$3M added to oil and gas research resources

Halifax, NS October 22, 2003 Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada (PRAC) a 38-member public-private partnership and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) are teaming up to provide an additional $3 million for new oil and gas research projects at Atlantic universities.

“Over three years, PRAC has committed $2 million to 25 Atlantic Canada research and development projects supported by our members,” says Gary Sonnichsen, director, research and development of PRAC. "The PRAC/NSERC research partnership provides an excellent mechanism to further engage university researchers in challenges faced by the Atlantic Canada petroleum sector

PRAC will hold a stakeholders’ workshop to identify the priority areas and advertise the program in Atlantic universities. NSERC will conduct the peer review process, with both agencies splitting the annual cost of the projects. Grants will support the direct costs of the professors’ and students’ research.

PRAC is a federally incorporated, membership-based, not-for-profit organization designed to grow and promote petroleum-related research and development in Atlantic Canada by increasing the R&D capacity through private and public sector partnerships. PRAC derives its research funds from the membership contributions by petroleum-related industries operating in Atlantic Canada. PRAC supports university-based research, research training and research-related activities in priority areas of the Atlantic Canada petroleum sector.