Newswise — University of Saskatchewan (U of S) researchers have been awarded $661,310 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for projects that will shed light on hepatitis C, osteoporosis, strokes, and other areas.
The new funding from the CFI Leaders Opportunity Fund was recently announced. Notably, eight of the nine U of S applicants were successful.
"These CFI investments will provide our leading researchers with the resources they need to make a difference by addressing key issues such as hepatitis C, osteoporosis, and strokes," said Karen Chad, acting U of S Vice-President of Research.
"Most of the technological leaps throughout the 20th century have been the direct result of research," said Saskatoon-Humboldt MP Brad Trost. "By investing in these research projects at the University of Saskatchewan today, the lives of Canadians will be improved and the economy strengthened in a multitude of ways."
A few of the successful U of S recipients include:
David Cooper (anatomy and cell biology) was granted $120,000 to investigate how bones adapt, age, and deteriorate on different levels. Using cutting-edge 3D imaging technology, this work will improve understanding of biological processes underpinning osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Joyce Wilson (microbiology and immunology) was awarded $54,936 to research how the hepatitis C virus hijacks liver cells to promote its own replication. This research is expected to identify new virus-host interactions as potential targets for inhibition by antiviral drugs.
Francisco Cayabyab (physiology) was awarded $163,122 for a powerful imaging microscope that will help reveal the inner workings of the brain. This work will focus on biochemical pathways involved in normal communications between nerve cells in the brain and how these processes are affected by diseases. Ultimately, this research will help provide appropriate targets for new drugs designed to combat strokes and brain diseases.
This year, a total of $45.5 million in new funds was awarded across Canada under the Leaders Opportunity Fund to support 251 projects at 44 institutions.
"This CFI investment will further develop the University of Saskatchewan's global reputation as a place where outstanding research and training is being conducted," said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. "We can say with conviction that Canada has become a place where world-class researchers want to be."
About CFI: The Canada Foundation for Innovation is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed $4.4 billion in support of 5800 projects at 129 research institutions in 64 municipalities across Canada.
About U of S: Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
Backgrounder
University of Saskatchewan CFI Leaders Opportunity Fund recipients:
- Francisco Cayabyab (physiology) was awarded $163,122 for a powerful imaging microscope that will help reveal the inner workings of the brain. This work will focus on biochemical pathways involved in normal communications between nerve cells in the brain and how these processes are affected by diseases. Ultimately, this research will help provide appropriate targets for new drugs designed to combat strokes and brain diseases.
- David Cooper (anatomy and cell biology) was granted $120,000 to investigate how bones adapt, age, and deteriorate on different levels. Using cutting-edge 3D imaging technology, this work will improve understanding of biological processes underpinning osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
- Linda Ferguson (nursing) was awarded $136,800 to research cost-effective means to educate nurses and other professional healthcare students. This research will investigate lab simulation and other strategies that prepare students for clinical experiences, including mentoring and field placements.
- Janet Hill (veterinary microbiology) was granted $25,842 to investigate complex microbial communities that inhabit the digestive and reproductive tracts of humans and other animals, causing inflammatory bowel disease, post-weaning diarrhea in pigs, and bacterial vaginosis in humans. This work will help identify new genes and biotechnology tools to counter these problems.
- Regan Mandryk (computer science) was awarded $150,000 to develop computer systems and applications that adapt to users' contexts, such as their location, expertise and emotional state. The research is intended to create smarter computers that do not interrupt users when they are busy, offer help based on users' expertise, and allow users to express emotions through instant messaging, email, or natural cues, such as typing harder.
- Allison Muri (English) was granted $40,610 to develop a computing and media studies research lab that uses digitized maps and database information to visualize the history of print communications, particularly in 18th century London.
- Scott Noble (agricultural and bioresource engineering) was awarded $60,000 to improve agricultural and agriculture machinery sensor research using automated tools for field scouting and evaluating cultivated crops. This project will focus on spectral imaging and "machine vision" that provide industry and researchers with improved methods to observe plants, machinery systems, and insect pests.
- Joyce Wilson (microbiology and immunology) was granted $54,936 to research how the hepatitis C virus hijacks liver cells to promote its own replication. This research is expected to identify new virus-host interactions as potential targets for inhibition by antiviral drugs.
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