Six Queen’s University research projects – ranging from searching the galaxies for dark matter to assessing bridge strength and durability – have received $8.6 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

“CFI funding provides the resources to sustain world-class research and to provide the tools to pave the way for new and innovative initiatives in key areas of research at Queen’s. Our success in this recent competition is important recognition of the high quality of Queen’s research in many fields,” says Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research). “Queen’s continues to distinguish itself as one of the most research-intensive institutions in Canada, with a focus on excellence, research leadership and impact at a national and international level.”

The following researchers received funding:

• Douglas Munoz (Biomedical and Molecular Sciences): $1.76 million to develop new assessment tools for evaluating brain function and dysfunction.
• Wolfgang Rau (Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy): $1.7 million for SuperCDMS at the SNOLAB facility in Sudbury. SuperCDMS aims at detecting dark matter to help solve the long-standing question of what this mysterious substance, which makes up 80 per cent of the matter in the universe, consists of. 
• Amir Fam (Civil Engineering): $1.4 million for a simulator to help assess the strength and durability of bridges.
• Arthur McDonald (Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy): $1.3 million to search the galaxies for dark matter and double beta decay.
• Ian Moore (Civil Engineering): $1.2 million to study deterioration and long-term performance of buried infrastructure.
• Stephen Vanner (Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit): $1.2 million for the study and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

“Research and innovation is a forceful driver of growth in our communities,” says Gilles G. Patry, CFI president and CEO. “Today’s funding will allow a talented group of researchers and students to create the solutions, products and ideas Canada needs to prosper.”

CFI invests in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in Canada’s universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions. More information