Some UM researchers will study how the brain fundamentally works, and how it can heal. Many other newly funded projects will explore big ideas.
56 researchers to explore powerful ideas thanks to NSERC funding
Today, more than $506 million in funding was announced through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Discovery research programs, and 56 researchers at the University of Manitoba have been empowered to pursue ideas that will shape our future.
Some of the projects supported will explore big ideas such as: using genomics of DNA to repair the brain; the fundamental synaptic principles of brain organization and function; protecting water quality through wastewater management; the ecology of forage fish and interactions with marine predators; adaptive cognitive control, mind wandering, and the benefits of attentional disengagement; characterizing the fate of antimicrobials in manure and agricultural soils; using adaptive design for climate-resilient northern transportation infrastructure; and using Anishinaabe Mowin for aquatics management.
“Congratulations to the researchers and their teams on their success in receiving these highly competitive grants and scholarships,” says Digvir Jayas, U of M Vice-President (Research and International). “To have so many successful applicants announced today, is a testament to the research excellence at UM. These funds will ensure continued growth, and discoveries that benefit us all.”
Today’s announcement was made by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, along with the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board.
Researchers from across the country are receiving over $430 million of this funding to continue to lead world-class research programs in a wide variety of natural sciences and engineering disciplines. These include research programs focused on climate change, chemistry, biology, mathematics and statistics, computer science and artificial intelligence, and engineering.
Researchers are also receiving $73.8 million in one-time, one-year extensions with funds to their existing Discovery research grants. This investment is part of an ongoing response by NSERC to support researchers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This funding also offers Discovery Launch Supplements, an additional support to a diverse group of 529 early career researchers to help them launch their careers and bring new voices and new insights to their fields.
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.