$36M funding supports 83 projects across Canada

Montreal, QC – The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has announced $36 million in funding for 83 scientific teams at universities across the country.

Of the 83 projects, 81 are receiving more than $36 million over three years to support early-stage work and to encourage collaboration among academic researchers, industry and government partners through NSERC Strategic Project Grants. The goal of these grants is to increase research and training in four target areas: environmental science and technologies; information and communications technologies; manufacturing; and natural resources and energy.

The complete list of Strategic Network Grants recipients is available here.

In addition, McGill University and University of Toronto will share $9.4 million over five years for two Strategic Network Grants:

1. NSERC Strategic Network — Canadian Network for Aquatic Ecosystem Services: While the loss of biodiversity and the impacts on healthy ecosystems and wildlife habitats have traditionally been well-documented, the impact on the delivery of services and products of social and economic significance remains poorly understood. Lead researcher Donald A. Jackson (University of Toronto), along with network collaborators, will develop new tools and knowledge about the relationship between aquatic ecosystem services and the stressors that affect them. These will help inform policies on the development of Canada’s natural resources in regions where rapid economic development is underway.

This network is receiving $4.4 million and brings together 18 researchers from 11 Canadian universities, along with 10 scientists from six federal and provincial government departments. Two industrial partners, three Canadian environmental associations and a provincially funded technology futures organization are also involved.

2. NSERC Canadian Field Robotics Network (NCFRN): Outdoor environments are among the places where robots have the greatest potential. Robotic systems can be the key to monitoring and maintaining the state of Canada’s environmental heritage; performing patrols to assure the integrity of our borders; testing air and water quality; and even dealing with environmental disasters, nuclear accidents, or search and rescue operations.

This network is receiving $5 million and is led by McGill University researcher Gregory Dudek. The network incorporates researchers from eight universities, three Canadian government agencies, and 11 industrial participants. The partners will work together to address the scientific, technological and operational challenges that hinder the use of robotic tools in natural environments.

“The work these research teams undertake will solve real-world problems that help their industry partners succeed,” said Janet Walden, vice-president, research partnerships programs with NSERC.