Newswise — On behalf of the Honourable David L. Emerson, Canadian Minister of Industry and the Minister responsible for Science and Engineering Research Canada (NSERC), the Honourable Lucienne Robillard, President of the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced NSERC funding of $1.5 million for two new Industrial Research Chairs in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University.
The industry partner in the initiative is the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada (Paprican). The research aims to improve the papermaking process, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the industry and further reducing its environmental impact.
"Pulp and paper is a vital sector of the Canadian economy. It contributes more than any other industry to Canada's trade surplus. But to stay competitive, this industry must constantly innovate, and design processes and products that are marketable and environmentally sustainable. These Industrial Research Chairs will provide the foundation of new knowledge that can open doors for us," said Minister Emerson.
"The partnership between McGill University and Paprican is an excellent example of how Canadian universities and industry are collaborating for the benefit of the economy and society," added Minister Robillard.
The federal funding is being provided over five years through NSERC's Industrial Research Chairs program. Paprican will also contribute $1.5 million in direct funding, along with significant in-kind resources for both the research and the dissemination of results. The chairs will support the training of some 20 master's and doctoral students.
One of the two new chairs, Dr. Theo van de Ven, will look at the chemistry of paper while the paper is being formed and still wet. "The 'wet' end of the process is of growing importance in papermaking due to increased emphasis on recycling and reduction in water usage," he said. "It's a field that has direct industrial applications and provides challenging research topics for students."
The other new chair, Dr. Derek G. Gray, will examine novel properties and uses of wood pulp fibres. "The goal of our research will be to better understand how the cellulose fibres bond together in paper sheets. We also will work on new value-added products based on the unique properties of the fibres," he said.
Dr. Tom Brzustowski, President of NSERC, added, "The new chairs and Paprican are working to build innovative research and training programs that will help Canada take its rightful place as a world leader in pulp and paper research. Their collaboration offers a remarkable research and education opportunity for the participating students."
BACKGROUNDER
About NSERCScience and Engineering Research Canada (more commonly known as NSERC) is a key federal agency investing in people, discovery and innovation. It supports both basic university research through research grants, and project research through partnerships among post-secondary institutions, government and the private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.
About McGill UniversityMcGill University is Canada's leading research-intensive university, and has earned an international reputation for scholarly achievement and scientific discovery. Founded in 1821, McGill has 21 faculties and professional schools, which offer more than 300 programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. McGill attracts renowned professors and researchers from around the world as well as top students from more than 150 countries, creating one of the most dynamic and diverse education environments in North America. There are approximately 23,000 undergraduate students and 7,000 graduate students. It is one of two Canadian members of the American Association of Universities. McGill's two campuses are located in Montréal, Canada.
About PapricanThe Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada (Paprican) is a leading not-for-profit institute, providing valuable technology transfer and cost-competitive research, which addresses both the short-term and strategic needs of its members and customers. Internationally recognized for excellence, Paprican has a staff of over 260 at laboratories in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Paprican also operates a technology transfer centre in Prince George, British Columbia, and is open for business worldwide.
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