More Research Funding for Dalhousie

Research into anti-cancer agents, wastewater treatment and better batteries is moving ahead at Dalhousie University with $1.8 million in provincial funding.

The money is from the $15-million Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust Fund. It was established in the spring of 2001 to support research projects at Nova Scotia colleges and universities.

"Funding for research is one of our many investments in Nova Scotia's colleges and universities," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "With this investment, we're keeping and attracting quality faculty, providing facilities for students to learn and doing research that's beneficial for Nova Scotians' health, environment and quality of life."

Dalhousie is receiving $1.8 million to buy equipment for 12 projects ranging from measuring air quality to keeping food safe. It's the second set of grants the university's researchers have received from the trust fund. About $2.1 million was announced for 16 projects in October 2002.

"Dalhousie University is grateful for the substantial investment by the province in supporting research and innovation," said university president Tom Traves. "Every dollar invested by Nova Scotia generates a many-fold return in matching grants and new project funding. In a knowledge economy, such support is essential for future economic development."

Biology professor Paul Bentzen is receiving $201,778 for his research on the genetic diversity of fish and other wildlife in Atlantic Canada. Diversity within a species such as salmon is important because it increases the ability of the fish to adapt to changes in its environment, such as global warming.

"The new facilities will substantially increase our research capabilities in the fields of resource and conservation genetics," said Mr. Bentzen. "That, in turn, will lead to more information to help guide the management and conservation of living resources in Atlantic Canada and will also provide additional opportunities for student education and training."

During the announcement at Dalhousie today, June 24, Mr. Bentzen helped Mr. MacIsaac load a DNA sample into a machine that breaks it down into fragments for analysis. More equipment like this will be purchased with the provincial funding.

Announcements will soon be made about funding for three other post-secondary institutions.

Most projects that receive grants from the trust fund also receive about the same amount in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.