Sixty-eight Carleton University researchers and graduate students have been awarded funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to conduct ground-breaking science and engineering research on projects such as the origins of dark matter, eco-efficient aircraft, and the effect of gastrointestinal microbes on the brain, among others.

The funds include NSERC’s Discovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Research Tools and Instruments Grants, Postgraduate Scholarships and Doctoral Scholarships. The funding covers Carleton projects over a span of one to five years and totals $10.2 million. Faculty members and students receiving grants come from Carleton’s research-intensive Faculty of Engineering and DesignFaculty of Science and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, at an event in Hamilton, Ontario.

Science and Engineering Research Projects at a Glance:

  • Mark Boulay, associate professor in the Department of Physics, will receive $960,000 over one year to study the origin of the dark matter in our universe using the DEAP-3600 dark matter detector at SNOLAB in Sudbury, Ont.
  • Marie-Claude Audet, adjunct professor in the Department of Neuroscience, has received more than $120,000 over five years to investigate whether microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, commonly known as gut microbes, can activate inflammation in the brain when exposed to stressors.
  • Mostafa El Sayed, assistant professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, has received $110,000 over five years to pursue the structural development of an eco-efficient commercial aircraft.

Quotes:

“Carleton University’s world-class researchers are doing important work on some of the most pressing questions of our time. NSERC’s phenomenal support in this funding round will help them continue to pursue the answers to these questions while solidifying the university’s position as a leading research institution.” – Nimal Rajapakse, vice-president (Research and International)

“Today’s investment will allow many of Canada’s scientists and engineers to explore the frontiers of knowledge where they can make exciting new discoveries. Our government is committed to investing in these future research leaders and in the cutting-edge ideas that will lead Canada to social and economic growth for a better tomorrow.” – The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

About Research at Carleton University:

Carleton University is a dynamic, interdisciplinary research-intensive institution with a creative international approach to research that has led to many significant discoveries and creative works in science and engineering, business, public policy and the arts. Home to many award-winning researchers, Carleton is uniquely committed to discovery, knowledge, and understanding of the world around us.

About NSERC:

NSERC is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports some 30,000 post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 12,000 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging about 2,000 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.

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