UBC Applied Science research and outreach receive over $12M investment
August 29, 2023
UBC Faculty of Applied Science-affiliated experts have been awarded over $12 million in provincial and federal funding from the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF), the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Research Council (SSHRC).
Together, these funds will invest in key research infrastructure, advance innovation and learning, and support research that tackles the challenges of human equity and climate change.
Forty-six engineering and nursing research projects received over $11.9 million for work that includes efforts to build community among people in prison, more resilient infrastructure, and next-generation energy storage systems.
In addition to these research investments, NSERC’s PromoScience Program is awarding $600,000 over three years to UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach, a team within UBC Applied Science that promotes science, engineering and technology to youth across British Columbia.
Educational Outreach
NSERC PromoScience
Funding for UBC Geering Up will support outreach for 3,000 Indigenous youth via workshops, events and land-based camps in B.C. communities, as well as professional development workshops for 2,000 B.C. teachers. Teacher Pro-D programming is designed to support hands-on learning and resources to create inclusive STEM learning environments.
Research
B.C. Knowledge Development Fund
Four engineering faculty members from UBC Vancouver campus and UBC Okanagan campus are receiving funding from the BCKDF in support of research with real-world implications, such as improving the material characteristics of metals for energy and transportation to help cut greenhouse gas emissions, to developing fast, low cost, optical wireless internet.
“Supporting research by investing in laboratories helps drive innovation and strengthens learning opportunities for students,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
CFI John R. Evans Leadership Fund
Ten engineering projects from across both UBC campuses received over $2.8 million from the CFI John R. Evans Leadership Fund (CFI JELF), for projects ranging from work to develop more resilient road infrastructure in Canada, to developing more resilient, sustainable high-rise buildings.
CFI JELF is designed to help institutions recruit and retain outstanding researchers, acquire the tools to enable their innovative work, and offer research support.
NSERC Grants
Thirty-seven projects led by UBC engineers across both campuses received over $7.9 million in NSERC funding through its Discovery Grants and Research Tools and Instruments programs.
A total of $7,172,400 in NSERC Discovery Grants were awarded to 32 Applied Science-affiliated projects, including work on fundamental traffic engineering parameters for micromobility devices, designing and manufacturing recycling-friendly alloys, and understanding the fate of microplastics in oceans and lakes.
Six early career researchers were awarded an additional $12,500 each in Discovery Launch Supplements, as they establish their Discovery Grant-funded research program.
NSERC Research Tools and Instruments grants totalling $670,632 were awarded to five engineering researchers for the purchase of research equipment. The grants will enable purchases such as an instrument to recapture and handle volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and to replace a multi-function tribometer.
“The people behind these explorative research programs lay the groundwork for a thriving research enterprise in Canada,” said Professor Alejandro Adem, President of NSERC. “They make the discoveries that ultimately improve our society and quality of life.”
SSHRC Insight Grant
The largest SSHRC Insight Grant among 52 UBC-led projects went to a School of Nursing arts-based initiative to support the holistic dignity of incarcerated people in Western Canada during and beyond COVID-19.
Learn about all UBC-led projects funded by BCKDF, CFI JELF, NSERC Discovery, Research Tools and Investment, NSERC PromoScience and SSHRC.
