Windsor, Ontario – Industry Canada

The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today highlighted the funding that scientists, engineers and students at the University of Windsor received through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

At the University of Windsor, $3.5 million will go to researchers and trainees, including Dr. Aaron Fisk, who is receiving $210,000 to study food webs to better understand and preserve the Great Lakes and Arctic ecosystems.

The NSERC Discovery Grants Program is an integral component of the government's efforts to develop, attract and retain the world's most talented researchers at Canadian universities. The program funds discovery research in a multitude of scientific and engineering disciplines, which builds a broad base of research capacity across the country.

Quick facts

• On June 26, 2014, Minister of State Holder announced a significant federal investment to support scientists, engineers, post-doctoral fellows and students at universities in Canada as they drive innovation, and ultimately economic prosperity, across the country. Of the total investment, $172 million will support researchers at universities in the province of Ontario.
• The awards celebrated today at the University of Windsor are part of the 2014 competition results for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's Discovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships, Postgraduate Scholarships and Postdoctoral Fellowships.
• The Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario) are the largest surface freshwater systems on earth and hold more than 80 percent of North America's freshwater.

Quotes

"By supporting over 3,500 researchers and students in Canada, our government is providing the right kind of help to push the frontiers of knowledge in science and engineering and ensure Canada's leadership for years to come. In so doing, we are developing, attracting and retaining the world's most talented researchers who carry out the scientific research that creates jobs and prosperity and improves the quality of life of Canadians."

– The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)

"The NSERC Discovery Grants Program is one of Canada's largest sources of funding for basic research. Our government's investment in the University of Windsor will help create the knowledge and the highly skilled workforce required for a more prosperous economy."

– Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex

"Our support for researchers and students through Discovery Grants and scholarships is laying the foundation for Canada's future prosperity and continued quality of life. The highly competitive funding for discovery research raises the bar for science and engineering excellence in Canada and unleashes the creative potential of our researchers. Building on this dynamic research environment, NSERC's scholarships and fellowships are attracting and cultivating new talent with the skills necessary for the growth of our knowledge-based economy."

– Janet Walden, Chief Operating Officer, NSERC

"I want to congratulate all the recipients of NSERC Discovery Grants and to thank Minister of State Holder and MP Watson for being here. Research and the knowledge it inspires are vital to understanding the world around us and to uncovering ideas and innovations that address matters related to health, the environment, sustainability and more. I thank NSERC for its ongoing support."

– Dr. Alan Wildeman, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Windsor

"This NSERC Discovery funding, along with the NSERC Northern Research Supplement I received, will allow my research team to study the mechanisms and processes that shape the aquatic ecosystems of the Great Lakes and Arctic. Ultimately this research will contribute to protecting the valuable ecosystem services they provide, ensuring Canadians continue to enjoy and benefit from our vast aquatic resources."

– Dr. Aaron Fisk, Canada Research Chair in Trophic Ecology and Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor