Centre for Host-Parasite Interactions
Funded by Le Fonds de recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT) the Centre for Host-Parasite Interactions was created to bring groups of scientists together to form new research and training synergies in areas of importance to Quebec. Researchers from McGill University, Université Laval, Université de Montréal-St Hyacinthe, Institut Armand Frappier and the Laboratoire de Santé Publique du Québec comprise the Centre. The Centre provides high-quality training in parasitology for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and will promote Quebec research and expertise nationally and internationally.
The thrust of the Centre’s research is to understand how parasites and hosts interact in order to provide basic knowledge for the design of better vaccines or drugs to control parasitic diseases and to develop new methods to improve diagnosis of infection. The two broad key aims of the Centre are to conduct leading edge research on parasitic diseases by studying the mechanisms of pathogenesis and host defense and the molecular basis of drug resistance and drug target discovery. The Centre also conducts research in a number of other areas including epidemiology and development of improved methods for diagnosis.
Green Crop Network (GCN)
The Green Crop Network (GCN) is a unique Canadian nationwide research network for sustainable greenhouse gas management in agricultural production systems. It focuses on new ways to use crops to reduce greenhouse gases, provide alternative energy sources and mitigate climate change. This network is comprised of 50 internationally respected scientists and more than 46 graduate students in 14 universities across Canada.
With support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the federal government and the Quebec provincial government, Canadian universities, and three industry partners (Syngenta Inc. Reductase Consortium, and Agribiotics Inc.), the network focuses on advancing the scientific insights and technologies needed to develop high performing crops ideally suited for the Canadian climate, that in addition:
- lessen emissions of N20 through reduced nitrogen requirements and altered root physiology;
- aid in enhancing soil carbon stocks;
- optimize yields and performance under conditions of increasing CO2 and
- increase production of plant oils suitable for biofuel production.