BU research bolstered by funding from federal agencies

All areas of Brandon University (BU) research will benefit from significant federal funding announced on Wednesday.

The announcement includes the renewal of two Canada Research Chair (CRC) positions, bringing BU $1 million in research support over five years. Additionally, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), will provide $101,279 in infrastructure support to the work of the CRC holders.

BU will also receive a grant of $563,948 this year through the Research Support Fund to pay the indirect costs of research activities across the University.

Dr. Sarah Plosker will receive $500,000 in funding for a renewed five-year term as the Canada Research Chair in Quantum Information Theory and an additional $75,000 in CFI JELF funding. Dr. Rachel Herron has been renewed for a five-year term as the Canada Research Chair in Rural and Remote Mental Health. She will also receive $500,000 over the term of her appointment, in addition to $26,279 in CFI JELF support.

The ability to harness the power of quantum science has great societal benefits. The development of extremely powerful quantum computers brings the potential to boost cyber and data security, accelerate drug discovery, expedite financial transactions and improve machine learning applications, such as facial recognition, mobile voice-to-text and product recommendations. Before these benefits can be fully realized, scientists need to address hardware issues associated with quantum computers. The work of Dr. Plosker involves quantum state transfer, or the ability to reliably transmit information from one part of a quantum computer to another part.

“The development of quantum technology will transform the world as we know it, impacting all major sectors of the economy as well as everyday human life,” Dr. Plosker said. “Support from the Canada Research Chairs Program and the CFI allow me to take my research in new directions, exploring different approaches to quantum science that will contribute to a bright future for this emerging industry in Canada.”

Dr. Herron’s work recognizes the challenges and opportunities of supporting good mental health in rural communities. Through research undertaken in her Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health at BU, she has been able to mentor exceptional students and work with partners across the country to identify issues and develop systematic changes that will improve quality of life in rural places. The Centre’s extensive local impact includes facilitating the Mental Health on the Prairies Conference, which will take place from April 24 to 28 this year, bringing together a wide range of experts and community groups for a conversation about supporting good mental health.

“Where people live and the resources around them have a profound impact on their mental health. People living in rural places face long-standing challenges accessing valued and relevant resources to promote their mental health within their communities,” Dr. Herron said. “Yet, rural people and communities can work together to develop resources they value to improve mental health. This funding helps us identify ways to make these resources more accessible in our own region and in other rural areas across Canada, while giving a voice to people who are too often unheard.”

As Canada’s Finest Regional University, BU has robust and growing research programs that produce knowledge that is vital to the local community, across Canada and around the world. In addition to Drs. Herron and Plosker, BU has two more active chairholders in the CRC Program: Dr. Jonathan Allan, CRC in Men and Masculinities; and Dr. Mousumi Majumder, CRC in Genotoxicology.

“Our Canada Research Chairs are recognized, nationally and internationally, for their innovation and expertise,” said Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President (Research & Graduate Studies) at BU. “They’re part of a talented faculty who are committed to conducting world-class research on key issues, while also providing superb educational and developmental opportunities for our students. I congratulate them on their success, and I look forwarding to seeing the remarkable discoveries they make in the coming years.”

The Research Support Fund is an annual grant that contributes to the indirect costs of research, including administration such as the operation of the Office of Research Services and regulatory committees, institutional memberships in research organizations and journal subscriptions. The RSF funds research facility maintenance and upgrades as well as the publication of BU’s Research Connection periodical.

“Our Canada Research Chairs are recognized, nationally and internationally, for their innovation and expertise.”

Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President (Research & Graduate Studies)

The annual RSF allocation comes from a formula based on the value of federal Tri-Agency research grants received by the University over a three-year period. This year’s RSF grant is BU’s highest yet, highlighting the University’s growing research footprint.

“The Research Support Fund lays a key foundation that our research programs are built on,” Dr. Ardelli said. “As the scope of our researchers’ work continues to grow, it’s encouraging that the RSF continues to provide our institution with the support it needs to help them succeed.” More information about the Research Support Fund can be found at www.rsf-fsr.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx.

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