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Government of Canada makes major investment to help create world-firsts in knowledge with the Discovery Research programsMore than $500 million in funding will help foster excellence and provide an environment to train the next generation of science and engineering leaders OTTAWA, ON, June 23, 2022 /CNW/ - When diverse groups of researchers with bold ideas are supported and given the freedom to explore, they generate world-firsts in knowledge and expand the frontiers of science and engineering. They are also building the foundation for the innovation that Canada needs to drive its economy and stay globally competitive. Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, along with the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, announced an investment of more than $506 million through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC) Discovery Research programs - an investment in the world's brightest minds to increase the impact of science, technology and innovation in Canada. 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. Minister Champagne made the announcement at the University of Ottawa, which is receiving $13.3 million in new awards and one-time, one-year COVID-19 extensions with funds for researchers working in fields ranging from physics and electrical engineering to biology and molecular medicine. For example, Anne Broadbent from the University of Ottawa is receiving a Discovery Grant to create innovative and disruptive software technologies for the quantum internet, a future quantum-enabled network that unleashes new levels of security and efficiency in communications. Some other researchers from across Canada receiving Discovery Research funding include:
Quotes "Discovery is the foundation of all advancements. Through this major investment in some of Canada's most promising and innovative researchers we are supporting scientists and students to become global leaders in their field. By helping to expand the frontiers of science, we are investing in a better society and a brighter future for Canadians." "Canadian universities and institutions are at the forefront of taking us to the next levels of innovation and play a critical role in fostering discovery, curiosity and exceptional researchers. This $506 million investment in support of researchers across the country will support programs such as the NSERC Discovery research program here at the University of Ottawa. New discovery research leads to modern and diverse innovation, and today's announcement will support Canada's world-class researchers in their remarkable work." "At NSERC, we dedicate significant resources to our Discovery Research programs precisely because we cannot predict where successes will occur. We foster excellence by providing thousands of exceptional researchers at various stages in their careers with the stable foundation needed to lead thriving research programs and create unparalleled training opportunities for the next generation of scientists and engineers." "The University of Ottawa recognizes the immeasurable value of the federal government's Discovery Grant program. It not only contributes to the vitality of our research projects, but also creates a stimulating environment for the next generation. This support allows our researchers to continue on the road to excellence, relevance and impact. We can also fully achieve our goal of building a better world." Quick facts
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