Jan 16 2013
University of British Columbia research in areas ranging from astronomy to cancer, quantum materials to plant evolution, received a $22.7M boost from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
The grants announced today were part of the CFI’s Leading Edge Fund and New Initiatives Fund, which support infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment for innovative science. A total of $215 million was awarded for 75 projects at 34 institutions across Canada. UBC researchers are leading nine of the funded projects and collaborating in a number of other initiatives.
Almost $4.6 million will go towards building a digital radio telescope near Penticton, B.C. for the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) that will “listen” for comic sound waves and help scientists understand the recent accelerating expansion of the Universe and the nature of the mysterious “dark energy” which drives it.
“From the big question of the age of the Universe to the minute differences in single-cell genome, UBC researchers are leading our understanding of the world around us,” said John Hepburn, UBC Vice President Research and International. “The continued support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation will undoubtedly accelerate discovery and real-world applications of this new knowledge.”
“Research and innovation is a forceful driver of growth in our communities,” said Gilles G. Patry, president and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. “Today’s funding will allow a talented group of researchers and students to create the solutions, products and ideas Canada needs to prosper.”
For the CFI announcement, visit here. See background below for a complete list of UBC projects.