Backgrounder
November 13, 2009
Projects Funded In Kingston
Today, through the Ontario Research Fund–Research Infrastructure program, Ontario is investing more than $25 million at Queen’s University and Royal Military College to support 27 research projects and more than 600 researchers. This investment is part of a broader $268-million province-wide investment that will support 214 projects and more than 3,300 researchers in 14 cities, and help to create and preserve more than 1,300 construction jobs over the next four years across the province.
Queen’s University
Dynamics of sensorimotor computations for perception and action: modeling and experiments
Advancing understanding of how the brain works
Lead Researcher: Blohm, Gunnar
Provincial Funding: $200,000
Researchers Affected: 6
There are 300,000 Canadians currently living with the effects of stroke. Dr. Gunnar Blohm’s research addresses how the brain uses sensory information (e.g., vision) and transforms it into behaviour. The knowledge gained through this research is central to the study of the brain and the nervous system. The research will advance understanding of how the brain works, and has the potential to help clinicians provide better screening and therapy for patients with disorders caused by the deterioration of certain nerve cells.
Translating New Anti-Cancer Treatments into Population Benefit: A Provincial Chemotherapy and Outcomes Database
Creating a chemotherapy database to advance cancer treatment
Lead Researcher: Booth, Christopher
Provincial Funding: $78,624
Researchers Affected: 9
Improving cancer care is what drives Dr. Christopher Booth. The Queen’s University scientist is creating a chemotherapy database that describes the treatment and outcome for all cancer patients in Ontario. This database will help physicians determine if they are delivering the appropriate therapy, and assist policy makers in evaluating the benefits and costs of new treatments to make the best use of resources.
Neurocognition and Functional Disability in Schizophrenia: Assessment and Intervention
Developing new treatments for schizophrenia
Lead Researcher: Bowie, Christopher
Provincial Funding: $74,500
Researchers Affected: 5
Schizophrenia and related psychoses are serious mental illnesses that affect upward of 1 in 100 Canadians. They are characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and withdrawal from social contact. What causes them is still a mystery – one that Queen’s University researcher Dr. Christopher Bowie hopes to solve. He and his team are investigating underlying neurocognitive impairments that are thought to cause functional disability in these disorders. His work also focuses on developing new treatments that will enable individuals suffering from these conditions to be active members of the community.
Signal Processing for Fiber-Optic Communications
Improving next-generation communications systems
Lead Researcher: Cartledge, John
Provincial Funding: $181,711
Researchers Affected: 6
Fiber-optic communication systems – which transmit information by sending pulses of light through optical fibers – are used in industries ranging from entertainment to health care. But they are being challenged to carry more and more information, and to do it faster, better, and cheaper. At Queen’s University, Dr. John Cartledge is heading a team of researchers focused on developing next-generation fiber-optic communication systems by improving how they process optical signals. This work will keep Ontario-based information technology companies on the vanguard of communications technology.
To date, Dr. Cartledge has received $45,281 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Laboratory for Broadband Optical and Wireless Systems (LBOWS)
Developing next generation communications networks
Lead Researcher: Cartledge, John
Provincial Funding: $1,242,432
Researchers Affected: 4
Whether it is business, health care, education or entertainment, Canadians depend on communications systems. And the demand on these systems is growing quickly. At Queen’s University, Dr. John Cartledge is leading a team of researchers who are focused on developing innovative ways of transmitting ever-increasing amounts of information and doing it faster and more dependably. Their work will lead to new products, services and technologies that will keep Ontario’s communications companies competitive.
To date, Dr. Cartledge has received $45,281 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Slowing the Allergy Epidemic Through Understanding And Prevention: A Dual-Themed Research Initiative In Atopy
Slowing the allergy epidemic
Lead Researcher: Ellis, Anne
Provincial Funding: $179,509
Researchers Affected: 6
With one in four Canadians suffering from at least one allergic disorder – a number that is on the rise – allergic diseases are an emerging health crisis. The question is: Why? It is one that interests Queen’s University researcher Dr. Anne Ellis. Dr. Ellis aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms driving allergic inflammation by studying patients with current allergic rhinitis and also looking for biomarkers of future allergies in newborns. Her research will lead to earlier and better treatments for Canadians with allergies, enhancing their quality of life and lessening the burden on the health-care system.
Percutaneous Oncology Intervention Laboratory
Developing minimally invasive systems for cancer diagnosis and treatment
Lead Researcher: Fichtinger, Gabor
Provincial Funding: $400,000
Researchers Affected: 39
Research being conducted at the Percutaneous Surgery Laboratory (Perk Lab) of Queen's University could make a significant difference for the growing number of people diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Gabor Fichtinger's team focuses on developing percutaneous ("through the skin") computer-assisted surgery systems for diagnosis and treatment of cancer by integrating medical imaging scanners, surgical devices and robotics. These systems promise more accurate diagnosis, reduced complications and higher curative rates.
Enhanced Disease Surveillance for the Rapid Detection and Mitigation of Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreaks Caused by Drinking Water Contamination
Developing a gastrointestinal illness surveillance system
Lead Researcher: Filion, Yves
Provincial Funding: $150,000
Researchers Affected: 7
The contamination of Walkerton, Ontario’s water supply in 2000 – which left seven people dead and 2,300 seriously ill – exposed the vulnerability of our water systems and the ability of authorities to respond to outbreaks of E. coli and other bacteria. At Queen’s University, Dr. Yves Filion is developing a gastrointestinal illness (GI) based disease surveillance system. It combines water quality and population health data to quickly detect GI outbreaks following drinking water contamination. His system promises to greatly improve water safety in the province by enabling water utilities and public health units to mount early and effective public health interventions.
Tissue Engineering with Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Investigating alternative treatment options for traumatic injury and disease
Lead Researcher: Flynn, Lauren
Provincial Funding: $100,000
Researchers Affected: 15
Scar tissue that forms when traumatic injury or disease affects soft tissue like fat can lead to deformities and decreased mobility. Dr. Lauren Flynn’s innovative research will make critical progress towards safely and effectively using stem cells from human fat tissue. The research covers a broad range of clinical applications, including reconstructive (e.g., after breast cancer surgery), corrective and cosmetic applications. New alternative treatment options would significantly improve patient quality of life at lower associated costs to the health-care system and to individuals (e.g. recovery time) than current approaches.
Testing of Nuclear Materials in a Simulated Reactor Environment
Designing the next generation of nuclear reactors
Lead Researcher: Holt, Richard
Provincial Funding: $6,997,920
Researchers Affected: 30
As countries rush to increase their energy production while cutting carbon emissions, interest – and investment – in nuclear power is growing. That is good news for Ontario’s nuclear energy industry. To stay at the leading edge, the industry is turning to scientists like Professor Rick Holt at Queen’s University. By studying the behaviour of nuclear reactor core materials in a simulated radiation environment, Professor Holt is developing advanced materials for the next generation of reactors.
Infrastructure for the Search of Quantum Entanglement in Electrochemical Processes Involving Hydrogen
Quantum research offers benefits in several sectors
Lead Researcher: Jerkiewicz, Gregory
Provincial Funding: $199,390
Researchers Affected: 8
Quantum physics is the science of the very small. Quantum entanglement (QE) phenomena makes it possible to link together two quantum particles (e.g., atoms) in a way that makes them two parts of the same entity, so that a change in one is instantly reflected in the other. Dr. Gregory Jerkiewicz’s research project will focus on whether QE exists and operates in electrochemical processes that involve hydrogen. This is a completely new research avenue that no one else in the world is following, and will make Dr. Jerkiewicz’s research group an uncontested leader in a highly innovative research area. The knowledge gained will benefit industries in the electrochemical, biochemical and life science sectors. The project will create an infrastructure that will be unique in the world.
To date, Dr. Jerkiewicz has received $19,226 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Toward a Healthy Environment: Green Chemistry and Green Chemicals
Developing “green” processes for the pharmaceutical industry
Lead Researcher: Jessop, Philip
Provincial Funding: $269,918
Researchers Affected: 4
Industry will not change to “greener” production methods simply because they are more environmentally friendly. Industry needs financial incentives to change, like lower-cost raw materials or easier recovery of expensive catalysts. It is up to green chemists like Queen’s University’s Dr. Philip Jessop to show that green chemistry can deliver those benefits. Dr. Jessop’s research program focuses on the development of green solvents for the preparation of pharmaceuticals, plastics, oils, and other chemicals. The research will have an impact on the production of many household consumer products.
Structural and Functional Analysis of Cancer-Related Proteins
Understanding how cancer develops at the protein level
Lead Researcher: Jia, Zongchao
Provincial Funding: $46,165
Researchers Affected: 20
Understanding how proteins work is the focus of research being conducted by Dr. Zongchao Jia. The Queen’s University scientist is trying to figure out how proteins tell cells what to do, specifically those involved in the development of cancer. Using X-ray crystallography, a technique used to reveal a protein’s three-dimensional structure, Dr. Jia is examining the biological function of cancer-related proteins. The goal is to develop new preventions and treatments.
To date, Dr. Jia has received $32,000 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Effects of the Geosphere-Biosphere Interface on Element Migration in the Near-Surface Environment
Using isotopes to find valuable ore deposits
Lead Researcher: Kyser, Kurt
Provincial Funding: $1,996,087
Researchers Affected: 30
Dr. Kurt Kyser is a detective. But unlike those you see on television, the Queen’s University geology professor is looking for uranium, nickel, diamonds, and gold. And he is using isotopes to do it. Isotopes are forms of chemical elements that are slightly altered at the atomic level. Dr. Kyser has developed a method for measuring them, and using them as fingerprints to find ore deposits buried under hundreds of metres of rock and soil. With mineral reserves declining wordwide, it is research of tremendous interest to Ontario’s mining sector, and has applications for environmental remediation as well.
To date, Dr. Kyser has received $313,903 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Developing Intervention Models And Dissemination Strategies For Promoting Physical Activity For Adults With A Mobility Impairment
Improving physical fitness in adults with mobility impairment
Lead Researcher: Latimer, Amy
Provincial Funding: $95,000
Researchers Affected: 20
More than 1.5 million adult Canadians have mobility impairments that compromise their lives. At a new Physical Activity Intervention and Dissemination Lab at Queen’s University, Dr. Amy Latimer is developing innovative strategies for increasing physical activity in this group. The goal is to minimize disability by improving physical fitness and psychological well being, fostering independent living, and reducing the risk of chronic disease that accompanies inactivity.
Studying the Origins of Biodiversity
Helping predict human impact on biodiversity
Lead Researcher: Martin, Paul
Provincial Funding: $120,000
Researchers Affected: 14
Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy is aimed at reversing a trend toward a loss of the province’s biodiversity (our collective life support system). How new species form is the primary force for creating biodiversity. However, studying this has been difficult because it usually takes long periods of time (thousands to millions of years) and involves populations that are hundreds to thousands of kilometres apart. Dr. Paul Martin’s research will involve bringing small birds (e.g., warblers and sparrows) from separate populations to one location. The innovative research combines field work and controlled experiments of birds in a confined, large enclosure (aviary) — a rarely applied approach. Increasing understanding of biodiversity’s origins will help Ontario predict the impact that human actions have on biodiversity and assist in developing Ontario and federal government conservation policy.
emSYSCAN – Embedded Systems Canada
Advancing microsystems development
Lead Researcher: McWalter, Ian
Provincial Funding: $9,240,147
Researchers Affected: 300
Microsystems are integrated, intelligent, miniaturized devices and systems. They are all around us – in pacemakers, airbags, video games, cell phones, the list is endless. Embracing developments in areas such as microelectronics, photonics, mechanics, chemistry, biology, and medicine, microsystems are a rapidly growing area and one a new facility at Queen’s intends to advance. Led by Dr. Ian McWalter, Embedded Systems Canada brings together the best minds from across the country to design and prototype microsystems for the information, clean tech, and medical device technologies sectors. The goal is to keep Ontario globally competitive in these areas of future importance.
Laboratory and Field Equipment to Study Eco-Evolutionary Feedbacks in Coupled Ecological Systems
Advancing the ecological well being of our rivers and lakes
Lead Researcher: Nelson, William
Provincial Funding: $131,200
Researchers Affected: 15
Zooplankton are tiny organisms that play a big role in keeping aquatic food webs healthy, and they are the focus of research being done at Queen’s University by biologist William Nelson. By using an innovative multidisciplinary approach that combines lab and field experiments with mathematical biology, Dr. Nelson hopes to find out how human disturbance – things like contaminants and climate change – impact zooplankton biodiversity and function. His research will contribute to the ecological health of Ontario’s more than 250,000 rivers and lakes.
New Process Development for Complex Copper and Nickel Ores and Concentrates
New processes will boost mining efficiency
Lead Researcher: Peacey, John
Provincial Funding: $100,000
Researchers Affected: 4
Nickel, copper and gold production and the mining and processing industry support tens of thousands of Ontario jobs. Two of the world’s largest nickel companies are in Ontario. Nickel laterite ores are their main resource for long-term growth. Dr. John Peacey’s research will produce a nickel concentrate from transition laterites. It could be shipped for conversion to a saleable nickel product in existing smelters, such as those in Sudbury. Large, easy-to-process copper and gold ore bodies are more difficult to discover, and Ontario’s mining companies must pursue more difficult-to-process complex copper-gold-arsenic ores. Dr. Peacey’s research to identify new processes to treat these concentrates will ensure high copper and gold recoveries in an economical and environmentally acceptable manner. There will be significant benefit to Ontario and Canada by providing access to currently unavailable mineral resources. These will help sustain future metal production.
Ultra-high efficiency InGaN solar photovoltaic cells
Developing high efficiency solar photovoltaic cells
Lead Researcher: Pearce, Joshua
Provincial Funding: $200,000
Researchers Affected: 15
The day we will all be using free electricity from the sun is coming closer, thanks, in part, to research being conducted at Queen’s University. Dr. Joshua Pearce is developing ultra-high efficiency solar photovoltaic cells, which can be altered to absorb any color of sunlight. These cells have the potential to double the efficiency of today’s solar cells, making solar energy much cheaper than it is now – and keeping Ontario’s solar energy industry at the forefront of this green technology.
Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Diseases
Developing new therapies to prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease
Lead Researcher: Petrof, Elaine
Provincial Funding: $180,000
Researchers Affected: 10
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious condition that affects the digestive system, causing the intestinal tissue to become inflamed. It is painful and, more often than not, requires long-term medication, hospitalization, or surgery. There is no known cause or cure for IBD. At Queen’s University, Dr. Elaine Petrof is using probiotic bacteria to block intestinal inflammation. It is promising research that could result in new therapies to treat and prevent IBD, giving hope to 200,000 Canadians who suffer from the mysterious disease.
Integrated Technologies for Bone and Joint Health: Multi-Centre Infrastructure Development Program Phase 4
Developing new treatments for musculoskeletal disorders
Lead Researcher: Pichora, David
Provincial Funding: $696,480
Researchers Affected: 15
It is estimated that by 2020, over half a billion people worldwide will be affected by musculoskeletal disorders, including arthritis, trauma and osteoporosis. While artificial joints have proven successful for treating severely damaged tissue, no really effective solutions exist for the younger, highly active patient. By integrating biomechancial, biological, computing, and imaging approaches, Queen’s University researcher Dr. David Pichora and colleagues at the Human Mobility Research Centre aim to improve bone and joint tissue reconstruction and regeneration at an early stage of disease. It is research that will enhance mobility in our aging population and give Ontario’s biotech industry new commercialization opportunities.
The Function and Structure of Human Arteries In Health, Stress And Disease
Developing effective cardiovascular disease prevention programs
Lead Researcher: Pyke, Kyra
Provincial Funding: $80,000
Researchers Affected: 12
People with cardiovascular disease may soon be living better and longer, thanks to research being conducted at Queen’s University. Dr. Kyra Pyke is applying novel assessment techniques to investigate the aspects of arterial function and structure that change very early in the progression of cardiovascular disease. Her work will lead to the development of more effective disease prevention programs. It will ultimately improve the quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease and reduce the economic burden on our health-care system.
To date, Dr. Pyke has received $50,000 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Thin Film Coating Initiative: Advancing Technology Development and Industrial Applications
Developing the next generation of thin film coatings
Lead Researcher: Robbie, Kevin
Provincial Funding: $1,452,360
Researchers Affected: 19
Most of us have never heard of thin film coatings, but they are one of the most important of all modern materials, used on everything from potato chip bags to iPhones to jet turbine blades. At Queen’s University, Dr. Kevin Robbie is exploiting the innovative benefits of nanotechnology to improve thin film coating processes and developing new ones that are more efficient and cost effective than current ones. His research will help propel the growth of Ontario’s thin film coating industry and lead the way to the development of new products in the energy, biotech, communications and security sectors.
To date, Dr. Robbie has received $53,866 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Cellular Genomics of Cancer
Developing more effective treatments for cancer
Lead Researcher: Squire, Jeremy
Provincial Funding: $494,649
Researchers Affected: 25
One reason cancer treatment can fail is that rare cells within a tumour (with a unique genetic makeup) can survive available treatments. At Queen’s University, Dr. Jeremy Squire is using leading-edge imaging microscopy to investigate new models of tumour progression at the cellular level. It is research that could lead to improved cancer treatments for the more than 165,000 Canadians diagnosed with cancer each year.
To date, Dr. Squire has received $215,949 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Elastomeric Polymers for Tissue Engineering: Building Biomimetic Scaffolds
Developing artificial blood vessels
Lead Researcher: Woodhouse, Kimberly A.
Provincial Funding: $125,000
Researchers Affected: 6
The number of Canadians with diabetes is expected to reach three million by 2010. The personal costs of diabetes are enormous, and include an increased risk of vascular disease, which can lead to amputation. At Queen’s University, Dr. Kimberly Woodhouse is developing biodegradable polymers to construct artificial blood vessels to replace vessels damaged by diabetes. The research will help to improve treatment for blood vessels damaged by diabetes and other vascular diseases.
Royal Military College
Quasi-Simultaneous Laser Welding System
Developing innovative technologies for joining materials together
Lead Researcher: Bates, Philip
Provincial Funding: $147,075
Researchers Affected: 4
Materials joining is crucial to our future global competitiveness in the manufacture of industrial products because it can improve functionality, while minimizing cost. At Royal Military College, Dr. Philip Bates is developing innovative technologies for joining plastic and composite materials. His work will help to keep Ontario’s advanced manufacturing industry, particularly the automotive sector, at the leading edge in a highly competitive environment.
The Ontario Innovation Agenda
Research at Queen’s University and Royal Military College is an example of Ontario leading the world in the quest for knowledge and discovery. Support for this kind of work is part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda, the province’s $3.2-billion strategy to make innovation a driving force of Ontario’s economy. By targeting investments toward areas where Ontario already is, or is poised to become a global leader, and by building on our greatest strength – the talent and ingenuity of our people – Ontario is harnessing innovation to ensure ours is one of the winning economies of the 21st century.
Support from the Ontario Research Fund–Research Infrastructure program
Part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda, the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) is key to the province’s plan to move world-class research from the lab to the global marketplace. The role of the ORF is to help ensure that Ontario researchers have the tools they need to lead the world, or lead international collaborations, in their respective fields.
