Major funding for forensic science study granted to leading UOIT researcher

Oshawa, ON - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is proud to announce a major funding grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to Dr. Shari Forbes, associate professor, Forensic Science, and Canada Research Chair in Decomposition Chemistry.

As part of NSERC's Strategic Grants Program for 2010, Dr. Forbes will receive $265,250 from NSERC over the next three years for her project On-site Detection of Accelerant Signatures at Suspected Arson Scenes. Her investigation is being supported by several key collaborating forensic science partner agencies, including the Centre of Forensic Sciences, the Office of the Chief Coroner, the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Police College.

"This project involves the investigation of accelerant signatures and ignitable liquid residue from remains recovered from a fire scene," said Dr. Forbes. "Rapid detection of deliberate acts of crime is an important focus of the forensic science community. Such confirmations will assist in providing evidence that an accelerant may have been used to start the fire."

The law enforcement and public safety organizations supporting Dr. Forbes' project were actively involved in the development of the proposal and the determination of research objectives. It is anticipated the knowledge gained and technologies developed over the next three years will lead to new standard operating procedures in fire investigations and new training policies for each of the partnering groups.

"The research by Dr. Forbes at UOIT will make a significant contribution to the science behind the detection of volatile ignitable liquids, which is a highly-specialized field of forensic science," said Anne Sprung, Chemistry Section Head, Centre of Forensic Sciences. "Our organization provides scientific support for official investigations such as those involving fires that have been started deliberately. Rapid detection of liquids that may have been used as fire accelerants will have a positive impact on the investigation and reduction of fire incidents in the community."

The funding for Dr. Forbes' research is part of NSERC's announcement today of new funding for university research projects across Canada. The formal details were unveiled in a ceremony at the University of Waterloo by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), who was joined by Dr. Suzanne Fortier, NSERC President.

"Supporting science and research is critical to Canada's future economic growth," said Minister Goodyear. "This investment will bring together 100 teams of some of the world's top researchers to work with industry on promising new projects that will help strengthen our economy, create jobs and bring other benefits for communities."

In total, the federal government will invest $55 million through NSERC's Strategic Project Grants program in support of more than 120research teams.

"These strategic project grants show that the NSERC community has risen to the challenge and is putting the S&T Strategy to work," said Dr.Fortier. "We have received a high number of quality submissions, and the peer review committees evaluating them are impressed with the excellence of the research teams, the importance and potential impact of the proposed research, and the strong support from partners."

The grants support early-stage project research led by at least one researcher and a supporting organization. The goal of the program is to increase research and training in areas that could strongly influence Canada's economy, society or environment in the next ten years.

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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 more than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate 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; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; Science; and Social Science and Humanities. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including six Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About NSERC

NSERC is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports some 30,000university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 12,000professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,500Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects.

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
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
289.928.3653
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca