U OF S RECEIVES INNOVATION AND SCIENCE FUNDS

Three research projects at the University of Saskatchewan will receive over $250,000 for equipment from the Government of Saskatchewan through the province's Innovation and Science Fund. The contribution matches that provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) New Opportunities Fund that provides funding for research infrastructure to new faculty members.

The funding will provide:

• $97,200 for equipment to allow chemist Stephen Foley to conduct polymer research with petroleum products, work that complements Saskatchewan's role as the country's second-largest crude oil producer;

• $88,000 to establish a computing facility that will assist chemist Richard Bowles in his work to understand nanoscale systems that have applications in manufacturing, information technology and biotechnology; and

• $68,000 for equipment to help health researcher Qing Meng's work on the role of hydrogen sulphide in protecting against cardiovascular disease.

"The equipment receiving funding will contribute to advances in the areas of health, manufacturing, information technology and biotechnology, representing the diversity of research activities at the University of Saskatchewan," Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson said. "The Innovation and Science Fund assists Saskatchewan's research institutions to expand in innovative directions and develop a solid research infrastructure while supporting the province's priority to encourage job creation and diversity in our research sector."

"These tools for discovery will help us push the limits of knowledge, building the foundations for wealth creation from our natural resources and paving the way for advances in health care," University of Saskatchewan Vice-President Research Steven Franklin said. "This equipment and these facilities will also help provide our students with a state-of-the-art environment in which to learn."

Nearly $62 million has been provided by the Innovation and Science Fund since it was established in 2000. The funding supports research at Saskatchewan's universities, colleges and research institutes on projects receiving approval from the CFI, the Canada Research Chairs and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

The CFI is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and other non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-6040

Kathryn Warden University of Saskatchewan Research Communications Saskatoon Phone: (306) 966-2506