Nova Scotians will benefit from a $4.5 million investment that will create a new research centre in applied human nutrition and chemistry at Mount Saint Vincent University.
The joint investment was announced today, Sept. 23, by Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan and Member of Parliament Darrell Samson, on behalf of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains.
“Mount students and faculty conduct research on important subjects like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, nutrition and food innovation, but they’ve been doing this work in spaces that badly need upgrading,” said Ms. Regan. “This project will make full use of existing space, and give faculty and students a modern, high-quality facility where their research can flourish, and help people in Nova Scotia and beyond. This is an example of government creating opportunities for young Nova Scotians.”
The centre will support basic and applied research on nutrition and disease. Of the $4.5 million total investment, $950,000 will come from the province, $1.5 million from the federal government, and $2.05 million from the university and other donors. The funding will be used to renovate an existing building on campus, creating modern facilities that will enhance the research capacity of Mount faculty and students.
The federal funding is allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund which helps modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improves the environmental sustainability of these facilities.
“These infrastructure investments will create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today, while also delivering sustained economic growth for years to come,” said Mr. Samson. “Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation for building Canada into a global centre for innovation.”
“Mount Saint Vincent University is home to outstanding researchers – leaders in their fields who are also wonderful mentors to new generations of scientists,” said Mount Saint Vincent University president and vice-chancellor Ramona Lumpkin. “This significant investment in research infrastructure at the Mount will provide space for important innovation and discovery, as well as student mentorship and hands-on student research opportunity. I have no doubt that the efforts to be undertaken in our new research centre will benefit generations of Canadians to come.”
Source: Release