Government of Canada Invests in University Research and Training

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - Aug. 31, 2011) - Scientists and engineers at the University of Saskatchewan will conduct new research in health care, Internet systems, green energy and many other areas, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today celebrated $8.1 million in funding support for research programs and advanced training while speaking at the university. Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon –Rosetown-Biggar, also took part in the celebratory announcement.

"Our government is investing in the people and ideas that will produce tomorrow's breakthroughs to keep Canada's economy growing and create new jobs," said Minister of State Goodyear. "This research will improve the quality of life of Canadians, while helping universities develop, attract and retain leading scientists and engineers."

On June 17, 2011, Minister of State Goodyear announced more than $411 million in grants and scholarships over terms ranging from one to five years. These awards comprise the 2011 competition results for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC) Discovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships, Postgraduate Scholarships and Postdoctoral Fellowships programs.

Among the grantees, Nathaniel Osgood, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan, received funding through the Discovery Grants Program to develop a computerized model that will speed up intervention and improve communications between public health-care workers and policy makers during infectious disease outbreaks.

"These programs are key tools for unleashing the creative power of our most innovative students and researchers," said Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC. "The Discovery Grants Program has an outstanding international reputation because it has a very broad scope and offers researchers a lot of flexibility. Our scholarships and fellowships programs play a key role in attracting and retaining the best brains in Canada."

The Discovery Grants Program supports ongoing programs of research in every scientific and engineering discipline. Of the 2,003 recipients, 123 have been identified to receive a Discovery Accelerator Supplement in addition to their Discovery Grant. Valued at $120,000 over three years, the awards are given to top-ranked researchers judged by their peers to show strong potential for becoming international leaders.

NSERC's scholarships and fellowships announced today offer support at the master's, doctoral and post-doctoral levels. A total of 1,836 new awards have been offered this year.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports some 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows in their advanced studies. It promotes discovery by funding more than 12,000 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,500 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.

For the lists of recipients and descriptions of projects, visit the NSERC website (www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca).