Small equipment funds give boost to university researchers

Edmonton, AB – New researchers in Alberta are getting a $2 million boost with equipment grants from the Alberta government.

The Small Equipment Grants Program helps first-time researchers set up their labs by investing in key equipment purchases. The grants awarded under the 2005 competition will aid research into areas as diverse as improved agriculture products, better pediatric medicines and more efficient pipelines.

A total of 17 projects were approved for funding. The projects are diverse and support researchers across the province. One of the approved research projects, based at the University of Alberta, is aimed at improving disease-resistance in canola and finding ways to produce new value-added canola products.