Empowering Canada’s talented researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge, science and innovation

News Release

More than $10 million in funding for scientists and engineers at Université de Sherbrooke means more opportunities for discovery, skills training and job creation

September 14, 2017 – Sherbooke, Quebec – Government of Canada

When Canada’s scientists, engineers and young researchers have the opportunity to succeed, they’re able to make discoveries that lead to ground-breaking innovations, sustainable economic growth and a stronger middle class. The hard work of these researchers also helps a new generation of students master the advanced skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, announced an investment of more than $10 million to support fundamental research at the Université de Sherbrooke through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) 2017 competition for the Discovery Grants program. The funding is part of the overall $515 million announced by Minister Duncan last week that will support the work of more than 4,000 researchers at 71 institutions across Canada. This is NSERC’s largest annual investment. It assists researchers by offering support though scholarships, fellowships, research supplements and equipment grants.

Minister Bibeau also recognized two Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipients from Université de Sherbrooke, Jonathan Bouchard and Simon Boudreault. This announcement was part of the overall $34.7-million investment made earlier today by Minister Duncan at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. These awards, which are among Canada’s most prestigious awards for doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows, demonstrate the government’s commitment to attracting and retaining the best doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows in Canada and from around the world.

This funding reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen science by supporting the very people—our country’s remarkable scientists and engineers—who are working to build a better tomorrow.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in fundamental research and engineering that will enrich our country’s knowledge economy. We believe in encouraging scientists’ cutting-edge ideas that will lead Canada to greater social and economic growth. I am particularly proud of the support offered to postgraduate students and post-doctoral fellows, who, thanks to today’s investment, will be exposed to advanced training experiences that will prepare them for the jobs and opportunities of tomorrow.”

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to all recipients of Discovery Grants and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships awarded today at Université de Sherbrooke. I simply cannot wait to witness the great inventions, intelligent solutions and improved frameworks our future holds for these bright individuals. I’m confident they will help Canada become recognized as a top research destination with a promising future and strong middle class.”

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

“At the core of every research project, every laboratory and every discovery, there are people. NSERC empowers these people to build an innovative, prosperous and inclusive society. NSERC Discovery Grants, scholarships and fellowships provide thousands of top researchers, students and fellows with the foundation they need to concretize their research ambitions and explore the unknown.”

– Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

“These Government of Canada contributions for fundamental research projects have many immediate and concrete benefits both for the economy and for international relations. As well, they help maintain our country’s status among the leaders in the knowledge economy and help us recruit graduate students, helping attract talent that society needs for its development.”

– Dr. Pierre Cossette, Rector, Université de Sherbrooke

“The funding announced today will allow long-term support for the most promising research programs. Furthermore, the four young recipients, who have great potential to become international leaders, are receiving additional resources in order to drive their research. This great news confirms once more our status as a major research hub in Quebec.

– Dr. Jean-Pierre Perreault, Vice-Rector, Research and Graduate Studies, Université de Sherbrooke

Quick Facts

  • As announced by Minister Duncan on September 8, 2017, an investment of $515 million will be made in NSERC Discovery Grants, graduate and postgraduate scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships.

  • $368 million in support will go to NSERC’s flagship Discovery Grants Program to foster research excellence in the full range of science and engineering disciplines, from biology and chemistry to advanced materials engineering and astrophysics. These grants, which are subject to rigorous quality assurance, support ongoing research programs with long-term goals and build the foundation for innovation.

  • An investment of close to $86 million in scholarships and fellowships will launch a new generation of scientists and engineers who are at the early stages of their research careers, with support at levels of study from graduate to post-doctoral.

  • Researchers will share an additional $36 million in Research Tools and Instruments Grants to purchase new research equipment needed for world-leading discovery, innovation and training.

  • NSERC is also providing $15 million for resources to selected researchers to accelerate progress and maximize the impact of their promising research  through the Discovery Accelerator Supplements Program. At small universities, 54 researchers will receive Discovery Development Grants, totalling $1,080,000, to support their research.

  • Both the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program are funded through the three federal research granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Associated Links

Contacts

Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin

Follow NSERC on social media.
Twitter: @nserc_crsng
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nserccanada

Follow CIHR on social media.
Twitter: @CIHR_IRSC

Ann Marie Paquet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science
613-404-2733
ann-marie.paquet@canada.ca  

Michael Bhardwaj
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Science
343-291-3966
michael.bhardwaj@canada.ca

Lucy Lai
Media Relations Officer
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
613-996-2341
media@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

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

Page details

Date modified: