GOVERNMENT FUNDING BOOSTS UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN RESEARCH

The University of Saskatchewan received $800,000 today from the province's Innovation and Science Fund to support three research chairs. The funding matches federal funding that was provided from the Canada Research Chair Program.

"The Innovation and Science Fund helps us attract and retain world-class research leaders whose work has a positive influence on our students and our society," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said.

"The University of Saskatchewan is delighted with the commitment made today by the Saskatchewan government," University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon said. "These research chairs promise to help the U of S lead the way in the areas of human health and the environment. This support will give them the opportunity to seek unique solutions and inspire future scientists and researchers."

The Innovation and Science Fund will provide:

• $400,000 to John Giesy, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology, to study effective tools to test for industry-produced, persistent organic pollutants;

• $200,000 for Monique Dubé, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Ecosystem Health Diagnosis, to help identify environmental changes in river systems and in the health of the rivers' bugs and fish; and

• $200,000 for Qiaoquin Yang, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Nanoengineering Coating Technologies to develop surfaces that resist wear and can be used to increase the longevity of moving parts such as surgical implants.

The Innovation and Science Fund supports research at Saskatchewan's universities, colleges, and research institutes on projects receiving approval and funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Canada Research Chairs Program and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Since the fund was established in 2000, the provincial government has contributed nearly $52 million toward research and related infrastructure.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-0926