NAIT research projects receive $3.65M in funding from NSERC

Published on June 11, 2020

EDMONTON – Three NAIT research projects have received a combined $3.65 million in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The grants, from NSERC’s Colleges and Community Innovation program, will be used to further research in the following areas:

1. NAIT’s Centre for Oil Sands Sustainability received $1.75 million for a new technology access centre that will allow researchers to work closely with industry and develop new technologies to address oil sands tailings, water treatment, bitumen extraction and analysis. This includes the development of large-scale piloting facilities.

2. NAIT’s Centre for Boreal Research received $1 million over five years for the renewal of the NSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Boreal Reclamation and Reforestation. This will further the polytechnic’s applied research in boreal forest reclamation on former industrial sites.

3. NAIT’s Applied Bio/Nanotechnology Research Chair received $900,000 to help companies develop new technologies designed to reduce and reuse residual materials, by adding value to byproducts leftover from industry.

QUOTES

“This funding will allow us to act as an innovation hub for enterprises of all sizes to commercialize technology intended for the oil sands sector, allowing the sharing of knowledge and discoveries that build connections with industry and help drive the innovation ecosystem.” 

—Andrea Sedgwick, Ledcor Applied Research Chair in Oil Sands Sustainability

“This program will continue to address important questions across multiple natural resource sectors to find creative approaches for enhancing the restoration of forest ecosystems. It will also reduce the risks and costs of reclaiming forested lands and help develop more productive forests on a shrinking forest land base.”

—Dr. Amanda Schoonmaker, NSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Boreal Reclamation and Reforestation

“Developing new technologies that add value to residual materials and by-products is a critical priority for helping industry balance economic, social and environmental needs in the pursuit of sustainable development that benefits all Canadians.”

—Dr. Paolo Mussone, Applied Bio/Nanotechnology Research Chair

About NAIT

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With over 34,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads help fuel the economic engine of the province. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping businesses and communities become more competitive through industry-driven research and corporate training. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, industry partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.

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