Media Release - For Immediate Release

April 23 2010

CFI Awards $125,000 for for Genetic Testing Facility

A $125,000 investment by the federal government announced today will ensure researchers at Saint Mary’s University can access to the best genetic information available to develop management strategies for wildlife and endangered species.

The funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation will allow Professor Timothy Frasier to launch a $300,000 genetic testing facility that will be available for both researchers and students.

“Genetic analysis provides a powerful tool for revealing otherwise hidden information on the biology of organisms, “said Dr. Frasier. “The use of genetic analyses in the biological sciences is steadily increasing, to the point where genetics plays a prominent role in disciplines as diverse as environmental science, population studies and management, human health, forensics, and agriculture.”

Dr. Frasier’s research involves focuses on the collection of data necessary for the proper management and conservation of wildlife populations and endangered species. His findings are then used by Canadian governmental agencies to create improved management and conservation plans.

The new facility will become a regional centre of excellence for genetic profiling and analysis. It will allow students to fully integrate genetic analyses into their research projects, and give them hands-on experience in all aspects of genetic profiling and analysis.

“Increased experience with genetics and the associated technology will give students the strong genetic foundation they will need, regardless of in which discipline they ultimately decide to specialize,” said Dr. Frasier.

Without a genetic testing facility locally, researchers are often forced to outsource their genetics work, a move that increases costs and delays results. With the new centre the work can be done in a quick, cost –effective manner that also will give students get an opportunity to learn genetic analysis techniques that they wouldn't normally even see.

The proposed facility will attract new students to Saint Mary’s and in time Dr. Frasier believes the centre will need to hire and train technicians, creating jobs based on advanced technology in the sciences.

“The investments being announced today at Saint Mary’s will further enhance our country’s reputation as a destination of choice for outstanding researchers,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “They will make our universities even more competitive when it comes to attracting the best and brightest researchers from around the world.”

Megan Leslie, MP for Halifax said investment in science and technology is important as we continue to bolster research and innovation as the future of the Canadian economy.

” Halifax is a leading academic centre, and every time investment like this is made here our local economy and institutions benefit. Congratulations to everyone at SMU who made this Leaders Opportunity Fund award possible.”

The CFI announced a total of $27,871,219 in new funds to support 118 projects at 32 institutions across Canada. The investment was approved by the CFI’s Board of Directors in March 9, 2010, following a rigorous merit-review process. A total of $21,439,399 was awarded under the Leaders Opportunity Fund, which provides infrastructure support to Canadian institutions so they can attract and retain the very best of today and tomorrow’s leading researchers at a time of intense international competition for knowledge workers. The remaining $6,431,820 was awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, a complementary program that assists research institutions with the incremental operating and maintenance costs associated with new infrastructure projects.

For a complete list of the projects awarded, please visit www.innovation.ca.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure.

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For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca

This page last modified Monday, 10-Jan-2011 15:35:46 AST