Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
June 29, 2005
CFI Announces Support for U of G Research
Nine University of Guelph researchers working on leading-edge projects, ranging from the study of DNA to understanding the motivation and behaviour of international tourists, received support today from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
CFI is investing nearly $1.3 million in U of G projects from its New Opportunities Fund. The announcement was made in Ottawa this morning by Eliot Phillipson, president and CEO of CFI, and David Emerson, minister of industry. Guelph was among 39 universities that received a total of $25.5 million to support 132 new research projects.
“I am very excited about this news,” said chemistry professor Richard Manderville, who received $125,000 to conduct novel research on structure and synthesis of DNA. “We predict that our work will strengthen the toxicology program at the University of Guelph and will foster collaborations that will create internationally-recognized research in the fields of DNA damage, DNA repair and mutagenicity.”
Alan Wildeman, vice-president (research), noted that Guelph researchers “are involved in a broad mosaic of innovative work that is so vital for advancing long-term discovery and innovation from our campus.” U of G’s other New Opportunities recipients are:
– Aaron Berg, Department of Geography, $148,436 for a soil moisture observation network and computer facility.
– Hwan Suk (Chris) Choi, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, $60,169 to study behaviour, motivation and satisfaction of international tourists.
-Monica Cojocaru, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, $268,996 for a high-performance computing project.
– Wojciech Gabryelski, Department of Chemistry, $176,252 for equipment to conduct comprehensive chemical analysis of complex mixtures in environmental and biological samples.
– Ze’ev Gedalof, Department of Geography, $127,621 for a paleoecology/paleoclimatogy laboratory.
– Bahram Gharabaghi, School of Engineering, $123,613 to develop tools and technologies for water resources management and planning.
– Stefan Kycia, Department of Physics, $125,000 for a high-brilliance small-angle X-ray scattering beamline.
– Andrew Preston, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, $121,296 to study host-pathogen interactions.
CFI’s New Opportunities Fund enables eligible universities to provide research infrastructure for newly recruited faculty members in their first full-time academic appointment at a Canadian degree-granting institution, so they can undertake leading-edge research. The fund also helps institutions recruit new faculty in fields identified as priorities in their strategic research plans.
Guelph-Wellington MP Brenda Chamberlain said the announcement of additional research funding for academic researchers at U of G is significant because it will help them carry on with their important work to help grow and enhance Canada’s reputation in the global, knowledge-based economy.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rebecca Kendall, Ext. 56982.
