New lab and greenhouses provide tools to conduct innovative research
April 22, 2014 Church Point, NS Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Municipality of Clare is about to get their hands on a brand new research, development and innovation (RD&I) cluster in conjunction with Université Sainte-Anne (U.S.A.). The project will include a main laboratory co-located with a private sector enterprise, two greenhouses on U.S.A’s main campus, as well as the establishment of a full-time project coordinator position.
This expansion could not have come at a better time. U.S.A. is currently expanding and diversifying its Bachelor of Science program, with a focus on attracting and retaining science students and faculty. The new RD&I cluster will link academic efforts to the business community, providing students with hands-on experience and giving the private sector access to valuable RD&I services.
The project represents a strategic collaboration between public and private sectors as a means of furthering research and innovation capacity in rural Nova Scotia. The initiative also builds upon the recently released findings of the Ivany Commission, most notably the commitment to doubling research funding among Nova Scotia universities and colleges and finding sustainable and value-added approaches for traditional industries.
The Government of Canada is investing $482,920 in this RD&I cluster, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, as announced today by MP Greg Kerr. The project also received an investment of $75,000 from the provincial government’s Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.
Quick Facts:
- Founded in 1890, Université Sainte-Anne is the only francophone, post-secondary educational institution in Nova Scotia.
- The two newly constructed 25’ x 60’ greenhouses will be built on the U.S.A. campus in the Municipality of Clare. The laboratory will be housed in Nova West Laboratory Ltd.’s existing structure in Saulnierville, reducing U.S.A’s financial burden and ensuring the cluster’s sustainability over the long term.
- The 1,180 square foot laboratory will have a genomic/biochemistry room, a cell/tissue culture room and a media preparation room.
- One greenhouse will focus on agriculture and fisheries (using vegetables and herb crops to evaluate the efficiency and potential use of fisheries by-products, mink manure and vermicompost).
- The second greenhouse will focus on forestry and environmental protection (production of plants that have a potentially positive impact on the environment. This includes the isolation of disease-resistant strains and the identification and production of hydrophytes capable of reducing the impacts of blue-green algae in wetlands).
Quotes:
“Our Government recognizes that science, technology and innovation help make our businesses more productive and competitive, thereby increasing exports and creating new and better paying jobs. By establishing a research, development and innovation cluster at the Université Sainte-Anne, we are supporting critical sectors in the region, such as mink farming, fishing and forestry, while fostering partnerships between students and the business community.”
Greg Kerr
Member of Parliament for West Nova
“This well-equipped facility is the only one of its kind in the region that is actively researching solutions for the mink, fishing and aquaculture sectors. With this new equipment, our post-secondary students will be provided the opportunity to develop specialized research skills and engage with the business community on applied research.”
Dr. Kenneth Deveau
Vice-President –Academics and Research
Université Sainte-Anne
“Funding research and innovation helps business be more globally competitive and ensures our core industries continue to thrive well into our future. The province is pleased to partner with universities and the business community to give students real world opportunities to develop their skills and add value to our great natural resources.”
MLA Gordon Wilson on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson.
Associated Links:
Université Sainte-Anne
Nova West Laboratory Ltd.
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Tina Thibeau
Media Relations Advisor
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
902-424-5836 / 902-483-6104 (cell)
Email: ThibeaTD@gov.ns.ca
Dr. Kenneth Deveau
Vice-President, Academics and Research
Université Sainte-Anne
902-769-2114
Email: Kenneth.Deveau@usainteanne.ca
