July 29, 2014 – Moncton, New Brunswick – Industry Canada
The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today highlighted the funding that scientists, engineers and students at the Université de Moncton received through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Nearly $790,000 will go to eight researchers and trainees at the Université de Moncton, including Dr. Pandurang Ashrit, who is receiving $205,000 to study and develop new thin films for windows that reflect infrared light to keep you cool in summer but still allow sunlight to shine through. He and his team are also exploring ways to apply thin films to the outside of satellites to protect interior electronics from overheating.
When facing the sun, satellites can get as hot as 150ºC, requiring complex cooling systems that take up a lot of precious space and add much weight. Dr. Ashrit's thin film has the potential to reflect heat from the sun, make satellites lighter and free up a significant amount of space for other uses.
Scott French
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-943-6177
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
media-relations@ic.gc.ca
Martin Leroux
Media and Public Affairs Officer
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
613-943-7618
media@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
