Supporting Innovation

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has announced it has awarded $1,072,471 to McGill University under its Leaders of Opportunity Fund (LOF). The awards will go to support seven research projects in such diverse areas as climate observation simulation, ocean biogeochemistry, the production of renewable biomass, as well as green chemistry and pain research. The projects are led by Drs. Tomislav Friscic (Chemistry), Jaime Palter (Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences), Reza Sharif-Naeini (Physiology), Yi Huang (Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences), Russell Hepple (Kinesiology & Physical Education), Jean-Philip Lumb (Chemistry), and Simon Reader (Biology).

The Government of Canada created the CFI in 1997 to build Canada’s capacity to undertake world-class research and technology development to benefit Canadians. The LOF is designed to help researchers acquire the infrastructure needed to carry out innovative research.

“The CFI is proud to support, through the Leaders Opportunity Fund, the tools needed by talented and well-trained individuals who will undoubtedly drive new ideas, develop original products and discover new ways to tackle issues,” said Dr. Gilles G. Patry, president and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. “Investing in people, providing them with the research infrastructure they need, and creating opportunities to collaborate across boundaries are all critical factors to fostering an innovative society.”

CFI’s support is crucial to allowing our researchers to continue to innovate and explore,” said Rose Goldstein, Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations) at McGill. “We are grateful for their ongoing role in helping launch and develop research projects both at McGill and across Canada.”

Forty per cent of the total sums awarded to the researchers come from matching funds contributed by the government of Quebec’s Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, or the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux in the case of Prof. Russell Hepple.

For a complete list of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation LOF awards, please visit: http://innovation.ca/en

More news from McGill University: https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/