Three Trent University researchers are receiving a combined $643,477 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund to acquire advanced tools and equipment that will strengthen scientific investigation in fields of growing importance to Canada, including aging and dementia care, environmental contaminants, and medical innovation.
“The federal government is supporting important research for Canada – a nation that values knowledge creation, innovation, and productivity grounded in deep research,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Thanks to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Trent researchers can equip campus spaces and labs with state-of-the-art tools and equipment that help attract world-class talent to the university and push discovery further.”
Imaging molecular reactions.
Detecting environmental contaminants
“Modern scientific tools are essential to producing the reliable data that communities need to understand potential risks and consider approaches to mitigation,” said Professor Buell. “The new mass spectrometry equipment has greater sensitivity that will allow researchers to identify contaminants at very low concentrations and determine how much is present in water, soil and traditional food sources. The new instrument will help us train the next generation of researchers while producing evidence that communities can use.”
Shared access to the new mass spectrometer in the WQC expands research and training opportunities for other programs at Trent, including Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biology, Anthropology, and Physics disciplines, as well as for collaborators in government, other universities and the private sector. Over the past year, more than 75 faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers used facilities in the WQC supporting research across Canada and internationally.