UOIT receives more than $300,000 in research grants
October 8, 2008
OSHAWA, ON. - The innovative research work of three University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) professors has received a significant boost with the recent announcement of $300,000 in funding by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Dr. Tripat Gill, Dr. Jennifer Percival and Dr. Jill Lei, assistant professors in the Faculty of Business and Information Technology, all received funding from the SSHRC for their innovative and diverse research projects.
"UOIT is pleased to be recognized by the federal government for its ongoing commitment to research excellence that impacts society," said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, associate provost, Research. "These funds will be used for a variety of research projects, each exhibiting tremendous potential for continued success and recognition within their fields of study."
Dr. Gill and Dr. Percival were both honoured with a Management, Business and Finance Special Call, whereby strategic funding is allocated to management, business and finance research projects. Dr. Gill will receive $101,439 over three years to fund his research in the role of brand characteristics in the evaluation of convergent high-technology products.
Dr. Percival, who will receive $130,510 over three years, will continue her research in aligning management practices to intensify innovation in the service sector. Dr. Lei will receive $57,917 in Standard Research Grant funding. Her grant will support her research in counter-stereotypical new products, finding the barriers to their adoption and how to overcome them.
"The SSHRC's investment will cultivate research talent and facilitate world-class research for the benefit of Canadians," said Marilyn Taylor, vice-president of grants and fellowships for the SSHRC. "This research will enhance understanding of political, social, cultural and economic issues, past and present that are vital to our future innovation, prosperity and quality of life."
UOIT continues to develop unique research programs to strengthen its reputation for being a research-intensive institution. It is committed to interdisciplinary research that benefits society by solving social, environmental, health and economic problems. In the past five years, UOIT has attracted more than $18 million in research funding from many sources, including provincial and federal grants and contracts, industry contracts, and grants from research foundations.
"UOIT's growing national reputation for research excellence continues to provide our students with the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research projects and gain the valuable hands-on experience demanded by employers," said Dr. Gabriel.
These most recent research grants are part of the SSHRC's $202.2-million investment in the support and development of talent and knowledge through university-based research. In total, 904 researchers across Canada will receive a Standard Research Grant, while 196 researchers will be funded with Management, Business and Finance Special Calls.
The SSHRC is an independent federal government agency that funds university-based research and graduate training through national peer review competitions, and partners with public and private sector organizations to focus research and aid the development of better policies and practices in key areas of Canada's social, cultural and economic life.
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 5,000 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 a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science. 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 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
Michelle Roebuck
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@uoit.ca
