Minister Hehr announces $75 million to transform research at the University of Calgary
News Release
Significant funding for landmark initiatives through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund
September 6, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta – 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 Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, celebrated $75 million in funding for the Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources at the University of Calgary. 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 Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources will bring together Canadian experts and international partners to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of unconventional resource development in Canada.
The 12 other initiatives funded today focus on developing areas of similar competitive advantage. They include sustainably developing our oceans; 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
"The Canada First Research Excellence Fund is leading Canada's drive for research excellence and international science leadership. Energy is a key driver of the economy of Alberta, and research into how to make it more renewable and environmentally sustainable has helped our universities become world leaders in the field. Today's funding will allow the talented researchers and students at the University of Calgary to create long-term economic advantages for Canada, and their Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources will help to reduce our carbon footprint."
– The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"I want to thank the Government of Canada for continuing to support the University of Calgary's transformative research to reduce the environmental impact of unconventional hydrocarbon resources. Our world-class team of researchers and scholars, in collaboration with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and our many partners in Canada and around the world, is developing new ways to transition to a safer, cleaner and more secure energy future. Calgary is Canada's energy capital and a hub of clean energy technology and innovation. This funding will help guide our country into a new age of sustainable energy and prosperity."
– Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Calgary
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 of $93,732,000 going to Dalhousie University for its Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier initiative.
- 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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Associated links
- About the Canada First Research Excellence Fund
- Inaugural Competition 2 Results
- Inaugural Competition 1 Results
Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin
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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