BACKGROUNDER 

July 11, 2007

ONTARIO RESEARCH FUND – RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

The Research Infrastructure program of the Ontario Research Fund helps researchers obtain the tools they need to stay on the forefront of innovation, including lab space, equipment and computer software.

Through the program, the province matches the funding commitment made by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Project funding is shared among the foundation (up to 40 per cent), the province (up to 40 per cent), and the research institutions and industry partners (at least 20 per cent).

The two research projects at Trent University will receive $2,558,085 from the program.

The Microenvironment Laboratory

Helping to manage the impacts of climate change
Lead researcher: Dr. Chris Metcalfe
Total project cost: $3,238,095
Provincial funding: $1,291,325

Environmental change triggers complex chemical and biological interactions that can have devastating effects. Trent University is establishing a leading microenvironment laboratory to investigate the inter-related effects of ozone depletion, air pollution, deforestation, urbanization and declining species diversity. Researchers under the direction of Dr. Chris Metcalfe will collaborate with industry leaders and scientists within Ontario, across Canada and in Europe, the United States and Mexico to evaluate environmental changes. Their research will help Ontario develop more effective environmental management plans related to energy development, water protection, transportation and community health. 

Upgrading and Expansion of the Worsfold Water Quality Centre and Isotope Ratio Facility

Improving our understanding of a precious resource
Lead researcher: Dr. Douglas Evans
Total project cost: $3,166,902
Provincial funding: $1,266,760

New, state-of-the-art equipment will enable scientists under the direction of Dr. R. Douglas Evans at Trent University’s Worsfold Water Quality Centre to expand their pioneering research into the effects of mercury isotopes, trace metals and pharmaceuticals in water systems. The centre, one of the largest of its kind in the world, generates vital information that can help guide the development of sound, sustainable environmental policies and help companies minimize their environmental footprint.

Major industry and other partners for this project: MDS Sciex, Isomass Scientific, GV Instruments, Agilent Technologies, Varian Canada, Transition Technologies, Fisher Scientific Canada, ATS Scientific.

The Ontario Research Fund is designed to provide one window for research funding. Proposals for funding are evaluated through a competitive, peer-review process.

The McGuinty government is investing $527 million over five years through the fund, which helps researchers move new ideas from Ontario’s labs to the global marketplace. The fund is a key part of the government’s plan to promote scientific excellence by supporting research that can be developed into innovative goods and services that will boost Ontario’s economy.

For more information about the fund, please visit www.ontario.ca/innovation.