fund strategically invests in areas where Canada's post‑secondary research institutions have the key research strengths to become global leaders.

The Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier initiative will enable Canadian researchers to carry out an integrated and evidence‑based assessment of Canada's ocean resources. The project, a partnership between Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island, will have many benefits for Canadians, including innovations in ocean science and technology and safety and economic viability for coastal communities. 

The 12 other initiatives funded today focus on developing areas of similar competitive advantage. They include developing next‑generation medical technologies; increasing the capacity, sustainability and safety of our food production systems; and improving human brain health.

The initiatives were selected for funding following an open competitive process among Canadian post‑secondary institutions. The competition was judged by a panel of Canadian and international scientific experts.

Information about each of the 13 funded initiatives is available at www.cfref-apogee.gc.ca.

Quotes

"The Canada First Research Excellence Fund will equip Canada to respond to some of the most pressing issues it will face in the future: brain health, sustainable food and water supplies, environmental concerns and future energy supplies. The research supported through the Fund will make the country stronger."

– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"Today's investment by the Government of Canada enables our leading post‑secondary research institutions to capitalize on areas in which they excel. Indeed, it promises to make them world leaders in these areas and to strengthen Canada's position as the destination of choice for innovation and cutting‑edge research."

– Dr. Ted Hewitt, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Chair, Canada First Research Excellence Fund Steering Committee

"Today's investment ensures that Canadian institutions, experts and researchers are able to compete and excel globally. The projects funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, including the Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier initiative, will transform the post‑secondary research conducted on several of our Atlantic campuses and pave the way for exciting new discoveries."

– The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board

"Through the Ocean Frontier Institute [OFI], Dalhousie is bringing together the best in Atlantic Canada and the world to understand and sustain an ocean that is changing at an unprecedented rate. Led by Dal, OFI will be one of the world's most significant international ocean science collaborations, creating opportunities for our students, scholars and partners to advance knowledge on a topic of regional and global importance."

– Dr. Richard Florizone, President, Dalhousie University

Quick facts

  • This is the second Canada First Research Excellence Fund competition. In July 2015, five initiatives received a total of $350 million in funding.
  • A total of $900 million is being awarded to 13 projects, with the largest single award going to Dalhousie University.
  • The Fund is administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, on behalf of the three federal granting agencies, which include the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

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Contacts

Véronique Perron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science
343-291-2600

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


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