Canadian Foundation for Innovation invests in solving the challenges the world faces today

Thursday, March 4, 2021

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.

David Blowes and Carol PtacekProfessors David Blowes and Carol Ptacek from the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences have been awarded $3,313,077 for their project Developing Innovative Technologies for Predicting and Remediating Environmental Contamination.

This project focuses on developing new strategies for cleaning existing contamination, and protecting water resources from future contamination due to resource extraction work, industrial and municipal waste disposal systems. This research will lead to improved environmental management and protection of ecosystem and human health, enhanced environmental sustainability, and result in opportunities for commercialization of new technologies.

“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.