of Memorial
University.
"With this funding, infrastructure will be improved,
laboratory quality will be enhanced, and individuals
with mobility issues will experience improved access,"
said Minister King.
"These upgrades will further modernize the university
for the benefit of students, faculty and staff, and will
contribute to Memorial University's reputation as a
world-class institution."
"This funding will allow us to undertake necessary
upgrades to our laboratories and to make other
significant infrastructure improvements, enhancing the
student experience at Memorial University," said Dr.
Loomis. "It also makes possible the acquisition of
modern equipment for advanced research in areas of
strategic interest to the university and the province,
while providing benefits to other local post-secondary
institutions."
The funding includes $7 million to upgrade some of
the many science laboratories and equipment at the St.
John's and Corner Brook campuses. Several science
laboratories will receive new fume hoods and control
devices, modern low temperature freezers, biological
storage systems, electronics and other equipment. With
this new state-of-the-art equipment for science research
and teaching, graduates in biology, chemistry, medicine
and other fields will receive the best training needed
to succeed in their professions.
As well, $457,000 is being allocated for the purchase
of a Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) system which uses
high-powered lasers to meld together particles such as
plastic, ceramic and metal for rapid product prototyping
and low-volume manufacturing for actual use. This
investment will benefit Memorial's
engineering faculty, the Institute for Ocean Technology
and the Ocean Engineering Research Centre. The SLS
machine will also strengthen the ocean technology and
engineering technology programs at the Marine Institute
and College of the North Atlantic, thereby supporting
the province's Oceans Strategy and its commitment to
enhancing research and development capabilities.
The announcement also includes a further $2 million
this fiscal year to allow Memorial to address its
deferred maintenance projects, building on the annual $4
million originally allocated in Budget 2009.
To support Memorial University's Accessibility
Projects plan, $300,000 is being invested to allow
Memorial to upgrade old elevators and provide
accessibility to Corte Real, Burton's Pond Apartments.
As well, the university will continue to upgrade
walkways, curbs, ramps and railings for persons with
disabilities.
This additional funding, together with the annual
funding for deferred maintenance, brings the total
investment in Memorial University's infrastructure this
year to $13.7 million.
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is
committed to a strong and vibrant university that has
modern facilities all members of the community can
access," said Minister King. "Government is making
significant investments to ensure Memorial's growth and
development. We want to attract the best and brightest,
and with this additional funding we are making
significant improvements to both campuses."
Since 2003, the Williams Government's annual funding
for Memorial University has grown by over 86 per cent.
Today's announcement follows recent Provincial
Government investments for a new Genetics Centre, the
expansion of the medical school and other professional
schools, and a new academic building in Corner Brook.
- 30 -
