Paul Charpentier, Multi-layer solar harvesting nanofilms by roll-to-roll fabrication
Clare Robinson, Quantification of groundwater contribution to fecal and nutrient pollution at beaches of the Great Lakes
York University
Nick Cercone, Enhanced identification and visualization of relevant social media content and free form text: Relationships, affect, information influence and diversity
Recipients of the 2012 Strategic Network Grant Competition
McGill University
Gregory Dudek, NSERC Canadian Field Robotics Network (NCFRN)
University of Toronto
D.A. Jackson, NSERC Strategic Network - Canadian Network for Aquatic Ecosystem Services:
Backgrounder
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
2012 Announcement of Strategic Grants
Strategic Network Grants and Strategic Project Grants encourage collaboration among academic researchers and industry and government partners. They support four main strategic areas: environmental sciences and technologies; information and communications technologies; manufacturing; and natural resources and energy.
1) Strategic Network Grants (SNG)
SNG are designed to increase research and training in targeted areas that could strongly enhance Canada's economy, society and the environment within the next 10 years. They fund large-scale, multidisciplinary research projects in targeted research areas that require a network approach and involve collaboration between academic researchers and Canadian-based organizations.
The following two networks will share $9.4 million over five years:
1. NSERC Strategic Network - Canadian Network for Aquatic Ecosystem Services: Canada's ecological systems provide many of the highly valued natural resources that drive Canada's economy. While the loss of biodiversity and the impacts on healthy ecosystems and wildlife habitats have traditionally been well-documented, the impact on the delivery of services and products of social and economic significance remains poorly understood. Lead researcher Donald A. Jackson (University of Toronto), along with network collaborators, will develop new tools and knowledge about the relationship between aquatic ecosystem services and the stressors that affect them. These will help inform policies on the development of Canada's natural resources in regions where rapid economic development is underway. This network is receiving $4.4 million and brings together 18 researchers from 11 Canadian universities, along with 10 scientists from six federal and provincial government departments. Two industrial partners, three Canadian environmental associations and a provincially funded technology futures organization are also involved.2. NSERC Canadian Field Robotics Network (NCFRN): Outdoor environments are among the places where robots have the greatest potential, especially in a country like Canada. Robotic systems can be the key to monitoring and maintaining the state of our environmental heritage; performing patrols to assure the integrity of our borders; testing air and water quality; and even dealing with environmental disasters, nuclear accidents, or search and rescue operations. This network is receiving $5 million and is led by McGill University researcher Gregory Dudek. The network incorporates researchers from eight universities, three Canadian government agencies, and 11 industrial participants. The partners will work together to address the scientific, technological and operational challenges that hinder the use of robotic tools in natural environments.
2) Strategic Project Grants (SPG)
SPG help address Canada's science and technology priorities. The primary goal of these grants is to increase research and training in targeted areas that could strongly enhance Canada's economy, society and/or environment in the next 10 years.
This year, 81 research projects were selected. The following universities will share $36 million over three years:
1. Carleton University2. Dalhousie University3. Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal4. Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)5. Lakehead University6. McGill University7. McMaster University8. Queen's University9. Ryerson University10. Simon Fraser University11. Universite de Montreal12. Universite du Quebec13. Universite Laval14. Universite de Sherbrooke15. University of Alberta16. University of British Columbia17. University of Guelph18. University of Manitoba19. University of Ottawa20. University of Regina21. University of Saskatchewan22. University of Toronto23. University of Waterloo24. University of Western Ontario25. York University
Contacts:
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-947-2956
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
Martin Leroux
Media and Public Affairs Officer
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
613-943-7618
media@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
