GOVERNMENTS FUNDS RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AT THE U OF S

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing over half a million dollars in equipment at the University of Saskatchewan to advance research in the environmental, health and food industry sectors.

"Through the Innovation and Science Fund, the Government of Saskatchewan is proud to contribute to the province's research sector," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said. "These initiatives will help to create a strong infrastructure which will advance research and industry in Saskatchewan."

The projects receiving funding range from the development and application of technologies that will enable cost-effective production of fossil fuels in a manner that mitigates environmental impacts to research aimed at improving the quality characteristics of durum wheat.

"The broad range of research reflected in these projects illustrates the many ways in which scientific inquiry helps us meet the challenges faced by our society," U of S Vice-President of Research Steven Franklin said. "Today's investment by the provincial government is an investment in our collective future."

Provincial support for these projects matches federal funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) New Opportunities Fund, a program that supports newly recruited academic staff and helps universities attract high-calibre researchers and students.

"The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting high-calibre research at universities and institutions in Saskatchewan and throughout the country," the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan said, on behalf of the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry. "The benefits of knowledge generated through research extend to all areas of Canadians' lives and we are pleased to work with the province of Saskatchewan to strengthen our ability as a nation to generate and apply new ideas."

"These awards represent a strategic boost to the research capabilities at the University of Saskatchewan," President and CEO of the CFI Dr. Eliot Phillipson said. "These projects were selected following a thorough assessment process and will help ensure that researchers and graduate students have access to world-class facilities and training environments."

The Innovation and Science Fund supports research at Saskatchewan's universities, colleges, and research institutes on projects receiving approval and funding from the CFI, the Canada Research Chairs, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (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 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	Michael Robin University of Saskatchewan Research Communications Saskatoon Phone: (306) 966-2427
Alastair Sinclair Canada Foundation for Innovation Ottawa Phone: (613) 996-3160