MP Kerr Highlights Support for Four Science and Engineering Researchers and Students at Acadia University

WOLFVILLE, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - July 31, 2014) - Industry Canada

Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today highlighted the funding that scientists, engineers and students at Acadia University received through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Nearly $280,000 will go to four researchers and trainees at Acadia University, including Dr. Nelson J. O'Driscoll, who is receiving $45,653 to update equipment used to provide state-of-the-art analysis of mercury contaminants in air, water, soils and organisms. His research focuses on methylmercury, the most dangerous form of the element, which is absorbed by plants and animals and passed along the food chain.

Dr. O'Driscoll's research to understand why some ecosystems are susceptible to mercury will lead to better protection and preventative measures to ensure the health and well-being of Canadians and protect our environment.

Quick facts

- On June 26, 2014, Minister of State Holder announced a significant federal investment to support scientists, engineers, post-doctoral fellows and students at universities in Canada as they drive innovation, and ultimately economic prosperity, across the country. Of the total investment, $11.5 million will support researchers at universities in the province of Nova Scotia.

- The awards highlighted today at Acadia University are part of the 2014 competition results for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's Discovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships, Postgraduate Scholarships and Postdoctoral Fellowships.

- The NSERC Discovery Grants Program is an integral component of the government's efforts to develop, attract and retain the world's most talented researchers at Canadian universities. The program funds discovery research in a multitude of scientific and engineering disciplines, which builds a broad base of research capacity across the country.

Quotes

"The NSERC Discovery Grants Program is one of Canada's largest sources of funding for basic research. Our government's investment in Acadia University will lead to new discoveries in water and wetlands management that will help protect and improve the quality of life of Nova Scotians and all Canadians."

- Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova

"By supporting over 3,500 researchers and students in Canada, our government is strengthening Canada's leadership in discovery research around the world. In so doing, we are developing, attracting and retaining the world's most talented researchers who carry out the scientific research that creates jobs and prosperity and improves the quality of life of Canadians."

- The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)

"Our support for researchers and students through Discovery Grants and scholarships is laying the foundation for Canada's future prosperity and continued quality of life. The highly competitive funding for discovery research raises the bar for science and engineering excellence in Canada and unleashes the creative potential of our researchers. Building on this dynamic research environment, NSERC's scholarships and fellowships are attracting and cultivating new talent with the skills necessary for the growth of our knowledge-based economy."

- Janet Walden, Chief Operating Officer, NSERC

"Acadia is fortunate to have a significant number of faculty members, across several academic disciplines, who are conducting research that will have both local and global implications. Through funding support from NSERC and other granting agencies, and the work of Dr. O'Driscoll and his colleagues, Acadia is able to tackle some of the planet's most persistent problems while teaching undergraduate and graduate students the powers of inquiry and curiosity that will prepare them for the future."

- Ray Ivany, President and Vice-Chancellor, Acadia University

Associated links

- Acadia University

- Dr. Nelson J. O'Driscoll

- Discovery Grants

- Scholarships and fellowships

- List of recipients

- World of Discoveries page on NSERC site

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