August 13, 2007

ONTARIO RESEARCH FUND – RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

The McGuinty government is helping researchers obtain the tools they need to stay on the forefront of innovation, including lab space, equipment and computer software through the Research Infrastructure program of the Ontario Research Fund. This round of funding under the program will provide $57,420 to support a world-class project at Laurentian University in Sudbury.

Laurentian University

Rotational Rheometer System
Supporting the growth of materials processing research in Ontario’s North

Lead researcher: Zhibin Ye
Total project cost: $157,608
Provincial funding: $57,420

New discoveries, whether they come in the form of better bio-degradable plastics, more efficient mineral processing technologies or tastier low-fat foods, all begin with research into their basic materials and how they are processed. At Laurentian University, materials processing research is a rapidly growing field. The addition of a rotational rheometer system – the first at Laurentian University – will enable scientists such as Dr. Zhibin Ye to accelerate their innovative research programs in polymer materials, and food and mineral processing. Improvements in materials processing can add millions of dollars to the economy and more jobs in communities across the province.

Ontario Research Fund

The McGuinty government is investing $527 million over five years through the Ontario Research Fund. 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. The fund also helps researchers move new ideas from Ontario’s labs to the global marketplace.

The fund provides one window for research funding. Proposals for funding are evaluated through a competitive, peer-review process.

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

For more information about the Ontario Research Fund, please visit www.ontario.ca/innovation.