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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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VANCOUVER – The province is investing $9 million in research at the University of British Columbia, including six projects to strengthen forest management and create new value-added opportunities, Minister Shirley Bond announced today.
The funding will support a total of 63 projects in a variety of disciplines, including health, the environment, energy and mining, social sciences and high-tech development.
“We committed to increase investment in forestry research, to help improve forest management and also support new products and innovations,” Bond said.
“B.C. has some of the best and brightest researchers in the world, and we know their work creates significant economic benefits, through new business ventures and new jobs for graduates. That’s why we’ve committed $900 million since June 2001, to increase post-secondary research and access. We hope today’s funding will strengthen B.C.’s position as a leader in research and innovation.”
The funding comes from the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, which provides capital funding for research equipment and facilities for public post-secondary institutions, teaching hospitals and affiliated non-profit agencies. The projects will receive some additional support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and private contributors.
“Innovative research combined with a science-based approach to forest management is the formula for sustainable and productive forests in British Columbia,” said Forests Minister Michael de Jong. “The B.C. Knowledge Development Fund is consistent with how we envision building a stronger and more vital forest industry for generations to come.”
The funding will support research in a variety of other areas as well, including:
· the study of sensory regeneration of the spinal cord; · an archaeological field research station; · an oceanographic lab for greenhouse gas research and research on advanced water treatment processes; · a study focused on infant behaviour and development; · a laboratory analysing earthquake design and mining and geo-technical engineering; · a computer laboratory for wireless communications research.
“Over the years, every faculty at UBC has benefited from BCKDF grants. This funding is a key part of our research development strategy throughout the university, from the humanities to computer science,” said Dr. Martha Piper, UBC president.
Today’s funding is in addition to investments in a number of other research projects at other post-secondary institutions announced earlier this year. Since 2001, the Knowledge Development Fund has awarded more than $218 million to B.C. research, and leveraged nearly $425 million in support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and other partners.
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