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Sudbury Researchers Awarded NSERC Grants Totaling $1.1M to Advance Mining-Related Projects

Sudbury Researchers Awarded NSERC Grants Totaling $1.1M to Advance Mining-Related Projects

May 13, 2024 - Two researchers at NOSM University and Laurentian University are celebrating major investments in their research today as their projects were successfully awarded funding from grants administered through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance Missions program. One project studies how Gallium, a critical mineral, can be mined more efficiently while the second project focuses on the extraction of critical minerals from tailings ponds.

“Investing in research is directly supporting the advancement of technology, innovation, and economic prosperity. The work of both Dr.Tharmalingam and Dr. Scott are vital to ensuring Canada plays a leading role in a net-zero world, while supporting economic growth, environmental rehabilitation, and job creation. Critical minerals represent a generational opportunity for Sudbury and our net-zero future. Investing in research is the best path forward to ensuring we are seizing this opportunity.” – Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament Sudbury.

Extracting Gallium

Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam, Assistant Professor at NOSM University, was awarded $600,000 by NSERC to support his research project, A microbial sponge to mine the critical mineral gallium.

Gallium is a vital element in the production of semiconductors, which are used in all kinds of electronic devices. Recently, a global semiconductor shortage has highlighted the need for alternative sources of gallium. China currently controls approximately 80% of the world's supply.

While gallium isn't found naturally as a mineral, it exists in trace amounts in tailings ponds—the waste products from mining processes. However, current methods for extracting gallium from these sources are expensive and inefficient.

Dr. Tharmalingam's project, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Vasu Appanna, co-founder of Biomine LTD and Professor at Laurentian University, aims to develop a new and eco-friendly solution for gallium extraction. Building off their previous work, the research team will focus on more efficiently mining gallium using microbes.

The NSERC Alliance grant will help develop a new microbial-based technology to collect gallium from tailings ponds in a clean and cost-effective manner. The project brings together Dr. Tharmalingam's expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, and gene editing with Biomine LTD's experience in developing custom-tailored eco-friendly microbial solutions.

This research has the potential to revolutionize gallium mining by developing a sustainable process that provides a steady supply of this critical mineral.

"The significance of gallium in electronics manufacturing is underscored by the recent semiconductor shortage. Our main objective is to pioneer an innovative microbial-based method to extract gallium from mining tailings, providing an environmentally friendly and economically viable solution to satisfy the increasing global need for this vital semiconductor material. We are grateful for the generous support from NSERC and Biomine LTD as we embark on this endeavor," says Dr. Suji Tharmalingam

Making the Most of Tailings Ponds

Dr. John Ashley Scott, Full Professor at Laurentian University’s Bharti School of Engineering leads the project entitled: Microalgal biosorption of critical minerals from mining related tailing ponds - recovering key metals to better protect aquatic systems and water supplies. This project will receive $530,990 from NSERC and substantial in-kind contributions from critical industry partner Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO). Dr. Corey Laamanen serves as the project’s co-investigator.

The project will use naturally occurring microalgae bioprospected from mining sites in Northern Canada to remove critical minerals such as copper, nickel and cobalt from mining effluents using natural biosorption processes. It will also investigate methods for metals recovery from the biomass and beneficial uses of the remaining biomass, such as a soil ameliorant to aid in land rehabilitation.

The value to the critical minerals industry is that this low-cost approach will help with managing operational ponds and maximizing recovery of critical mineral resources. It can also act as a sustainable safeguard for protecting of water supplies for regional communities, by continuing to “mop up” metals and maintain post-closure legacy ponds to high standards to ensure long-term environmental protection, not just now, but for future generations.

“This project may open up new opportunities for industry and environmental protection that simply haven’t been developed yet. We are grateful for the contributions of both NSERC and Sudbury INO, without whom this project would not be possible,” says Dr. John Ashley Scott.

Laurentian University celebrates federal NSERC Discovery Grants

Laurentian University celebrates federal NSERC Discovery Grants

Funding in amounts of $820,000 and over $470,000 will support discovery research.

(June 27, 2022) - Researchers with Laurentian University and affiliated researchers with NOSM University and Health Sciences North Research Institute have received $820,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to fund five research projects. 

The Discovery Grants Program is NSERC’s largest and longest-standing program supporting areas of research including Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Human Kinetics, Math and Computer Science, and Physics. Grants that derive from this program typically last for five years and provide the core funding for Canada’s top researchers to pursue their most promising ideas and breakthrough discoveries. An additional $470,000 was also received to support affiliated faculty conducting research in subatomic physics. 

“The Discovery Grant program is critically important for researchers in natural sciences and engineering. This investment from the Federal government will ensure researchers at Laurentian University and its affiliated partners at Health Sciences North Research Institute and the NOSM University have the resources needed to advance knowledge in areas critical to Canada, said Dr. Tammy Eger, Laurentian University's Vice-President, Research. “We are extremely proud of the grant recipients and their teams including graduate students who will have an opportunity to advance their learning through these grants.”

NSERC Discovery Grant recipients from Laurentian and its affiliates: 

  • Dr. Brent Lievers: Quantifying the nature and consequences of morphological changes in trabecular bone structural units
  • Dr. Corey Laamanen: Microalgae production of high-value antioxidants in Canada
  • Dr. Guangdong Yang: Deciphering the roles of cystathionine gamma-lyase/H2S system in Fe-S protein biogenesis and iron homeostasis
  • Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam (primary appointment at NOSM University): Elucidating the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the DNA damage response
  • Dr. Chris Verschoor (primary appointment at Health Sciences North Research Institute): Exploring how age impacts the TNF-mediated activation of monocytes

Three of the above researchers (Drs. Laamanen, Tharmalingam, and Verschoor) also received Discovery Launch Supplements, awarded to early career researchers in the first year of the Discovery Grant. 

“Laurentian University continues to push the boundaries of discovery research,” added President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Haché. “We recognize the efforts of our skilled researchers who make significant investments in scientific research. Congratulations to all recipients who merit these grants and will pursue breakthrough discoveries.”

Laurentian University Professor Awarded NSERC funding to advance science communication training

Laurentian University Professor Awarded NSERC funding to advance science communication training

Dr. Chantal Barriault to provide science communication training to Northern Ontario STEM faculty and researchers

(November 23, 2020) Laurentian University is pleased to congratulate Dr. Chantal Barriault, who received $20,000 from the Federal Government in Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). This grant is intended to help skilled communicators share their knowledge with  faculty, researchers, and graduate students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), to improve their skills to effectively communicate their work with public audiences. 

The Science Communication Skills pilot grant was awarded to Dr. Barriault along with 20 other chosen recipients out of more than a hundred applicants across the country. The grant will aid the Northern Ontario STEM community in contributing to science literacy and counteract science-related misinformation.

As supported by the grant, Laurentian University will deliver, in partnership with Science North, essential training in science communication through virtual and in-person interactive workshops. Fundinging will be allocated to creating a model for science communication training that can be scaled up and delivered beyond Northern Ontario, in both English and French. Dr. Barriault hopes to demonstrate proof of concept through this pilot project to secure further funding in the future. Click here to read Dr. Barriault’s proposal.

QUOTE
“This award demonstrates that Laurentian delivers a world-leading graduate program in science communication and that we are trusted to empower researchers and science faculty all over Northern Ontario to communicate their work effectively.” Dr. Chantal Barriault - Director, Science Communication Graduate Program
 

Laurentian University celebrates discovery research

Laurentian University celebrates discovery research

University researchers receive $1.4 million in federal funding as part of NSERC’s Discovery Grants Program

(2018-10-09) Laurentian University researchers have received $1.4 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to fund 10 research projects.

Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre and Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré made the announcement earlier today at a press conference held at the Laurentian’s Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation, and Engineering Building.

“Laurentian University is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research,” said Dr. Pierre Zundel, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University. “Through critical inquiry we strive to discover answers relevant to society. Today’s announcement testifies of our engagement – and particularly the engagement of our professors – to pursue this mission. Congratulations to all the recipients.”

“Our government believes in science, and investments in science support new discoveries and the commercialization of ideas, leading to sustainable growth and new jobs. That’s why our government continues to make significant investments in fundamental science, including right here at Laurentian University,” said Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre.

“Laurentian University is one of Ontario’s scientific powerhouses fostering innovative ideas with some of the most acclaimed scientist and researcher teams at the helm,” added Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré. “We will continue to support and recognize the efforts of our skilled researchers as their findings hold the key to countless discoveries which will create future opportunities! Congratulations to all the brilliant recipients and their teams for this well-deserved grant. I wish you much success as you forge ahead with each of your research initiatives.”

The Discovery Grants Program is NSERC’s largest and longest-standing program. The grants provide the core funding and freedom so Canada’s best researchers can pursue their most promising ideas and breakthrough discoveries.

 

LAURENTIAN RESEARCH PROJECTS FUNDED BY NSERC’S DISCOVERY GRANTS PROGRAM

Hoyun Lee, Health Sciences North Research Institute ­­
Cell cycle regulation by PP1 and Cdc7.

David Lesbarreres, Department of Biology
Local adaptations to infectious diseases: curse or opportunity?

Thomas Merritt, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Genetic dissection of the NADPH metabolic network in drosophila.

Ralf Meyer, Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences  
Modelling of nanoscale phonemic crystals.

Jesse Popp, Department of Biology  
The influence of natural and anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife diversity, demographics, and distributions.

Michael Schindler, Harquail School of Earth Sciences        
Nano-Earth sciences: Understanding environmental processes at the nano-scale.

Stefan Siemann, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry         
Metal requirement and mechanism of anthrax lethal factor and other zinc proteases.

Alain Simard, Northern Ontario School of Medicine 
Regulation of immune functions by the non-neuronal cholinergic system.

T.C. Tai, Northern Ontario School of Medicine         
Role of ROS in hypoxia-mediated regulation of the phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase gene.

James Watterson, Department of Forensics 
Xenobiotic and Metabolite Profiling in Skeletal Remains for Classification of Xenobiotic Exposure Patterns.

 

Laurentian project to address greenhouse gas emissions gets $1.6M boost from NSERC and OCE

Laurentian project to address greenhouse gas emissions gets $1.6M boost from NSERC and OCE

Laurentian University will receive $1.6M from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the government of Ontario through the TargetGHG program administered by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) in support of research aimed at tackling the problem of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Landscape Carbon Accumulation through Reductions in Emissions (L-CARE) project will examine how best to manage reclamation as part of a carbon sequestration strategy in relation to extensive hard-rock mining, looking at an assortment of treatment and management strategies across three main ecosystem types: upland, wetland, and aquatic.

“Laurentian has gained national recognition for its excellence in research and innovation particularity as a leader in transforming industrially-impacted environments,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice President, Research at Laurentian. “The investment we received today will help address critical issues to further improve carbon emissions reduction.”

Through the TargetGHG program, NSERC and OCE are partnering to support industry and academic collaborations that address Ontario carbon emissions reduction targets while creating economic benefits, and each will contribute $798K to this project.  The L-CARE project is also supported by research partners Vale Canada Limited, Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO), and the City of Greater Sudbury, who are frequent collaborators on regional landscape reclamation efforts.

“Greater Sudbury’s Regreening Program has been and continues to be a global leader,” says Nathan Basiliko, Canadian Research Chair in Environmental Microbiology and co-lead of the L-CARE research project. “This research brings together industrial, community, and government stakeholders to transform an industrially-impacted landscape into biodiverse and well-functioning ecosystems. We are excited to look retrospectively at how these past and ongoing reclamation efforts have led to active carbon sequestration, and to test new protocols to maximize carbon storage while still meeting the other important ongoing goals of reclamation.”

Since the 1970s, after massive investments in reducing sulfur and metal emissions from the smelters began, more than 8,000 hectares of Greater Sudbury’s landscape have been treated with crushed limestone and over 10 million tree seedlings have been replanted. However, over 30,000 hectares remain unrestored. A team of Laurentian University researchers led by Nathan Basiliko and John Gunn, along with Nadia Mykytczuk, Peter Beckett, and Graeme Spiers, will soon be investigating how best to manage reclamation as part of a carbon sequestration strategy in relation to extensive hard rock mining.

“Environmental sustainability is one of our greatest challenges, both now and in the future,” says Glenn Thibeault, Member of Provincial Parliament for Sudbury and Ontario Minister of Energy. “Supporting the TargetGHG program delivered by OCE is a clear demonstration of Ontario’s commitment to cleantech research and innovation and we applaud today’s announcement.”

The team of researchers at Laurentian and its five partner institutions—McMaster University, Trent University, Queen’s University, Université de Sherbrooke, and Université du Québec à Montréal, and collaborators from Cambridge University, Cornell University, The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Canadian Forest Service—will examine an assortment of treatment and management strategies across three main ecosystem types. They will also perform trials on mine tailings management areas, working closely with the industry partners such as Vale and Glencore Sudbury INO.

“Taking steps to reduce the impacts of greenhouse gases and air pollution on our climate and environment is a key priority in Canada,” says Dr. Marc Fortin, Vice-President, Research Partnerships, NSERC. “NSERC is proud to partner with Ontario Centres of Excellence to connect Canada’s top researchers and companies to develop innovative clean technologies that will advance environmental sustainability in Canada and improve the health and quality of life of Canadians.”

Current rough estimates place the carbon storage potential of local smelter-impacted barren and semi-barren lands high enough to balance ten years of carbon emissions by the industry partners at current levels. Additionally, development of new protocols could be used in reclamation efforts in other, similarly impacted areas of mining and industrial disturbance around the world.  

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Laurentian University, located on the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research in order to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.

Laurentian celebrates major successes in NSERC and SSHRC funding

Laurentian celebrates major successes in NSERC and SSHRC funding

$3.5M investment from Federal Government will support wide range of research and training

SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 – Laurentian has been awarded $3.5 M from the Federal Government in Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funding. 

 

NSERC will deliver nearly $3.15M to Laurentian University through the CREATE, Discovery Grant and Research Tools and Instruments Grant programs.  “A greater number of researchers applied for funding through these programs this year and the University saw a record amount of successful proposals,” said Dr. Thomas Merritt, Laurentian’s NSERC Leader.

 

To increase success in the NSERC competition, Laurentian has offered workshops, mentoring and peer-to-peer support to researchers which strengthened the applications.

 

Laurentian was successful in increasing SSHRC funding this year.  “We saw an 11% increase in SSHRC funding over last year,” said Dr. Gillian Crozier, Laurentian’s SSHRC Leader. “This increase is due in large part to new awards in the Insight and Insight Development Grant programs.”

Laurentian researchers were also awarded new funding through SSHRC’s Connection Grant program which supports large-scale knowledge mobilization initiatives. 

Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President Research, wishes to congratulate all Laurentian researchers and thanks NSERC and SSHRC for their support, “I am proud of Laurentian’s researchers across all seven faculties who excelled in this year’s NSERC and SSHRC competitions. Our achievements in these peer-reviewed national funding competitions is evidence of Laurentian’s national recognition and excellence in these areas.”

 

Key facts include:

  • SSHRC funding amount increased by 11% in 2015-2016 over 2014-15;
  • NSERC funding amount increased by 45% in 2015-16 over 2014-15;
  • Areas of research that will benefit from NSERC funding include: Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Human Kinetics, Math and Computer Science, and Physics;
  • The success rate of Laurentian’s NSERC Discovery grant applications is 55% in 2016 compared to 29% in 2015;
  • The NSERC CREATE Grant Program supports the training of teams of highly qualified students and postdoctoral fellows from Canada and abroad through the development of innovative training programs;
  • The NSERC Discovery Grants Program supports ongoing research with long-term goals; 
  • The NSERC Research Tools and Instruments Grants Program provides the primary avenue for university researchers in the natural sciences and engineering to obtain up to $150,000 in support for research tools and instruments;
  • The primary objective of the SSHRC Insight Program is to build knowledge and understanding from disciplinary, interdisciplinary and/or cross-sector perspectives through support for the best researchers;
  • SSHRC Insight Development Grants support research in its initial stages. The grants enable the development of new research questions, as well as experimentation with new methods, theoretical approaches and/or ideas. Funding is provided for short-term research development projects, of up to two years, proposed by individuals or teams;

SSHRC Connection Grants support events and outreach activities geared toward short-term, targeted knowledge mobilization initiatives.

Laurentian University professors awarded new SSHRC funding

Laurentian University professors awarded new SSHRC funding

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council invests in four projects

SEP. 8, 2015 – Laurentian University is pleased to congratulate four faculty members who have been awarded new funding from Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for 2015.

 

Three faculty members were awarded funding under SSHRC’s Insight Development Grant program:

- Dr. Tammy Gaber, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture
Project: Beyond the Divide: A Century of Canadian Mosque Design and Gender Allocations
Award:  $63,935

 

-  Dr. Susan Glover, Associate Professor, Department of English, Faculty of Arts
Project: Indigenous Writing and Literary Networks in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century Canada
Award:  $66,748

 

-  Dr. Tim Nieguth, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science (Barrie), Faculty of Arts
Project: The True (Blue) North: The Prime Minister and Canadian Nation Building since 2006
Award: $74,044

 

Insight Development Grants support research in its initial stages. The grants enable the development of new research questions, as well as experimentation with new methods, theoretical approaches and/or ideas. Funding is provided for short-term research development projects, of up to two years, proposed by individuals or teams.

 

A fourth faculty member was awarded a grant under SSHRC’s Connection Grant program.  These grants are intended to support events and outreach activities geared toward short-term, targeted knowledge mobilization initiatives that present opportunities to exchange knowledge.

 

- Dr. Alicia Hawkins, Associate Professor, School of the Environment, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture
Project : Circles of Interaction : the Wendat and their neighbours in the time of Champlain
Award : $24,530

 

"We are delighted with the strong showing by our Laurentian faculty in this year’s applications for SSHRC funding," said Laurentian University Vice-President, Research, Dr. Rui Wang.  "Their success speaks to the depth and the quality of research conducted in all departments at Laurentian University, and we congratulate all of the recipients."

 

Earlier this year, Laurentian University faculty and graduate students were awarded a total of $1,329,500 in new funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). 

Laurentian University researchers secure $1.3M in new funding

Laurentian University researchers secure $1.3M in new funding

Faculty awarded NSERC 2015 Discovery grants

JUNE 22, 2015 – Seven Laurentian University faculty members and three graduate students have won new research grants and scholarships awarded by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). 

 

Total funding awarded to Laurentian University researchers amounts to $1,329,500.

 

The funds are awarded through competition for NSERC’s Discovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships, NSERC Postrgraduate Scholarships and Postdoctoral Fellowships.  The 2015 competition results were announced today at at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, Ontario.

 

“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. Today’s investment in more than 3, 800 researchers at 70 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,”  said Canada’s Minister of State (Science and Technology), Ed Holder.

 

 “We are extremely proud of the research profile achieved by our Laurentian faculty and graduate students,” said Laurentian University Vice-President, Research, Dr. Rui Wang.  “Our success in winning NSERC funding is evidence of  the high-calibre research being conducted in Biology, Medicine, Engineering, Earth Sciences and Human Kinetics, and we congratulate all of our award recipients.”

 

Laurentian faculty awarded NSERC Discovery Grants are:

  • Dr. Douglas Boreham, Faculty of Medicine: $170,000 (Biological Mechanisms Induced by Low and Ultra Low doses of Ionizing Radiation)
  • Dr. Thomas Johnston, Department of Biology: $105,000 (Individual specialization and the trophic niche of aquatic consumers)
  • Dr. Daniel Kontak, Department of Earth Sciences: $110,000 (Chemical fingerprinting of hydrothermal ore deposit systems)
  • Dr. Tammy Eger, School of Human Kinetics: $110,000 (Modeling human response to foot-transmitted vibration)
  • Dr. William Lievers, School of Engineering, $110,000 (Measuring and modelling the mechanical and failure behaviour of bone)
  • Dr. Junfeng Zhang, School of Engineering, $22,000 (Blood Flows and Blood-Vessel Interactions in the Microcirculation)
  • Dr. Zhibin Ye, School of Engineering, $200,000 (Developing semicrystalline star polyethylenes and advanced polyethylene ionomers)

 

In addition to his five-year Discovery Grant, Dr. Zhibin Ye was also awarded a Discovery Accelerator Supplement in support of his research, worth $120,000 over three years.

Three graduate students have also won graduate scholarships worth between $21,000 and $35,000 per year:

  • Nicolas Rouleau, three-year Postgraduate Scholarship (Biology)
  • Nirosha Murugan, three-year Postgraduate Scholarship (Biology)
  • James Baxter-Gilbert, three-year Canada Graduate Scholarship (Biology)

Laurentian University To Lead Unique $12m Research Project

Laurentian University To Lead Unique $12m Research Project

May 14, 2013 - An innovative geo-science research project involving universities and mining industry sponsors from across Canada is being supported by the largest research grant ever awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) through its Collaborative Research and Development program.

The $5.1M NSERC grant was formally announced today by the Minister of State (Science and Technology), the Honourable Gary Goodyear. The NSERC funding is augmented by close to $7M in supportive funding from Canadian mining and related companies, acting through the Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC). The multi-year project will involve more than 40 researchers in geosciences from universities across Canada. The research is being co-led by Dr. Michael Lesher, Research Chair in Mineral Exploration and Professor of Economic Geology at Laurentian University and by Dr. Mark Hannington, Goldcorp Chair in Economic Geology and Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Ottawa.

Known as "Footprints," the ambitious research project is expected to enhance the ability of geologists to assess the range, depth and composition of ore-bodies and mineral deposits, even those lying hundreds of metres underground.

"Essentially, the work we're pursuing will allow us to better detect the subtle signals or 'footprints' of mineral deposits far below the surface," said Dr. Lesher, official grant-holder for the research project. "It will help us devise better tools for remotely sensing deeply buried ore bodies and ultimately, we believe it can improve the way we approach mineral exploration and resource development in Canada and around the world."

"Canada's economic competitiveness depends on supporting business-related research and development that drives innovation," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Our government remains committed to supporting partnerships that will create jobs and strengthen Canada's long-term prosperity."

"We have worked toward this kind of collaboration for many years, and we are proud to be leading this extensive program of scientific investigation, with our academic colleagues and with the support of our mining industry partners," said Dr. Patrice Sawyer, Vice-President, Research and Francophone Affairs, Laurentian University. "This project will demand the skills and talents of the best research minds in the field today, working through Dr. Lesher and Dr. Hannington. It is an exciting opportunity for the research community."

The initial grant application to NSERC included 17 Canadian universities and 24 industry partners. Since the project won official approval, the number of participating universities has grown to 24, while the number of industry partners has grown to 27.

Industry sponsors through CMIC will be contributing more than $2.8M in cash and $3.9M in-kind for the research project.

"This project results from an unprecedented level collaboration among the exploration industry, service providers, government institutions, researchers and universities," said Dr. François Robert, VP and Chief Geologist, Global Exploration at Barrick Gold Corporation and one of the chief architects of the "Footprints" project. "Such a level of collaboration sets a new standard for our Industry," he added.

The collaborative nature of the "Footprints" project represents a 10-year strategic vision, shared by the Canadian university research community and the members of CMIC. "Footprints" is expected to be a flagship project, forming the basis for a Networked Centre of Excellence (NCE). There are only 15 of these networks presently funded by the Canadian government, and "Footprints" is the first focusing research on the science of mineral exploration.

"The scope and scale of this project is a testament to Laurentian University's leadership in mining related research," said CMIC Executive Director Carl Weatherell. "This is a significant step toward maintaining Canada's role as a world leader in mineral exploration."

Canada’s Aquatic Ecosystems Research Gets Support from NSERC

Canada’s Aquatic Ecosystems Research Gets Support from NSERC

February 19, 2013 - Laurentian University and 10 other Canadian Universities have received $4.4 M in funding to create the NSERC Canadian Network for Aquatic Ecosystem Services (CNAES).  The network will play a key role in ensuring knowledgeable and well-informed stewardship of Canada’s wetlands, lakes and rivers.   

The funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), in conjunction with $4.3 million dollars in support funding from partner organizations, was announced as part of the government’s Strategic Network Grants program which encourages large-scale, multidisciplinary, collaborative research projects aimed at improving Canada’s economy, society and environment within the next decade.  The CNAES is a consortium of 27 researchers from 11 universities, Canadian government scientists, industrial partners and environmental and technology associations that conducts research and training in aquatic ecosystems.  

“Our network addresses research concerns related to large northern wetlands, connections between healthy forests and healthy rivers, and lake ecosystems in Canada,” said Dr. Don Jackson, an aquatic ecologist in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto and Director of CNAES.   “Canada is subject to significant global environmental stressors, as well as pressures to develop its natural resources.  The CNAES will help to develop the tools and knowledge needed to advise government, industry and other stakeholders in decisions regarding development and environmental protection.” 

“This is a tremendous move forward for those of us working in freshwater ecology and related fields,” said Dr. John Gunn, Canada Research Chair for Stressed Aquatic Systems and Director of the Vale Living With Lakes Centre at Laurentian University.  “The CNAES represents our foremost researchers nationwide, working in the academic, governmental and industrial sectors to improve the long-term health of our waterways and wilderness areas.  We are gratified by the SNG funding, and by the support of our partners in government and industry, to help us continue our fieldwork and our partnerships with First Nations in the Attawapiskat watershed and other regions of Northern Ontario,” he added. 

Dr. Gunn is one of six CNAES principal investigators based at Laurentian University; also named as principal investigators with CNAES are Dr. Daniel Campbell, Dr. Tom Johnston, Prof. Bill Keller, Dr. John Bailey and Dr. David Pearson.

The first full meeting of the CNAES will be held at Laurentian on April 29th and 30th at the Vale Living With Lakes Centre.  

Participants in the CNAES include: University of British Columbia, University of Guelph, Laurentian University, McGill University, University of New Brunswick, Nipissing University, Université du Québec à Montréal, University of Toronto, Trent University, University of Waterloo and Western University.  

Research partner organizations include: Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, DeBeers Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Kongsberg Maritime, Le Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, NRCan – Canadian Forest Services and Parks Canada.