Minister of Industry Announces $10.4 Million to Help Small Universities Increase Their Research Capacity

“It's important to make the most of Canada's research talent – wherever it's located,” said Minister Emerson. “This investment will create new options for professors and students, as well as help spread a culture of research and innovation across the country.”

The funding is made available through the Research Capacity Development (RCD) in Small Universities Pilot Program, a new initiative of Science and Engineering Research Canada (also known by its acronym NSERC).

“Even if they concentrate on just a few areas, small universities need help to provide the infrastructure needed for excellent research,” said NSERC President Tom Brzustowski. “The RCD Pilot Program helps them to meet their particular challenges in developing their strengths.”

The awards will provide up to $1.5 million to each institution. The seven successful institutions are:

• Brock University – Transforming Ideas to Innovation RCD program at Brock ($1,500,000)
• Saint Mary’s University – Expansion of Saint Mary’s University’s Commitment to Research in the Natural Sciences and Engineering ($1,467,000)
• University of Lethbridge – Jumping the barriers: A strategy for success ($1,500,000)
• Saint Francis Xavier University – Increasing research productivity through the year at a small university ($1,480,000)
• Lakehead University – Developing sustainable research capacity in the natural sciences and engineering at Lakehead University ($1,500,000)
• Laurentian University – Laurentian University strategic research capacity development plan ($1,500,000)
• Université du Québec à Rimouski – Université du Québec à Rimouski ($1,419,500)

There were 34 applicants for the awards.

The RCD Pilot Program is one of the new initiatives NSERC has launched to fill some significant gaps in Canada’s innovation system. These initiatives are designed to help Canada become a nation of discoverers and innovators.

Science and Engineering Research Canada (also known by its legal name “Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada” as well as the acronym NSERC) is a key federal agency investing in people, discovery and innovation. It supports both basic university research through research grants, and project research through partnerships among postsecondary institutions, government and the private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.

For more information, contact:

Suzanne Godbout
Media Monitoring Officer and Communications Assistant
NSERC Communications
Tel.: (613) 943-0310
E-mail: suzanne.godbout@nserc.ca

Manya Chadwick
Account Executive – Research Grants and Scholarships
NSERC Communications
Tel.: (613) 995-3080
E-mail: manya.chadwick@nserc.ca

Stéphanie Leblanc
Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson
Minister of Industry
Tel.: (613) 995-9001