UOIT professor receives first Discovery Accelerator Supplement grant as part of more than $2 million in funding from NSERC

OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced today that 18 of its world-class researchers have collectively been awarded $2,027,253 in funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC). Included in this funding is the university's first Discovery Accelerator Supplement grant, which was announced on June 22 by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

"This is wonderful news for UOIT and the recipients of these awards," said Dr. Michael Owen, associate provost, Research. "These awards acknowledge the excellence of our research faculty and the funds will help UOIT meet its research goals by ensuring the knowledge creation and training of graduate and undergraduate students that takes place at the university supports the advanced technology and skills critical to the Canadian economy and its social well-being."

The funding is being provided to the university in the form of Discovery Grants, which support ongoing areas of research, Research Tools and Instruments Grants, which are allocated to assist with the purchase or development of research equipment, and Discovery Accelerator Supplement grants, which are awarded to further accelerate the research portfolios of a small group of impressive researchers who have promising futures as international leaders in their respective area of research.

Researchers at UOIT will be using the funding to focus on innovation in a variety of areas including automotive, forensics, health-care, information technology, sustainable energy and more.

In seven years, UOIT has gained a solid reputation as a research-intensive university; establishing its first spin-off company, filing more than 30 patents in various jurisdictions and receiving six prestigious Canada Research Chairs and five Industrial Research Chairs. UOIT research is focused on five primary research themes, all of which emphasize a multidisciplinary approach: Applied Bioscience; Automotive, Materials and Manufacturing; Community and Social Wellness; Information and Communication; and Sustainable Energy. These themes are closely aligned with both federal and provincial research and innovation priorities in the context of Advantage Canada's Federal Science and Technology Strategy and the Ontario Innovation Agenda.

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.

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