Backgrounder

August 4, 2010

Early Researcher Awards

Ontario is providing more than $11 million to support 80 emerging researchers and their teams at 16 institutions across Ontario through the Early Researcher Awards program. Lead researchers will receive up to $140,000 through the program.

Queen’s University

Structural and functional studies of novel motor protein complexes in disease-causing fungi
New treatments for diseases caused by certain fungi
Lead researcher: Dr. John Scott Allingham
Number of researchers benefiting: 3

Living cells rely on kinesins to distribute their chromosomes evenly and to the right locations when they divide. Dr. John Allingham at Queen’s University is investigating forms of kinesin that are exclusively found in certain fungi to see how they function differently from those found in humans and other animals. The findings could lead to drugs that treat fungal infections by specifically impeding the fungal kinesin’s movement.

Internal representations of space for perception and action
Finding out how our brain computes sensory input to manage our behaviour
Lead researcher: Dr. Gunnar Blohm
Number of researchers benefiting: 5

Our brains combine streams of incoming signals from our vision, touch, hearing and other senses to form internal representations of the space around us that can be used for action. Dr. Blohm at Queen’s University is working on a theoretical and experimental framework that describes how networks of neurons do this – in healthy people, and in people who have suffered a stroke. His findings could to lead better diagnosis, rehabilitation and treatment of neurological impairments.

Characterization of turbulent mixing dynamics in large lakes
Examining Great Lakes water movements to protect this vital water resource
Lead researcher: Dr. Leon Boegman
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

The Great Lakes contain 20 per cent of the world’s fresh surface water, yet are under threat from pollution, excessive nutrient loads, invasive species, declining levels and climate change. Dr. Leon Boegman of Queen’s University will use field measurements and laboratory experiments to study currents and turbulent mixing in the Great Lakes and help manage this vital resource better.

Computational analysis and optimization for greenhouse gas reduction in manufacturing and innovative biomechanical design
Computational analysis to redesign automotive manufacturing and knee implant processes
Lead researcher: Dr. Il-Yong Kim
Number of researchers benefiting: 5

Dr. Kim’s goal is to develop computational analysis and optimization tools for manufacturing process design and biomechanical design. These tools will be used to reduce carbon dioxide in the automotive manufacturing process, and optimize the design of artificial knee implants.

Encouraging Canadians to participate in physical activity
Lead researcher: Dr. Amy Latimer
Number of researchers benefiting: 6

Dr. Amy Latimer at Queen’s University is evaluating messages and communication strategies that encourage people to stick to physical activity guidelines. Her findings will help us better understand how physical activity messages can persuade people to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle. This will improve quality of life for Ontarians and reduce health care costs.

Neural control of immune system activation
Finding out how the nervous system controls inflammation
Lead researcher: Dr. Alan Edward Lomax
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

Our bodies need inflammation to protect us against injury and infection. However, inflammation can also cause many human diseases, ranging from Crohn’s disease to multiple sclerosis. Dr. Lomax at Queen’s University is researching the ability of the nervous system to keep inflammation under control. His findings could lead to treatments for several human diseases.

Investigating the social, environmental and behavioural pathways linking socioeconomic status to cardiovascular disease risk across the life course
Learning more about social activities that keep our hearts healthy
Lead researcher: Dr. Douglas Spencer Moore
Number of researchers benefiting: 6

Could the places where we live or the people we know affect our chances of developing cardiovascular disease? Dr. Douglas Spencer Moore of Queen’s University is examining such questions as whether people are more physically active if they live in a place with more parks, and whether people eat healthier foods if their friends do. His findings could help inform programs and policies that contribute to the health of all Canadians.

The role of blood flow in shaping the function and structure of human arteries
Building on our understanding of our arteries to prevent heart disease
Lead researcher: Dr. Kyra Ellen Pyke
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

Dr. Pyke at Queen’s University is studying how different patterns of blood flow affect the structure and function of our arteries. This work will improve our understanding of human vascular physiology and contribute to the development of strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease in Ontario.