Backgrounder

October 17, 2008

BUILDING ONTARIO’S INNOVATION ECONOMY

Basic and Applied Research

University of Guelph

Dr. De-Tong Jiang
Developing new technologies with applications for electronics
Provincial Funding: $148,350

At the University of Guelph’s new Laboratory for Organic Layered Material Growth and Synchrotron Radiation-Based Structural Studies, Dr. De-Tong Jiang is focused on understanding and creating organic nanostructures that produce artificial materials with new properties. His work will enhance the competitiveness of the university on an international level in nanomaterials research—and lead to revolutionary new technologies with application potential in organic electronics.

Dr. Trevor DeVries
Discovering more about animal behaviour to help Ontario’s dairy and equine industries
Provincial funding:   $248,367

At a new integrated animal science laboratory at the University of Guelph’s Kemptville Campus, Dr. Trevor DeVries is focused on dairy cattle behaviour, nutrition and welfare. His colleague Dr. Katrina Merkies is concentrating on equine reproductive physiology and behaviour. The outcome of Dr. DeVries’ research will be scientifically-based recommendations on feeding, management and housing systems for dairy cattle to improve efficiency, growth, health and welfare – improvements of huge benefit to Ontario’s dairy industry. Dr. Merkies’ research will provide scientific advancements in the understanding of equine fertilization and improved techniques for semen preservation, enhancing a global market for Canadian horses.

Dr. Myrna Dawson
Researching effectiveness of criminal violence resources
Provincial funding:   $101,443

Governments spend millions of dollars a year on violence prevention initiatives and resources. Is there a correlation between the availability of these initiatives and resources and documented declines in the incidence of some types of violence? By documenting the growth of resources and crime patterns over time and across jurisdictions as they relate to intimate partner and domestic violence, Dr. Myrna Dawson at the University of Guelph aims to determine if high crime areas are underserved by violence prevention resources. The results of her research will be important to governments at all levels, law enforcement agencies, victim service advocates and organizations, victims and perpetrators of violence and the general public.

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See also:

• News Release: Ontario Turning Ideas Into Stronger Economy
• Backgrounder: Supporting Basic and Applied Research
• Backgrounder: Basic and Applied Research Projects
• Recipients