The Government of Canada has announced an investment of nearly $11 million in research infrastructure funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). This funding will benefit 43 Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) at 27 universities nationwide, as part of the CFI”s John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). The initiative aims to attract and retain top researchers while maximizing the impact of government investments by supporting both research efforts and the necessary equipment.
The projects receiving funding encompass a variety of innovative fields, including the development of advanced artificial intelligence models and methods to reprocess mining waste for enhanced value and reduced environmental impact.
Among the notable projects is research at the Université de Sherbrooke, focusing on creating stronger, longer-lasting materials for the aerospace sector. Researchers are investigating new metal alloys to develop protective coatings for engine components, propellers, and landing gear. The CFI-funded equipment will allow them to test these coatings under extreme conditions, ensuring durability during repeated thermal cycles and exposure to oceanic environments.
In British Columbia, researchers at the University of Victoria are working on thin, flexible, and cost-effective solar panels utilizing a crystal structure derived from the mineral perovskite. This technology is anticipated to be more adaptable and economical than traditional silicon-based panels. The funding will enable precise cutting and connection of solar cells, facilitating the creation of large-scale commercial projects and potentially reducing Canada”s dependence on imported solar technology.
Meanwhile, in Nova Scotia, researchers at Dalhousie University are modernizing soil testing methods for sustainable agriculture. By employing advanced light-based technologies, they aim to quickly and affordably evaluate soil properties, including nutrient levels and carbon storage, which is vital for addressing climate change. They lead a national initiative to establish the Canadian Soil Spectral Library, enhancing soil data infrastructure across the country.
“Our partnership with the Canada Research Chairs program ensures that Government of Canada investments have the greatest possible impact. By attracting and retaining top researchers and providing them with the cutting-edge tools and infrastructure they need to pursue bold ideas and advance innovation in areas that matter most, we”re working together to build a more resilient Canada,” said Sylvain Charbonneau, President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
This funding is part of a broader announcement of $690 million from the Government of Canada, which supports various scientific initiatives, researchers, and students. The projects backed by JELF will also receive supplementary funding from the CFI”s Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) to assist with operational and maintenance costs.
The total amount allocated for this initiative is $10,979,852, which includes $2,533,812 from the IOF. Typically, the CFI covers up to 40 percent of a project”s research infrastructure costs, with research institutions securing the remaining 60 percent through partnerships with provincial and territorial governments, industry, and other public, private, and non-profit organizations. This collaborative funding model is designed to optimize the Government of Canada”s investments in research infrastructure.
For additional information on the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the John R. Evans Leaders Fund, please visit their official website.
