Government of Canada invests in strategic research networks

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced funding for several large-scale, multidisciplinary research projects that will connect academic researchers to Canadian organizations in an effort to propel new technology applications.

The grants, totalling $56 million over five years, from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) will support 11 research networks focused on areas of social and economic importance. The networks will create new market opportunities for various sectors, including manufacturing and forestry.

"Each of these 11 research networks will accelerate research in areas that could strongly enhance Canada’s economy," said NSERC President Suzanne Fortier. "Research networks also offer enhanced training opportunities for highly qualified people and facilitate knowledge transfer and mobilization to put research and development to work in communities across the country."

Each research network will receive between $4.8 million and $5.3 million over five years to create strategic partnerships that bring together university researchers, industry and government. They have been chosen through a peer-reviewed competition. The 11 networks are:

• NSERC Biomaterials and Chemicals Strategic Network, University of British Columbia;
• NSERC Canadian Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Network (CIMTAN) for the development of responsible aquaculture, University of New Brunswick;
• NSERC Canadian Network for Research and Innovation in Machining Technology (CANRIMT), University of British Columbia;
• NSERC Digital Surface Software Application Network (SurfNet), University of Calgary;
• NSERC Green Fibre Network, McGill University;
• NSERC’s HydroNet: A national research network to promote sustainable hydropower and healthy aquatic ecosystems, Universite de Montreal;
• NSERC Network for New Manufacturing Technologies for Plastic Systems, University of Toronto;
• NSERC Photovoltaic Innovation Network, McMaster University;
• NSERC Strategic Network for the production of single-type glycoform monoclonal antibodies (MabNet), University of Manitoba;
• NSERC Strategic Network on Innovative Wood Products and Building Systems, University of New Brunswick; and
• NSERC Strategic Network on Value Chain Optimization, Universite Laval.

NSERC is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators to the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 28 000 students and post-doctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11 800 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1500 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.
www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca