Minister Lapierre Announces $1.4 Million to Help Small Universities in Quebec Increase Their Research Capacity

“This investment is important to the research community in Quebec,” said Minister Lapierre. “It will help our smaller universities build research productivity and establish foundations for further success.”

“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 program helps them to meet their particular challenges in developing their strengths.”

The awards will provide up to $1.5 million to each institution. Seven successful institutions across the country received a total federal investment of $10.4 million. There were 34 applicants for the awards in total.

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

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

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

Irène Marcheterre
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jean Lapierre
Minister of Transport
Tel.: (613) 991-0700