Five researchers from Acadia University’s Faculty of Pure and Applied Science will benefit from more than $650,000 in long-term federal funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The Acadia awards were part of NSERC’s national announcement made Monday, June 22, 2015 by the Honourable Ed Holder, Minster of State (Science and Technology).

“A key pillar of our government’s updated Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy is ensuring Canada develops, attracts and retains the world’s most talented researchers,” said Holder. “Our investment in more than 3,800 researchers at 71 universities across the country ensures Canada has a broad base of talented men and women whose research continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, creates jobs and opportunities while improving the quality of life of Canadians.”

The Acadia researchers that will benefit from NSERC Discovery Grant Funding are:

• Dr. Amitabh Jha, Chemistry - $20,000
• Dr. Nancy Clarke, Mathematics and Statistics - $55,000
• Dr. Todd Smith, Biology - $105,000
• Dr. Dave Shutler, Biology - $105,000
• Dr. Sherri McFarland, Chemistry - $225,000

 

Dr. McFarland also received $149,625 from the Research Tools and Instruments Grants Program, the largest grant an Acadia researcher has ever received from this program. Dr. McFarland’s successful grant application was for a new tool that will build capabilities in her lab and in the region: a molecular imaging system that assesses how drugs interact and function inside cells.

The first of its kind in the Maritimes, this imaging system will be available to more than 60 researchers (through Dr. McFarland’s local and international collaborations) who will learn how to analyze and interpret molecular imaging data in support of their respective research programs. At least 10 students annually will also have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in techniques that are at the forefront of biotechnology and drug discovery.

“Acadia’s talented faculty continue to compete successfully for funding from our national granting councils,” said Dr. David MacKinnon, Acadia’s Dean of Research and Graduate Studies. “In every case, our undergraduate students benefit directly through the scholarly work they perform alongside their professors and colleagues. And, of course, there are many direct benefits to our local community and individuals. I want to congratulate our successful applicants and I look forward to their continued success in future rounds of funding. ”

“NSERC’s Discovery Grants Program is our flagship. It invests in the full range of science and engineering disciplines and thus builds the strong foundation that is a necessary prerequisite for innovation,” said B. Mario Pinto, President of NSERC. “We’re building on its success with our Discovery Development Grants because we want to take advantage of the full diversity of insights and ideas across Canada. Complementing our support for discovery research, NSERC’s scholarships and fellowships invest in a new generation of talent and give these brilliant students and fellows the skills and experience to meet the challenges of the future.”

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is the primary funding agency supporting Canada’s science and engineering research community. The agency supports almost 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding approximately 12,000 professors every year and works with over 3,000 Canadian companies that are participating and investing in post-secondary research projects.