New chair devoted to nanotechnology research

Fredericton, NB – The University of New Brunswick has established an interdisciplinary chair in nanotechnology, in honour of its chancellor and BCE chairman, Dr Richard Currie.

Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) and Lucent Technologies have joined forces to establish the new chair. BCE is contributing $1.5 million to the new chair and Lucent Technologies has pledged $500,000.

“This chair will support and encourage research at the forefront of technological innovation,” said Michael Sabia, president and CEO, BCE.

“Lucent, along with Bell Labs – our research and development arm – are pleased to join BCE in helping academic research institutions like UNB unleash the potential of nanotechnology,” said Pat Russo, chairman and CEO of Lucent Technologies. “As a world leader in nanotechnology, we are honoured to support advanced applied research in Canada.”

Dr Currie has been the university’s chancellor since 2003 and chairman of BCE since 2002. An officer of the order of Canada, he has received numerous awards for his professional and charitable work, including an honourary degree from the university in 1987. He studied chemical engineering there in the mid-1950s before turning to business.