News release

Dalhousie Creating New Opportunities with Seven Research Projects

Economic Development (Aug. 1999 - Jan. 2009)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Dalhousie Creating New Opportunities with Seven Research Projects


Dalhousie researchers are working on a study that could have astronomical results. Their research on the human body's reactions to extreme temperatures may change the design of space suits used by NASA astronauts.

Researchers at the university's School of Health and Human Performance are using a device called a Thermal Control Suit to monitor how heat and cold affect a person's ability to perform certain tasks. The commercial potential of this research lies in applications that vary from North Atlantic oil rigs to space craft orbiting the earth. It has already captured the interest of Sable Offshore Energy Inc. and two manufacturers of protective clothing and equipment, Helly Hansen and Mustang Survival.

The project is among seven that have received nearly $1.3 million in federal and provincial funding as well as support from the private sector and other research institutions.

"Although these research initiatives are extraordinarily diverse, they hold two factors in common," said Dalhousie University President Tom Traves. "Each has the potential to yield exciting, relevant research results, and each could lead to greater economic opportunities within our province. We're pleased to have received such significant support through two important government research funding sources."

All seven projects have a positive impact on growing Nova Scotia's knowledge economy. They increase the province's pool of highly skilled knowledge workers. Some, like the Thermal Control Suit study, also help to develop new products that local industries can market and sell.

"Research is a key component of a strong, growing knowledge economy," said Premier John Hamm. "By investing in research tools, we're increasing the capacity of institutions like Dalhousie to win grants and contracts, create new products and services, and attract business to Nova Scotia."

Nearly half of the government funding was invested in equipment for the research projects by the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. The agreement is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support these cutting-edge research projects that will continue to build upon Nova Scotia's reputation as a centre of research excellence and innovation," said Senator Bernie Boudreau, Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of George Baker, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "These projects have the potential to improve both our research capability and our quality of life."

The university secured more than $350,000 in cash and in-kind support for the projects from the private sector. It also received more than half of its government funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

"The collaboration between the various funding partners and the CFI provides new faculty members with the tools, equipment and facilities to undertake exciting cutting-edge work not otherwise achievable. These New Opportunities researchers offer hope in finding innovative solutions in their fields for the improvement of the quality of life for all Canadians," said David Strangway, president and CEO of the foundation.

The foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization established by the federal government in 1997 to address an urgent need of Canada's research community for new, state-of-the- art research infrastructure. The foundation has a capital budget of $1.9 billion. Its investments are made in partnership with all levels of government and the private and voluntary sectors. Its work focuses on health, science, engineering and the environment.

Dalhousie is a comprehensive teaching and research university, offering 175 programs to 13,600 undergraduate, professional and graduate students. Dalhousie's research capacity attracts more than $50 million in external funding annually. Research expertise includes ocean studies and health studies, with a growing involvement in advanced technical research and education. Dalhousie is building research expertise in important new fields including materials science, neuroscience, biotechnology, genomics, information management, environmental research, health law, foreign policy, financial services and biomedical engineering and policy. More information is available at www.dal.ca .


FOR BROADCAST ONLY:

Dalhousie researchers are working on a study that could change

the design of space suits used by NASA astronauts.

The study is one of seven receiving more than a million dollars

in federal and provincial funding. The research is expected to

grow Nova Scotia's economy by developing new products and

creating more jobs.

Premier John Hamm and Senator Bernie Boudreau made the

announcement today.


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NOTE TO EDITORS: A backgrounder on the research initiatives is available; please e-mail release@gov.ns.ca .