New lab to provide sample-testing services in Northern BC

Prince George, BC – The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is relocating its Central Equipment Laboratory and acquiring 22 new pieces of research instruments with $850,000 in funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

The analytical equipment – including a mass spectrometer, ion chromatograph, combustion nitrogen/carbon analyzer, and particle size analyzer, for physical and chemical analysis – is lacking in the region yet in demand by local industry, particularly the bio-energy, forestry and mining sectors.

“It was industrial partners approaching us that kick-started this process,” observed Gail Fondahl, UNBC’s vice president research. “Local industries are sending samples away, sometimes overseas, for analysis. Even when they need to do so for final testing, having a nearby facility for preliminary tests can save time and expenses. The new and renewed equipment also provides our researchers and students with better facilities, while the increased partnerships with industry provide important training and collaboration opportunities between UNBC and industries.”