NSERC awards UOIT researchers $1.7 million

The only institution in Canada with 100 per cent success rate for grant renewal applications

OSHAWA, ON - Fourteen researchers at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) were recently awardedNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants, which have a combined total of $1.7 million over the next five years. The financial support will ensure continued research in the areas of health, energy systems, engineering, information technology, nuclear science and science.

"I would like to thank NSERC for recognizing the important and globally relevant research conducted by UOIT researchers," said Dr. Michael Owen, associate provost, Research. "This funding supports innovation and will help strengthen Canada's economic position. It also provides our undergraduate and graduate students with more access to valuable hands-on experience."

UOIT joins successful applicants from universities across the country who will receive more than $411 million in grants and scholarships over terms ranging from one to five years. These awards comprise the 2011 competition results for NSERC'sDiscovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships, NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships and Postdoctoral Fellowships Programs. UOIT researchers renewing their research funding were the only group in Canada to achieve a 100 per cent success rate.

"These programs are key tools for unleashing the creative power of our most innovative students and researchers," said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, president, NSERC. "The Discovery Grants Program has an outstanding international reputation because it has a very broad scope and offers researchers a lot of flexibility. Our scholarships and fellowships programs play a key role in attracting and retaining the best brains in Canada."

A complete list of the researchers, their projects and NSERC funding received can be found on the NSERC website.

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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 seven Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

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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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Media contact
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
289.928.0268
melissa.levy@uoit.ca