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Minister of Science Announces $515 Million in Support for Fundamental Research Through NSERC 2017 Competition
Monday, September 11, 2017Company Profile | Follow Company
Half a billion in funding for scientists and engineers means more opportunities for discovery, skills training and job creation.
Victoria, BC, September 11, 2017--(T-Net)--Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, announced on Friday last week $515 million in support for fundamental research through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC) 2017 competition for the Discovery Grants program, scholarships and fellowships.
This is NSERC's largest annual investment, and it assists researchers by offering financial support though scholarships, fellowships, research supplements, and equipment grants.
The announcement was made at the University of Victoria. It was also announced that Dr. Stephanie Willerth, a prominent University of Victoria researcher and Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering, will receive a Discovery Grant worth $120,000 over five years to support her work with stem cells.
This funding reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to strengthen science by supporting the country's scientists and engineers.
“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in fundamental research and engineering that will improve and enrich our country's knowledge economy. We believe in encouraging scientists' cutting-edge ideas that will lead Canada to greater social and economic growth. I am particularly proud of the support offered to postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows who, thanks to today's investment, will be exposed to advanced training experiences that will prepare them for the jobs and opportunities of tomorrow.” said The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science.
“At the core of every research project, every laboratory and every discovery, there are people. NSERC empowers these people to build an innovative, prosperous and inclusive society. NSERC Discovery Grants, scholarships and fellowships provide thousands of top researchers, students and fellows with the foundation they need to concretize their research ambitions and explore the unknown.” stated Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President, NSERC.
“Our researchers and our institution as a whole benefit greatly from the NSERC discovery programs. These awards recognize that creativity and innovation drive research advances. We appreciate NSERC's vital ongoing support for fundamental research and the training of the next generation of our leaders in natural sciences and engineering.” continued Professor Jamie Cassels, QC - President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Victoria.
Quick Facts
About NSERC
NSERC invests over $1 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. Our investments deliver discoveries—valuable world-firsts in knowledge claimed by a brain trust of over 11,000 professors. Our investments enable partnerships and collaborations that connect industry with discoveries and the people behind them. Researcher-industry partnerships established by NSERC help inform R&D, solve scale-up challenges and reduce the risks of developing high-potential technology.
NSERC also provides scholarships and hands-on training experience for more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows. These young researchers will be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada.
Contacts
Ann Marie Paquet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science
Tel.: 613-404-2733
Email: ann-marie.paquet@canada.ca
Lucy Lai
Media Relations Officer
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Tel.: 613-996-2341
Email: media@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Tel.: 343-291-1777
Email: ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Ottawa (Non-Tech Sectors)
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