'World-class' Algoma University researchers awarded $900K in federal grants

Three  Algoma University researchers have been awarded more than $900,000 in funding through the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

The grants fund "visionaries, explorers and innovators who are searching for scientific and technical breakthroughs that will benefit communities," a news release said.

Mahbubul Alam, Nusrate Aziz and Isabel Molina received a total of $914,897, "reflecting not only the exceptional achievements of the Algoma University researchers but also emphasizing Algoma University’s leadership in research in the area of human and community well being," the release added.

The announcement — which touted the federal investment into “world-class researchers and projects across the country" — was made Wednesday by Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez. He was speaking on behalf of Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne and Minister of Health Mark Holland.

“We are immensely proud of the dedication and impact of our researchers, whose hard work paves the way for innovation and discovery,” said Algoma Vice-President Academic and Research, Michele Piercey-Normore. “These grants work to fund a variety of research programs led by exceptional faculty members, exploring novel and timely research questions. This latest announcement serves to underscore the exceptional quality of research conducted at Algoma University.”

The announcement ceremony also included a $193,860 grant directly to Algoma University from the federal government’s Research Support Fund. This fund will be allocated to increase the capacity of the Office of Research and Innovation at the university through the hiring of new research positions.

Background

Mahbubul Alam
Grant: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) 2023 Insight Development Grant
Project Title: Managers' Emotional Labour in Leading Employees: An Exploration of the Causes, Motives, and Outcomes
Funding: $55,092
Term: Two years

Nusrate Aziz
Grant: SSHRC 2023 Insight Development Grant
Project Title: Northern Ontario Labour Force Retention and Attraction in a Post-pandemic, Digital Economy
Funding: $72,139
Term: One year

Isabel Molina
Grant: Canada Research Chairs (CRC) 2022 Renewal
Canada Research Chair in Plant Lipid Metabolism
Funding: $500,000
Term: Released over five years
         
Grant: John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) - Funding for research infrastructure associated with CRC application
Project Title: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) System for Functional Genomics of Plant Lipid Metabolism
Funding: $93,806