From the smallest of nanomaterials to the edges of our known galaxy, and every water droplet in between, researchers in the Faculty of Science are pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
This ground-breaking research has been recognized by the Canada Foundation for Innovation in their latest Innovation Fund grant awards, with six projects in Science receiving a total of $17,272,134. Of this funding, approximately $4.7 million is going towards projects in the Department of Chemistry.
Professor Tong Leung, along with collaborator Professor Mayram Ebrahimi from Lakehead University, have been awarded $2,667,473 for their project Advanced Materials Ontario: Harnessing the power of multifunctional materials for new technologies.
Developing advanced multifunctional materials may offer tremendous benefits to many of Canada's key industries, from chemical and biosensors and human health monitors to clean technologies for hydrogen fuel cells and solar cells to environmental remediation technologies for clean air and water.
Professor Linda Nazar, alongside Professor Zhongwei Chen from Chemical Engineering were awarded $2,088,832 to establish an Ontario Centre for Battery and Electrochemical Research.
This centre will provide the tools necessary to take the next step forward in next generation energy storage technologies. Step-changes in understanding these technologies, and optimizing the next generation of batteries will be achieved using unique and state-of-the-art characterization facilities capable of directly monitoring changes within working batteries, coupled with battery manufacturing.
“Investing in research is an investment in the future of Canada,” says Roseann O’Reilly Runte, the President and CEO of Canada Foundation for Innovation. “These projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of Canadian expertise and excellence, and these awards are a tribute to the innovative researchers across the country.”
This grant was announced by Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and supported by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry on March 3, 2021. Across the country, a total of $518 million was invested to support projects allowing Canada to remain at the forefront of exploration and knowledge generation.