With a growing number of companies showing interest in the province’s historic mining districts, geology professor Dr. Jacob Hanley believes new exploration models using microscope-based instrumentation can help pinpoint ore deposits more accurately.

“We can assess mineral resource potential within hidden terrain that can change the approach to routine exploration,” said Dr. Hanley.

The Government of Nova Scotia is supporting the change in exploration model by providing $95,600 through the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust toward a $239,000 laser Raman microscope. Additional funding is being provided by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and private sector partners.

“Academic research is fundamental in moving our province forward through innovation and improving the way we do business,” said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson. “Supporting these projects allows trailblazing research to happen here at home and create a strong, vibrant economy.”

The equipment analyzes geological material trapped within rock samples to reveal the chemical and physical processes that concentrate gold and hydrocarbons in the Earth’s crust.

The technology will also take some of the guesswork out of drilling for offshore oil and gas.
The Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust will also provide matching infrastructure funding for two additional projects.

Dr. Aldona Wiacek, a Saint Mary’s researcher specializing in the study of atmospheric pollutants, will receive $118,623 toward the purchase of a ground-based, remote sensing instrument that tracks harmful chemicals pumped into the atmosphere by factories, trains, planes, automobiles and natural processes.
Information gathered by the $300,000 piece of equipment will be used to improve the understanding and reporting of air quality in Nova Scotia. More than 20 students and researchers will be trained on the equipment over the next five years, providing vital experience to make them innovative, globally competitive key players in the economy of the future.

At Dalhousie University a $125,000 NSRIT contribution toward a $314,000 project will help Dr. Natalie Rosen purchase equipment supporting new research and treatment options at the new Couples and Sexual Health laboratory.

The first of its kind east of Montreal, the facility will provide a rich training resource for student researchers in psychology, gynaecology, obstetrics, nursing and anesthesia.

Dr. Rosen’s initial work will focus on treatments for a chronic pain condition during sex that affects 16 per cent of all women. It extends Dalhousie’s international initiatives studying the efficient and effective treatment of pain.

“Our talented researchers require leading-edge equipment and infrastructure to uncover the innovative solutions to our pressing environmental, health and social challenges,” said Lois Levine, Executive Director of NSRIT. “The province of

Nova Scotia, through NSRIT, supports transformative research that helps stimulate advances that support economic growth, thriving communities, and the well-being of all Nova Scotians.”

The Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust matches funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. In the last 13 years, the Trust has supported more than 390 projects and attracted more than $100 million in additional investments to Nova Scotia research.

The Associate Psychology professor at Acadia University is watching the young person’s brain in action, noting carefully how different sounds create different brain wave patterns on the screen.  She is trying to understand the role of the brain in language and reading.

“We live in a knowledge economy, yet half the population doesn’t have the literacy skills to understand complex materials,’’ says Dr. Newman.  “The more we can understand how people learn to read, the better our chances at developing interventions that will help improve literacy.”

Nova Scotia has some of the lowest literacy rates in the country, especially in rural areas. Boosting those levels can provide foundational changes in education, employment and income that are critical to the development of a progressive, creative change-oriented society required for a more productive and competitive economy.

Dr. Newman’s work got a boost recently with $41,348 support from the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT) towards the expansion and renovation of her Reading and Speech Processing Lab.  The assistance will allow her to add an acoustic chamber and eye-tracking software, creating a regional hub for understanding reading and its development.

“Trailblazing research and development that drives the economy and improves the lives of Nova Scotians requires innovative talent and leading-edge equipment and infrastructure,” says Lois Levine, Executive Director of NSRIT.  ”The province of Nova Scotia, through NSRIT, provides support to enable this research and attract the brightest researchers who train our students to be the globally competitive key players in the economy of the future.”

At Dalhousie University in Halifax, a $125,000 NSRIT contribution toward a $450,000 project is helping Dr. Michael Bezuhly, a pediatric and craniofacial surgeon, investigate whether drugs currently used to prevent conditions ranging from cystic fibrosis to heart attack and stroke can also be used to help prevent certain cancers or improve reconstructive surgery outcomes following cancer treatment.

“My aim is to repurpose old drugs for novel clinical applications, adding value to existing products,” says Dr. Bezuhly.

Fundamental to Dr. Bezuhly’s work is a technique called optical imaging that allows researchers to see individual live fluorescent cells.  The images allow investigators to quickly assess the effectiveness of drugs on different disease processes.

Unique to the Maritimes, this multimodality equipment will improve the opportunities to visualize changes in cell populations in order to proactively prevent cancer progression and repair the damage caused by its treatment.

Dr. Bezuhly’s research holds tremendous opportunities for vital treatments and commercialization partnerships with drug companies, as well as the ability to equip student clinicians and investigators with the skills to transfer biomedical research into future clinical practice, thereby improving the quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer.

“Innovative research and a strong, vibrant research community are critical to building a knowledge-based economy,” said Michel Samson, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.  “This valuable partnership of our academic community and the provincial government, through the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust, is helping to support cutting-edge research done right here in Nova Scotia.”

Dr. Newman’s and Dr. Bezuhly’s research are just two of 12 new projects at Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Mount Saint Vincent University and Dalhousie University to receive funding for leading-edge equipment through the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust.  More than $1.6 million was approved by NSRIT with leveraging support for these 12 projects totaling $4.43 million with an estimated 300 highly qualified people to be trained or employed through these projects over the next five years.

Other recently funded research infrastructure supports the study and development of wastewater treatment systems, solutions for osteoarthritis management, eye disease treatment, early intervention to resolve mental health issues, and the reproductive success in birds and fish species as a reflection of changing climates.

Funded by the Government of Nova Scotia, through Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust matches research funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.  In the last 13 years, the Trust has supported 390 projects and attracted more than $100 million in additional investments in Nova Scotia research.

Eleven cutting-edge research projects will broaden understanding of health-based studies, as well as clean technology and environmental developments. Together, they expect to create upwards of 375 jobs for highly qualified people over the next five years, representing a total value to the Province of Nova Scotia of over $2.8M through significant leveraging opportunities.

As Lois Levine, Executive Director of NSRIT explains, “The provincial investment of $1.1 million in research equipment is vital to productivity and innovation in Nova Scotia. We are attracting world class researchers who are working on practical solutions in key sectors, giving students the opportunity to be trained with the latest technologies.”

Dr. Olav Krigolson’s research at Dalhousie University will address a multitude of problems that are important to Nova Scotians, and the world, in his study of human decision-making and learning.

Krigolson said his lab, which received a $123,826 NSRIT award towards the total $309,565 project, will study the process it takes for a brain to make a decision.

Krigolson said his lab is unique to Canada, due to the combination of virtual reality, camera systems and neuro-imaging that will be used in the research.

“Until we actually understand how the brain works, we can’t really apply it. This gives us more information about what’s going on inside people’s heads,” he said. “The NSRIT funding provides us with a very unique opportunity to ask some interesting research questions. We wouldn’t be going anywhere without it.”

At Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Jason Masuda received $171,787 from NSRIT towards the total cost of $429,468 to purchase a highly sophisticated spectrometer for the Maritime Center for Green Chemistry on campus.

This equipment is vital to the team of researchers and students who are seeking environmentally friendly solutions to sustain natural resources for the green economy. Results can lead to cleaner fertilizers and solvents that are important to agriculture and industry. Students are being trained using the latest clean technologies so they will bring these skills to the Nova Scotia workforce.

Dr. Peter MacIntyre at Cape Breton University (CBU) received a $114,895 NSRIT funding towards a new lab and equipment. The creation of this lab will help Dr. MacIntyre and Dr. Erin Robertson at CBU to better understand language – both in learning second languages and in dealing with learning disabilities like dyslexia.

There are benefits of addressing these issues early, said MacIntyre. A push towards healthy development, including children’s success in school, and therefore later employment, minimizes future financial burdens to both the individual and government.

NSRIT matches funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The beneficiaries of this recent funding include Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University and Cape Breton University.

For further examples of NSRIT success stories, please visit nsrit.ca.

The Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT) supports research infrastructure in Nova Scotia by matching national funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). NSRIT benefits researchers in areas such as Health and Life Sciences, Ocean Technology, Clean Technology, and Information and Communications Technology.  Since 2001, the Province of Nova Scotia – through NSRIT – has awarded over $66M to more than 340 projects at Nova Scotia research beneficiary institutions, dramatically leveraging opportunities for innovation and direct economic benefits to the people of Nova Scotia and beyond. 

As Lois Levine, Executive Director of NSRIT explains, “By leveraging opportunities for innovation, Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust reflects a smart investment by laying the groundwork for Nova Scotia’s competitive research partnerships around the globe”.  Ms. Levine elaborates that “by providing infrastructure support, NSRIT advances health-based outcomes, clean technology developments and oceans and environment discoveries that bring promise and solutions for long-term sustainability and commercial benefit”.

At Dalhousie University, Dr. Jeff Dahn’s remarkable award through the Automotive Partnership Canada Fund enables the creation of three state-of-the-art labs to build more efficient lithium-ion batteries for cars of the future and better respirators for emergency responders, helping to save lives. As Dr. Dahn explains, “the challenge has been in the length of time required to test these long-life batteries. We have developed an innovative method to significantly reduce the testing time from years to a few weeks. This solution is critical when implanting medical devices into human bodies. These batteries need to last for lifetimes, not just decades”.

NSRIT’s award of $1,825,526 for Dr. Dahn’s project illustrates collaborative business – academic partnerships with five industrial companies including Magna International, 3M Co. and 3M Canada Co., General Motors, Nova Scotia Power Inc.. Along with CFI and NSERC funding, Dahn’s project leverages $6.36M to Nova Scotia. Dr. Dahn’s lab will be a unique-in-the-world facility, accelerating Nova Scotia’s commitment to renewable energy, “I see it as a Field of Dreams of sorts”, he explains. “I am confident that if we build it, they will come. The project will bring highly qualified people and investors, and has the capacity to produce significant economic spin-offs for Nova Scotia and global markets”.

Dr. Daniel Kane of StFX University is investigating how cell structures in skeletal muscle contribute to Type 2 Diabetes. The $142,000 NSRIT award enables this lab to examine smaller samples of tissues, leading to less waste and less invasive exams. Dr. Kane explains that skeletal muscle is like “power plants that burn coal for fuel. We’re examining the conversion of energy in to energy out. If we can better understand how the cell operates, we can design therapeutic approaches to combat diabetes, which Nova Scotia has the 2^nd highest rate of in the country”.

Dr. Dale Keefe, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Cape Breton University confirms the importance. “NSRIT funds continue to have a large impact on our ability to attract and retain the very best researchers by providing them with the much-needed infrastructure to support their programs of research. The “ripple effect” of these funds is ongoing; the equipment not only fuels faculty work, but also allows them to train their students with state-of-the-art facilities, inspiring the next generation of researchers”.

NSRIT matches funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The beneficiaries of this recent funding include Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, and StFX University.

For further examples of NSRIT success stories, please visit nsrit.ca

The Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT) supports research infrastructure in Nova Scotia by matching national funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). NSRIT benefits researchers in areas such as Health and Life Sciences, Ocean Technology, Clean Technology, and Information and Communications Technology.  Since 2001, the Province of Nova Scotia – through NSRIT – has awarded over $66M to more than 340 projects at Nova Scotia research beneficiary institutions, dramatically leveraging opportunities for innovation and direct economic benefits to the people of Nova Scotia and beyond. 

HALIFAX, N.S. – A $2.63 million provincial investment is putting leading-edge research labs and equipment in place to support world-class research. This is enabling Nova Scotia universities to attract and retain the brightest researchers and students at a time of intense global competition.

Lois Levine, Executive Director of Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT), emphasizes the significance of the province’s funding. “It’s a great investment that can bring economic, health, education and social benefits.  NSRIT funding enables state-of-the-art research capacity to innovate and develop new products for today and tomorrow’s solutions. Students, and in fact all Nova Scotians, can reap positive outcomes for cutting-edge training, good jobs, and improved quality of living.”

NSRIT matches funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Along with other partner contributions, including Genome Canada, this recent $2.63M investment represents a total value to the Province of Nova Scotia of $11M, through significant leveraging opportunities. It is predicted that upwards of 300 highly qualified people will be involved in these 17 research infrastructure projects over the next five years.

The beneficiaries of this recent funding include Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Saint Mary’s University and StFX University.

Dr. Daniel Boyd, of Dalhousie University, is the recipient of a $123,773 NSRIT award. This will go towards his total $330,964 project to purchase equipment to build capacity for innovative medical devices used in oncology and orthopaedics. “These devices have major benefits for Nova Scotians”, Dr. Boyd explains. “They are minimally invasive procedures, and reduce the need for long hospital stays. We’ve already had massive success. Worldwide, 40% of women over the age of 35 who develop uterine tumours may require a hysterectomy. Our device, implanted in the uterus, treats the fibroid tumour, drastically reducing the need for surgery.”

Some of the NSRIT recently funded projects will provide advanced capacity to focus on clean technology, which uses new science to address the roots of ecological problems. Dr. Jason Clyburne, at Saint Mary’s University, is developing technologies to remove harmful CO2 from industrial gas emissions, such as burning coal. With $106,398 from NSRIT towards the total $265,994 project to support state-of-the-art equipment, Dr. Clyburne and his students will measure the cost savings associated with wasted energy of current carbon capture systems. “The new calorimeter equipment will allow Saint Mary’s students to be on the forefront of clean technology. It will train leading-edge researchers by enabling them to work in real green chemistry.  It’s the nuts and bolts of the new green economy”, explains Dr. Clyburne.

StFX University’s Dr. Lisa Kellman received $92,559 from NSRIT for her $213,339 project to purchase a mass spectrometer to advance clean technology. This sophisticated equipment can analyze soil, which stores three times as much carbon as the atmosphere, making it an excellent indicator of how the environment is changing. Dr. Kellman explains, “These carbon capture findings could help government and industry make future economic decisions. This research has implications for all Nova Scotians, as it could shape future policies and decisions relating to clear cutting, deforestation, land use, or climate change.”

The Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT) supports research infrastructure in Nova Scotia by matching national funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). NSRIT benefits researchers in areas such as Health and Life Sciences, Ocean Technology, Clean Technology, and Information and Communications Technology.  Since 2001, the Province of Nova Scotia – through NSRIT – has awarded over $66 million to more than 340 projects at Nova Scotia research beneficiary institutions, dramatically leveraging opportunities for innovation and direct economic benefits to the people of Nova Scotia and beyond.

For further information, contact:

Lois Levine, Executive Director
Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT)
902-442-4010
LLevine@NSRIT.ca

A recent $5.8 M provincial investment in 21 research infrastructure projects will bring significant economic and social benefits to Nova Scotians.

Lois Levine, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT), recognizes the province’s role in bringing economic prosperity to Nova Scotia. “The benefits to Nova Scotians are tremendous.  The province’s funding of research infrastructure through NSRIT provides remarkable opportunities and solutions for job creation, healthier populations, environmental sustainability, an increased knowledge base and an improved economy for Nova Scotia.”

NSRIT matches funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Along with other partner contributions, this investment represents a total value to the Province of Nova Scotia of $36.4 million, and $299 million nationally, through significant leveraging opportunities.

The beneficiaries of recent funding for research projects include Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Agricultural College and Saint Mary’s University.

Researcher Jennie Rand from Acadia University received $39,166 from NSRIT to fund lab space and purchase equipment to advance research in water treatment technologies. The focus of her research is on innovative contaminant removal tools that will improve water quality in agricultural and rural communities.

Coupled with funding from CFI and partners, this NSRIT investment in Rand’s project will yield $98,000 for the province.

At Saint Mary’s University, researchers are working to establish a genetic profiling and analysis facility, which will have applications in criminal justice and wildlife protection.

According to SMU researcher Tim Frasier, “This centre will benefit Nova Scotia in many ways. Specifically, it will train highly qualified researchers, eliminate the need to outsource genetic analysis to labs, which will in turn provide numerous employment opportunities within the province.”

Another project that has received significant support from the NSRIT is the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, provincially led by Dr. Susan Kirkland, professor with Community Health, Epidemiology and Medicine at Dalhousie University.

At a time when baby boomers are moving into late middle age and retirement, this large scale, national, 20-year initiative will provide the required infrastructure and capacity to study biological, psychological, social and environmental factors that influence health from mid-life to old age among 50,000 Canadians. The funds will allow Dalhousie to acquire equipment for a computer assisted telephone interview centre and a data collection site.

“This study will directly employ a significant number of highly educated individuals. Currently, there is one full-time research associate and seven interviewers working on the study. There are 10 co-investigators and two graduate students, as well as 33 collaborators. With the continued work of this study, I fully expect these numbers to triple within the next five years,” says Kirkland.

Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT) supports research infrastructure in Nova Scotia by matching national funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). NSRIT benefits researchers in areas such as health, environment and technology. Since 2001, NSRIT — through the Province of Nova Scotia — has awarded almost $66 million to more than 340 projects at Nova Scotia research beneficiary institutions, dramatically leveraging opportunities for innovation and direct economic benefits to the people of Nova Scotia and beyond.

For further information, contact:

Lois Levine, Executive Director
Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT)
902-442-4010
LLevine@NSRIT.ca