Ontario announces $198M investment into research projects across the province

DNA Purification lab research. Wikimedia Commons.

TORONTO — The Ontario government announces an investment of more than $198 million in research projects at colleges, universities and research hospitals across the province. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards and supports researchers in making discoveries that advance knowledge, drive progress and create jobs for the people of Ontario.

“Cultivating research excellence and innovation are more important than ever as Ontario continues to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 and lays the groundwork for robust long-term economic growth,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “These critical investments will ensure our world-class researchers have the technology and equipment to put Ontario at the forefront of innovation, supporting the development of homegrown ideas and products and creating jobs in local communities.”

The funding will support 241 research projects across the province and will be used to cover the costs of research operations and infrastructure, including building, renovating and equipping research facilities with the latest technology, and supporting researchers to attract and retain research talent.

Examples of funded research projects include:

• Durham College is receiving $788,509 to create a resource for Ontario small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to evaluate, develop and deploy cybersecurity systems, helping them to detect, prevent and respond to cyber-attacks efficiently. This will enable SMEs to monitor for vulnerabilities and protect data.
• McMaster University is receiving $430,000 to purchase a transmission electron microscope that will support research focused on developing the next generation of advanced steels. Their work will seek to improve the fuel efficiency and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of passenger vehicles.
• Lakehead University is receiving $127,079 for research that investigates innovative power conversion and control for next-generation offshore wind systems. This initiative aims to reduce the cost and size of existing wind systems while improving their efficiency and reliability.
• The University of Waterloo is receiving $738,083 to improve the conversion of food waste into biodegradable bioplastic materials using novel genomic solutions. Through a collaboration of industry partners, this project aims to create a circular economy, which involves sharing, reusing, repairing and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible.

“Research and innovation are important drivers of Ontario’s economic growth, and through these investments, our government will ensure that our research and research infrastructure continue to be competitive and attract the best and brightest talent to the province,” said Minister Dunlop. “By supporting ground-breaking research, we can advance new discoveries and innovation, help create a skilled labour force and promote new business opportunities across the province.”