Media Release - For Immediate Release

November 17 2010

NSRIT Invests in Saint Mary's

HALIFAX, N.S. – A new investment in university research infrastructure projects will bring significant economic and social benefits to Nova Scotians, and allow Saint Mary's researchers establish a genetic profiling and analysis facility, which will have applications in criminal justice and wildlife protection.

The $36.4 million in funding [from NSRIT and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), along with other partner contributions] will benefit Saint Mary’s University, as well as Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, and Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

According to Saint Mary's researcher Tim Frasier, “This centre will benefit Nova Scotia in many ways. Specifically, it will train highly qualified researchers, eliminate the need to outsource genetic analysis to labs, which will in turn provide numerous employment opportunities within the province.”

Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT) supports research infrastructure in Nova Scotia by matching national funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI). NSRIT benefits researchers in areas such as health, environment and technology. Since 2001, NSRIT -- through the Province of Nova Scotia -- has awarded almost $60 million to more than 300 projects at Nova Scotia research beneficiary institutions, dramatically leveraging opportunities for innovation and direct economic benefits to the people of Nova Scotia and beyond.

-30-

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 Tuesday, 11-Jan-2011 11:52:07 AST