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$3 Million for Oil and Gas Research at Atlantic Universities
Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 20, 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. The three-year agreement was announced today by the Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for NSERC, and by Gary Sonnichsen, Director, Research and Development, of PRAC.
“The new initiative targets university-based research and training in priority areas of the Atlantic Canada petroleum sector,” said Minister Thibault. “The objective is to develop expertise and help build a stronger economy in the region.”
“Over three years, PRAC has committed $2 million to 25 Atlantic Canada research and development projects supported by our members. The PRAC/NSERC research partnership provides an excellent mechanism to further engage university researchers in challenges faced by the Atlantic Canada petroleum sector,” said Mr. Sonnichsen.
“NSERC’s strategy is to build partnerships that maximize the benefits to Canadians of the results of university-based research,” said Tom Brzustowski, President of NSERC. “I am delighted that this new arrangement with PRAC will benefit professors and students working with the oil and gas industry in the Atlantic region.”
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.
NSERC, which is meeting today and tomorrow at Dalhousie University, is a key federal agency investing in people, discovery and innovation. The Council supports both basic university research through research grants, and project research through partnerships among universities, governments
and the private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.
Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada (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.
For more information, contact:
Theresa Anderson
Account Manager
Environment and Natural Resources
NSERC Research Partnerships Programs
Tel.: (613) 943-7830
E-mail: theresa.anderson@nserc.ca
Amanda Barrett
Communications Coordinator
PRAC
Tel.: (902) 494-2762
E-mail: Amanda.barrett@pr-ac.ca
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