UOIT receives over $1.3 million in funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Federal granting agency recognizes university's ongoing commitment to conducting innovative research for the benefit of society

OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced today that researchers at the leading-edge and academically challenging institution have been awarded $1,387,825 in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The funding comes via the 2007 Grants and Scholarships awards, the results of which were announced in Ottawa, Ontario yesterday morning by Oshawa MP Dr. Colin Carrie, parliamentary secretary to the Honourable Maxime Bernier, minister of Industry and minister responsible for NSERC, and Dr.Suzanne Fortier, president of NSERC.

"In only four short years, UOIT has earned a worldwide reputation for its innovative approach to education and proven record of research excellence," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT. "I would like to thank NSERC for continuing to recognize our world-class faculty and providing important funding that enables our researchers to conduct interdisciplinary and market-driven research with local, national and global implications. As we prepare to confer degrees on our first-ever, four-year graduates on Friday, it is also important to note that the findings of our researchers are incorporated into our educational programming, enabling UOIT to provide a current and relevant curriculum that prepares our students to be the leaders of tomorrow."

The funding will support 14 professors from several of UOIT's faculties and school as they pursue leading-edge research and development designed to solve social, environmental, health and economic challenges and benefit society as a whole. It is being provided to the university through a combination of Discovery Grants, which support ongoing programs of research, and Research Tools and Instruments Grants, which are allocated to assist with the buying or development of research equipment.

"We are pleased to be part of the network of universities across the province receiving the ongoing financial support of NSERC," said Dr. JohnPerz, acting associate provost of Research at UOIT. "This funding will enable UOIT to continue to advance its mission to conduct research and academic activities that are poised to contribute to the health, wellness and economic development of Durham Region and Northumberland County, the province of Ontario and the country as a whole."

Researchers at UOIT will be using the funding to focus on innovation in the information technology, automotive, robotics, and aerospace industries; the engineering and energy production fields; the health-care and business sectors; and more.

"As outlined in our new Science and Technology Strategy which was released by the prime minister on Thursday, May 17, this funding is a clear demonstration of the value we place on the ongoing research of Canadian scientists and engineers in creating a knowledge advantage for Canada," said Dr. Carrie. "These awards will help ensure that this country's best and brightest professors and students can continue their work and their contribution to the prosperity and well-being of all Canadians."

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About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is a federal agency whose role is to make investments in people, discovery and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency invests in people by supporting some 23,000 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11,000 university professors every year and helps make innovation happen by encouraging about 1,300 Canadian companies to invest in university research and training. Over the past 10 years, NSERC has invested $6 billion in basic research, university-industry projects, and the training of Canada's next generation of scientists and engineers.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@uoit.ca