October 17, 2008

BUILDING ONTARIO’S INNOVATION ECONOMY

Basic and Applied Research

Carleton University

Dr. David Asner
Discovering the origins of the universe
Provincial Funding: $115,000

What are the forces that have shaped our universe – and which forces will determine its fate? Those are questions particle physicists like Dr. David Asner of Carleton University are striving to answer using a detector buried 100 metres beneath the Swiss-French border. Using new sensor technology developed by Dr. Asner, the ATLAS experiment observes phenoma that occur when particles collide in the Large Hadron Collider. Dr. Asner’s work holds the promise of helping answer the basic questions of where we came from and where we’re going, and will help position Ontario as an international leader in particle physics and detector development.

Dr. Alex Ellery
Developing smart robots
Provincial Funding: $177,427

In the future, planetary explorers and satellites will include advanced robotic manipulators that have the dexterity and accuracy of a human astronaut, the intelligence to handle different fittings and tools in the harshest environments and the ability to function on their own. But developing these robotic manipulators is a great challenge. Dr. Alex Ellery at Carleton University is conducting research into the design of space robotics using an innovative biologically inspired approach. His work will result in better space robots with manipulators that can assemble and repair anything they can reach with great speed – and benefit Ontario’s aerospace industry through spin-off technologies. 

Dr. Jeffrey Manthorpe
Using sulphur to construct organic molecules for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals
Provincial funding: $120,000

Sulphur is an abundant non-metal and an essential element for life. It has a unique chemical behavior – and that interests Dr. Jeffrey Manthorpe. At his laboratory at Carleton University, Dr. Manthorpe is developing new ways to use that unique chemical behaviour to construct organic molecules, such as those found in pharmaceuticals, pesticides and herbicides. His research will lead to the development of new, innovative, synthetic medicines (to serve an aging population) and agrochemicals (to produce improved crop yields per unit area).

Dr. Kevin Graham
Discovering the role of neutrinos in the evolution of the universe
Provincial funding: $120,000

Neutrinos are subatomic particles that pass through almost all matter without being stopped or deflected. In fact, trillions of them pass through our bodies every second without leaving a trace! But while neutrinos were first detected experimentally over 50 years ago, many of their fundamental properties remain a mystery. That’s because measuring neutrino properties is extremely challenging: they have no electric charge and very little mass. Dr. Kevin Graham at Carleton University is developing advanced detector technology that will provide fundamental new information on the properties of neutrinos, their interactions and their role in the evolution of the universe. In the process, he will help to keep Ontario at the forefront of neutrino physics.

Dr. Jeffery Dawson
Studying insect flight
Provincial funding: $116,785

The fact that insects don’t fly according to conventional aerodynamic theory fascinates Dr. Jeff Dawson. At a new state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research facility, the Carleton University researcher is studying insect flight. Using real insects and model wings, as well as flapping devices (robots), Dr. Dawson is investigating how insects’ wings move during flight to achieve a high degree of manoeuvrability, how wing shape affects lift and drag and what aerodynamic tricks insects use to stay in the air. He’s also exploring how insects use sensory information to avoid predators. His research could lead to the development of small, autonomous flying vehicles for search and rescue, surveillance and even space exploration.

University of Ottawa

Dr. Karin Hinzer
Using nanotechnology to harness and use light in new ways
Provincial Funding: $119,999

Photonics is the technology of generating and harnessing light. It’s an enabling technology that will significantly impact almost every industry from communications to energy conservation to health care. Ontario is at the forefront of photonic optical communications and biomedicine research and work being done by Dr. Karin Hinzer at the University of Ottawa will help keep us there. Dr. Hinzer’s research in the field of photonic nanostructures and integrated devices will lead to the development of new products with increased functionality. By working closely with the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre she will ensure that successful devices, such as novel light sources and solar cells, are manufactured and transferred quickly to industry.

Dr. Murat Saatcioglu
Developing ways to protect critical infrastructure
Provincial Funding: $196,000

Threats to Ontario’s critical infrastructure by accidental or intended bomb blasts have increased in recent years, creating a need for the development of blast-resistant design of structures. Using a “shock tube” capable of simulating shock waves induced by bomb blasts, Dr. Murat Saatcioglu and his colleagues at the University of Ottawa are testing structural and non-structural components for buildings, bridges, dams and other infrastructure. His research will lead to innovations in critical infrastructure protection against blast effects, and put Ontario at the forefront of this global technology. 

Dr. David L. Bryce
Advancing knowledge through the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei
Provincial Funding: $250,000

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a technique that exploits the magnetic properties of certain nuclei of atoms. Many different types of information can be obtained from using an NMR spectrometer. Dr. David L. Bryce at the University of Ottawa is using the technology to conduct experiments on solid materials. While fundamental in nature, his research has potential long-term applications in areas ranging from novel functional materials (new materials-based devices) to the biochemical and health sectors.

Dr. David Bickel
Advancing the science of bioinformatics to accelerate development of new drugs
Provincial Funding: $23,088

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that combines techniques and knowledge in mathematical, statistical, computational and life sciences to understand the biological significance of data related to genetic sequences. It presents special challenges when it comes to analysis, statistical modeling and interpretation of results. Dr. David Bickel at the University of Ottawa is developing, implementing and validating novel statistical methods that can be applied to problems in bioinformatics. The research could enable the timely development of both novel drugs to combat disease and genetically modified crops.

Dr. Muralee Murugesu
Exploiting the properties of magnets to develop new materials
Provincial Funding: $225,000

The discovery that molecular materials can display a variety of magnetically interesting phenomena has made molecular magnetism an up-and-coming area of nanotechnology, the control of matter on the atomic and molecular scale. At the University of Ottawa, Dr. Muralee Murugesu is studying the magnetic properties of nano-magentic materials, research that holds the promise of faster, more environmentally friendly electronics and greater power storage.

Dr. Lucie Lamarche
Improving the way human rights research is conducted
Provincial funding:   $94,376

Advancing national and international human rights in the area of poverty – concentrating particularly on women in Canada, Africa and the Francophonie is the goal of research being conducted by Dr. Lucie Lamarche. The world-renowned human rights law researcher, together with colleagues in Ontario, Quebec, France, Belgium, Brazil, Senegal, Algeria and Benin, is focused on, among other issues, an evaluation of the rights of the most vulnerable (not to be poor, to have social protection). At a new laboratory based at the University of Ottawa that features a research data exchange and capture room that will enable research partners to exchange data in real-time, Dr. Lamarche proposes to improve the way that human rights research is conducted.

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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