The following is being distributed at the request of the Research & Development Corporation:
Academic-Led Research at Memorial University Receives $3.7 Million Investment
The Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) is investing $3.7 million in Memorial University to support 34 academic-led research projects aimed at solving technical challenges and closing knowledge gaps. The research is being conducted in a range of areas, including natural resource industries, manufacturing and health and life sciences. These projects have secured additional investments totalling $6.3 million through federal funding, private sector investment and other sources. Full project details were announced today the Bruneau Centre at Memorial University in St. John’s and can be found in the backgrounder below.
“Investment in academic research provides the groundwork to enhance opportunities here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for RDC. “Memorial University has consistently been a strong contributor to new knowledge and innovation. Investments like this can lead directly to long term economic benefits to the province.”
Researchers from Memorial’s Fisheries and Marine Institute, Grenfell Campus and St. John’s campus received support for their projects. On the St. John’s campus, the research is taking place within the Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Faculty of Science.
“Research drives innovation, which drives a strong knowledge- and technology-based economy,” said Glenn Janes, CEO, RDC. “By investing in highly-qualified researchers at Memorial University and focusing on research that is relevant to the province, we are building a foundation for future economic prosperity. The resulting R&D capacity will position Newfoundland and Labrador to leverage other funding sources and foster business-academic collaboration.”
Funding is distributed through four of RDC’s academic programs, designed to strengthen institutional R&D capacity through supporting business-academic collaboration, providing funding for new researchers and by leveraging against other funding sources.
“The Research and Development Corporation is one of Memorial’s strongest allies,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President and Vice-Chancellor, Memorial University. “Its support for our researchers and students fosters the creation of new knowledge that helps Memorial continue to serve the public good in our communities and beyond.”
Collaborative funding partners for these projects include Bombardier Inc., Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Canada Research Chairs, Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd., Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, the College of the North Atlantic, Ocean Choice International, Dalhousie University, Université Laval, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, NL Geological Survey, Silver Spruce Resources Inc., and others.
The Research & Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador’s research and development performance. RDC works with research and development stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments to make strategic research and development related investments in people, research opportunities and infrastructure. For more information about RDC, go to www.rdc.org
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Media contacts:
Heather Maclean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Chris Flanagan Director, Marketing & Communications Research & Development Corporation 709-758-1021, 709-691-1009 chrisflanagan@rdc.org |
Meaghan Whelan Communications Coordinator Office of the Vice-President (Research) Memorial University of Newfoundland 709-864-4073, 709-687-9243 mcwhelan@mun.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Research Projects Supported through the Research & Development
Corporation’s
Academic Programs
A total of $3,710,499 is being invested in the following 34 research projects at Memorial University. Funding is received through four of RDC’s academic programs: CollaborativeR&D, GeoEXPLORE Collaborative Research Projects, LeverageR&D and IgniteR&D, and is complemented by an additional investment of $6,346,798 from additional sources including private sector and federal funding.
CollaborativeR&D
CollaborativeR&D increases research and development (R&D) partnerships and collaboration between academia and industry in areas relevant to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.
Characterization and development of novel materials and coatings for
aircraft materials integrity in harsh environments, Dr. Amy Hsiao, Faculty
of Engineering and Applied Science
This project addresses materials challenges encountered by amphibious
aircrafts operating in coastal-to-northern harsh environments, such as those
experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador. This study investigates corrosion
protection of large-scale aluminum alloys used in aircraft structures,
explores fatigue and wear mechanisms leading to corrosion, and develops the
use of novel coatings to optimize lifetime materials integrity. The
anticipated outcomes will contribute to best practices in corrosion
monitoring, materials testing, and structural marine operations. These
technical concerns are shared by multinational companies such as Bombardier.
RDC investment: $300,000. Leveraged investment: $300,000 from Bombardier.
GeoEXPLORE Collaborative Research Projects
GeoEXPLORE is a three-year directed research program intended to enhance
geoscience research and development (R&D) capacity, collaboration and
industry innovation in support of mineral and petroleum exploration and
development in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Regional assessment and modelling of epithermal & porphyry-style gold
mineralization on the Burin Peninsula, Dr. Graham Layne, Department of Earth
Sciences, Faculty of Science
This research aims to enhance and accelerate current exploration efforts for
gold and silver on the Burin Peninsula, and throughout the Avalon Geological
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The project will involve geological
mapping and sampling of select transects through known occurrences of
mineralization, as well as detailed assessment of drill core and trench
samples from ongoing exploration efforts. The resulting data will help
mineral industry exploration managers make informed decisions, which have
the potential to better target exploration and thus increase the chances of
discovering mineable precious metals deposits in this district. These
efforts will include the assessment of geochemistry and geochronology of the
host rocks and mineralized systems using advanced instrumentation at
Memorial University.
RDC investment: $98,910 with additional contributions from NL Geological
Survey, and mineral industry stakeholders, TerraX Minerals Inc. and Silver
Spruce Resources Inc.
LeverageR&D
LeverageR&D attracts public funding for academic-led research and development (R&D) in areas relevant to both industry and the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.
Development of a crustacean biology laboratory, Dr. Iain McGaw, Ocean
Sciences Centre, Faculty of Science
New infrastructure will allow for continued research in the area of
crustacean responses to environmental change, and the effects of aquaculture
operations on the behaviour and distribution of lobsters. This investment
will enable benefits such as training more students, raising the profile of
the Ocean Sciences Centre and Memorial University and gathering data for
publication and for the benefit of the fisheries and aquaculture industry in
the province. The long term research goals are to take a more holistic
approach to physiology, investigating the links between behaviour and
physiology and how these reactions are modulated by environmental conditions
in both the lab and the field.
RDC investment: $121,845. Leveraged investment: $97,475 from the Canada
Foundation for Innovation (CFI), and $24,369 from other sources.
Impact of agricultural drainage and climate change on greenhouse gas
emissions from northern peatlands, Dr. Jianghua Wu, Grenfell Campus
This project will leverage the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF) with the objective of acquiring incremental
equipment for Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, to research greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions and waterborne carbon flux from terrestrial ecosystems
in Western Newfoundland (NL). The equipment will measure the micro scale
ecosystem scale GHG exchanges between peatlands and the atmosphere and
organic carbon fluxes from agricultural peatlands.
RDC investment: $125,000. Leveraged investment: $100,000 from the Canada
Foundation for Innovation, Leaders Opportunity Fund (CFI, LOF) and $25,000
from other sources.
Maximizing energy efficiency - analytical fuel research for enhanced oil
recovery and second generation biofuels, Dr. Kelly Hawboldt and Dr. Lesley
James, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and Dr. Robert Helleur,
Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science
This project involves acquiring new equipment to be used in the upcoming
Hibernia Enhanced Oil Recovery Lab and in the Thermal Biomass Conversion
Lab. This instrumentation will not only support research in advanced methods
of increasing the amount of crude oil extracted in the Hibernia oil field
but also research associated with the conversion of renewable feedstocks
(forestry residues, fish processing waste, and municipal waste) to biofuels.
This research places Newfoundland and Labrador at the forefront of
sustainable energy related research and acquiring the instrumentation will
increase capacity at Memorial University.
RDC investment: $148,743. Leveraged investment: $100,000 from the Canada
Foundation for Innovation, Leaders Opportunity Fund (CFI, LOF) and $44,005
from other sources.
Far-infrared spectromicroscope for assessing disorder in solids, Dr.
Kristin Poduska, Department of Physics & Physical Oceanography, Faculty of
Science
Changes to the structural arrangement of atoms can have a dramatic influence
on a material's physical properties and reactivity, and they can also
provide clues about how a material was formed. The infrared
spectromicroscope purchased with RDC and Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council (NSERC) funds will be used to track differences in
structural arrangements of atoms in a wide range of materials. The analysis
capabilities of this spectromicroscope will lead to new research and long
term benefits in applied fields such as biomaterials, geoscience, and
archaeology.
RDC investment: $110,000. Leveraged investment: $150,000 from Natural
Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Research Tools and
Instruments Grants Program (NSERC-RTI).
High performance scientific computing infrastructure for Canada Research
Chair in Glacial Dynamics Modeling, Dr. Lev Tarasov, Department of Physics
and Physical Oceanography, Faculty of Science
This high-performance scientific computing cluster will provide the
resources for Memorial University to develop significant Earth and Climate
system modeling capability. Such modeling provides a powerful window on past
and future changes in the climate system from which we can infer potential
impacts and risks to both the natural environment and society. This
data-integrated focus will offer opportunities for detailed model/data
comparisons and will strongly promote interdisciplinary research and
training at Memorial University. Results of the research will provide
guidance on long-term coastal infrastructure planning, aid mineral
prospecting, and inform fisheries management in the province.
RDC funding will leverage Canada Foundation for Innovation to provide
required high performance computing resources for the Canada Research Chair
in Glacial Dynamics Modeling at Memorial University.
RDC investment: $141,476. Leveraged investment: $100,000 from the Canada
Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and $41,476 from other sources.
Canada Research Chair in Glacial Dynamics Modeling, Dr. Lev Tarasov,
Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Faculty of Science
This research involves understanding changes in the glacial system in which
ice, climate and earth interact. This work spans the last million years of
ice age cycles and poses questions about the stability of ice sheets and
polar climate over the next 500 years. Results of this research have wide
societal relevance from mineral exploration, to long-term planning of
coastal infrastructure, to fisheries management and general environmental
policy.
RDC investment: $100,000. Leveraged investment: $500,000 from Canada
Research Chairs Program (CRC).
Commercialization of high-pressure processing for crab and other species,
Robert Verge, Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, Fisheries and Marine
Institute
The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) is developing innovative
technology that will allow for commercial production of new, high-value crab
products, as well as products from other species. The project aims to
commercialize high-pressure processing (HPP) technology, helping the crab
processing industry in Atlantic Canada improve its international
competitiveness and viability, and reduce its labour requirements. The
technology offers potential to open new markets and dramatically increase
the value of crab products. The project is being led by the CCFI in
collaboration with the Marine Institute of Memorial University, the College
of the North Atlantic and Ocean Choice International.
RDC investment: $280,000. Leveraged investment: $2,289,618 from the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, Atlantic Innovation Fund (ACOA-AIF), $188,632
from CCFI, $100,000 from Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program
(FTNOP), and $600,000 from Ocean Choice International (OCI).
Climate change impacts on carbon reservoirs in boreal ecosystems (Canada
Research Chair in Environmental Science), Dr. Susan Ziegler, Faculty of
Science, Department of Earth Sciences
Predicting changes to boreal forest ecosystems, including soil organic
carbon (SOC) stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador, is critical to the
development of strategies for coping with climate change. SOC is essential
to ecosystem function and central to global carbon cycling. Understanding
the fate of SOC in a warmer climate is also critical to understanding
feedbacks necessary for the development of climate change predictions. This
research is aimed at determining to what extent losses of boreal forest SOC
may occur with climate warming and what factors may regulate those losses.
It is anticipated that these investigations will provide flux rates and
chemical indicators useful in developing a predictive understanding of key
climate change responses in boreal forests. Results will inform provincial
forestry practices aimed at reducing potential negative interactive effects
of climate change and other disturbances to carbon stocks and forest
productivity.
RDC investment: $100,000. Leveraged investment: $433,333 from Canada
Research Chairs Program (CRC).
The following research projects were approved under the Joint Funding Agreement between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and RDC as part of the Regional Partnerships Program. Under this Agreement, RDC co-funds 50/50 on projects recommended for RPP funding by the CIHR scientific review committee.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as regulators of metabolic pathways:
A mechanistic study, Dr. Abeer Ahmed, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of
Science
People living in industrialized western countries eat up to 30 times more
Omega-6 fatty acids than Omega-3 fatty acids, resulting in increased risk of
heart attacks, strokes and cancer. This project is reporting on the
beneficial effects of optimizing the balance of these fatty acids and
establishing mechanisms by which these fatty acids regulate metabolic
pathways.
RDC investment: $22,500, Leveraged investment: $22,500 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
Analysis of the role of the p7 protein in the hepatitis C virus life
cycle, Ali Atoom, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 170 million people worldwide, causing liver
cirrhosis and cancer. This research is investigating the role of a small
protein in the virus called p7, about which little is known. The results may
help explain what this protein does and why it is so crucial to the virus.
The identification of a critical function for such a small viral protein
could present a new strategy for targeting this virus by antiviral agents.
RDC investment: $24,375. Leveraged investment: $24,375 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
Genetic and epigenetic determinants for juvenile-onset ovarian
tumourigenesis, Dr. Ann Dorward Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of
Medicine
Much of our understanding of cancer susceptibility comes from investigations
of heritable cancer syndromes. However, identification of the genetic risk
factors for cancer is challenging if the cancer is rare in the population.
Dr. Dorward’s lab is investigating the genes that contribute to spontaneous
ovarian granulosa cell tumour susceptibility in a model organism, for
translation to the human disease. The overall research goal is to better
understand genetic factors that lead to tumour susceptibility, while
exploring interventions that will prolong life, preserve fertility, and
ensure the long-term health of infants, young girls and women who develop
this subtype of ovarian cancer.
RDC investment: $179,771. Leveraged investment: $179,771 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
The role of FGF23 in fetal phosphorus metabolism, Dr. Christopher Kovacs,
Division of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine
Phosphorus is critical in the formation of the skeleton. Without phosphorus,
calcium cannot bind, and the skeleton is deformed and weak (rickets or
osteomalacia). The growth factor called FGF23 plays a critical role in
regulating phosphorus processes in adults, but nothing has been known about
whether it regulates phosphorus metabolism during fetal development. This
research examines the role of FGF23 in regulating fetal-placental phosphorus
metabolism. Once the normal role of FGF23 has been clarified, the data will
be used to identify if human disorders involving FGF23 will alter phosphorus
and skeletal metabolism before birth.
RDC investment: $176,772. Leveraged investment: $176,772 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP) and
$30,000 from other funding sources.
Discovering the neuroendocrine features of obesity with food addiction,
Daniel Wadden, Faculty of Medicine
Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the country’s highest rates of obesity,
which is associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes and
cardiovascular disease. The new concept of food addiction suggests that food
can induce an addictive process and lead to overconsumption. This research
hypothesizes that obesity caused by food addiction is a specific type of
obesity with unique hormonal features that influence appetite. This study
expects to define this subgroup (obesity with food addiction) and offer
better treatment and prevention plans.
RDC investment: $8,750. Leveraged investment: $8,750 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
PAR2-calcium signaling in vascular endothelium, John Hennessey, Faculty
of Medicine, Division of BioMedical Sciences
High blood pressure is associated with dysfunctional blood vessels, which in
turn can make some blood pressure control drugs less effective. This
research involves applying live cell imaging techniques to measure specific
cellular communication signals that affect blood vessels. The goal of the
research is to uncover new strategies to counter blood vessel dysfunction in
patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
RDC funding: $8,750. Leveraged investment: $8,750 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
Identifying intervention to increase breastfeeding duration in
Newfoundland & Labrador, Dr. Julia Temple Newhook, Faculty of Medicine
Breastfeeding rates in Newfoundland and Labrador are among the lowest in the
country and nearly 90 per cent of women who wish to breastfeed discontinue
prematurely. This project focuses on gathering detailed information on why
this occurs. The goal is to use this information to identify proven,
evidence-based interventions that may help Newfoundland and Labrador
breastfeeding women overcome difficulties so they can continue to breastfeed
for a longer period of time.
RDC investment: $22,500. Leveraged investment: $22,500 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
Mechanisms of Ras-dependent oncolysis, Dr. Kensuke Hirasawa, Division of
BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
Oncolytic viruses are engineered or naturally occurring viruses that
replicate in cancer cells, but not in normal cells. Clinical studies have
shown these viruses to be quite promising for cancer therapy. This research
will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of viral oncolysis as
well as the future development of new oncolytic viruses with improved
efficacy and safety.
RDC investment: $167,329 from RDC. Leveraged investment: $167,329 from the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Regional Partnerships Program
(CIHR,RPP).
Role of neuroinflammatory mediators in energy homeostasis, Maria Licursi,
Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
Obesity is believed to be largely due to the western-style diet suppressing
the mechanisms within the brain that control food intake. A diet rich in fat
induces inflammation of the brain and other tissues. However, it remains
unclear how brain inflammation modulates appetite control. This project
investigates how the inflammatory response in different brain areas
influences body weight and food intake control mechanisms. Improved
understanding will allow for the development of strategies that could be
applied to obesity treatments.
RDC investment: $22,500. Leveraged investment: $22,500 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
A cross-sectional and case-control analysis of physically independent and
physically dependent cohorts of octogenarians: Part one of the life after 80
study, Dr. Marshall Godwin, Division of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
The health, living situations and activity levels are wide ranging for those
over the age of 80, the fastest growing population group in Newfoundland and
Labrador. Some reach 80 having accumulated many medical problems while
others are healthy, active and alert. This project will identify the
differences between these groups, including life circumstances and
experiences, to help improve our understanding of health outcomes and the
needs of the aged.
RDC investment: $89,653. Leveraged investment: $89,653 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
Identification of novel copy number variants (CNVs) using a custom
genome-wide microarray chip for diagnosis of familial spondyloarthritis, Dr.
Proton Rahman and Dr. Darren O’Rielly, Faculty of Medicine
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) represents a collection of chronic inflammatory
conditions primarily affecting the spine and peripheral joints. It also
exhibits extra-articular features particularly psoriasis, inflammatory bowel
disease and uveitis. SpA constitutes a major health challenge because of its
prevalence in Canada (affecting 400,000 Canadians), its propensity to affect
young adults, and the necessity for lifelong medical management. Despite a
high heritability for SpA, only a fraction of the entire disease
heritability is explained. This research is expected to help identify the
missing heritability in SpA families and lead to better diagnostic tools for
these diseases.
RDC investment: $146,389. Leveraged investment: $146,389 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
Improving cholesterol efflux by targeted disruption of hepatic lipase
interactions with the cell surface, Dr. Robert Brown and Dr. Valerie Booth,
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science
The blockage of blood vessels is one of the major causes of heart disease,
the leading cause of death in the Western world. Existing medications are
designed to reduce bad cholesterol and other bad fats in the blood. However,
medications are also needed to promote the removal of the cholesterol and
bad fats from the vessel walls by good cholesterol (or HDL), and the removal
of these fats from the body. This project studies an enzyme with the
potential to create more HDL in the blood, and how to modulate the enzyme
through the use of engineered molecules. The results of this study may yield
a new beneficial treatment against the initiation of blockages in blood
vessels.
RDC investment: $68,073. Leveraged investment: $68,073 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
Mechanisms of molecular regulation of pre-adipocyte differentiation by
CD24, Dr. Sherri Lynn Christian, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of
Science
Weight loss in obese individuals can be very difficult to achieve and/or
maintain by lifestyle changes alone. Conversely, treatments for fat-wasting
conditions, including lipodystrophia and cancer-associated cachexia, have
had limited success. Therefore, development of targeted therapies is
essential to address both the excess and lack of fat tissue. This project
investigates how the development of precursor cells to mature fat cells is
controlled. The long-term goal is to develop non-invasive, and potentially
long-lasting therapies that could reduce the amount of fat tissue in obese
individuals. This research may help to design drugs for maintenance of a
healthy amount of fat.
RDC investment: $79,438. Leveraged investment: $79,438 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
NMR structural studies of surfactant protein B, Drs. Valerie Booth,
Department of Biochemistry, and Michael Morrow, Department of Physics and
Physical Oceanography, Faculty of Science
This project investigates the structure of the protein SP-B, a lung protein
essential for life. This knowledge will be used to improve treatments for
common and frequently fatal health conditions such as Acute Respiratory
Distress Syndrome, and also may be useful in developing systems for general
drug delivery through the lungs. The research will generate better knowledge
on the structure of SP-B and how it can improve the treatment of Acute
Respiratory Distress Syndrome and general drug delivery through the lungs.
RDC investment: $173,090. Leveraged investment: $173,090 from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnerships Program (CIHR,RPP).
IgniteR&D
IgniteR&D attracts highly-qualified academic researchers and builds new research and development (R&D) capacity in areas relevant to both industry and the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.
Assessment of human exposure to flame retardants using size-resolved
particle sampling, Dr. Cora Young, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of
Science
Flame retardant chemicals are added to many household products, such as
furniture and electronics, to reduce the risk of fire, but can have negative
effects on the environment and human health. Inhalation of atmospheric
particles in various locations has been linked to human exposure of these
chemicals. This research examines concentrations of flame retardants in
indoor and outdoor particles in Newfoundland, which will lead to an improved
understanding of human exposure to flame retardant chemicals.
RDC investment: $99,500, $5,000 from other sources.
Impact of insulin therapy on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with
Type 2 diabetes, Dr. John-Michael Gamble, School of Pharmacy
Exposure to high levels of insulin is known to have adverse physiological
effects including vascular dysfunction, weight gain, fluid retention, and
exacerbation of hypertension. Previous research investigating the
cardiovascular effects of insulin has been limited, resulting in the
widespread use of anti-diabetic agents that have uncertain cardiovascular
effects. This research will provide some of the highest levels of evidence
in Canada on the relationship between the use of insulin to treat patients
with type 2 diabetes and the risk for heart attacks or stroke. The research
will also provide information on the safety and effectiveness of insulin use
for patients with diabetes and heart failure.
RDC investment: $100,000.
Modelling and behaviour of a flexible subsea structure and associated
risk, Dr. Ayhan Akinturk, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
The tragic Deep Water Horizon event in 2010 identified a need for faster
deployment of containment systems, increased effectiveness of the
containment equipment in rough weather, and increased availability of
storage capacity (such as barges and tankers) for recovered oil. An
alternative approach to solve these challenges is to use a large, flexible
membrane structure that would provide a more cost-effective, easy-to-deploy
and reliable solution. Before such flexible structures can be implemented,
their performance must be predictable. The objective of this research is to
develop tools to simulate the behaviour of a flexible structure and develop
a risk model for flexible structures under different environmental and
operational conditions.
RDC investment: $100,000.
Study of boreal vegetation responses to support economic competitiveness
of the forest and agriculture sector, Dr. Dmitry Sveshnikov, Grenfell Campus
Global climate changes affect vegetation dynamics and therefore interfere
with recovery of natural resources after natural and anthropogenic
disturbances. This research is studying the responses of Newfoundland and
Labrador vegetation to such disturbances, identifying the underlying
physiological and molecular mechanisms, and observing the ecological
consequences. Findings from this research will enforce the current climate
change research programs run by forestry, agriculture and academic sectors
in the province, aid in decision-making regarding sustainable resource
management, and contribute to current undergraduate programs at Grenfell
Campus by exposing students to contemporary field and laboratory research in
environmental science and biology.
RDC investment: $99,976.
Multiphase flow and heat transfer in offshore energy applications, Dr.
Greg Naterer, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
A safety challenge in offshore oil and gas operations involves the
uncontrolled formation of hydrates. Hydrates are ice-like crystals that can
form in subsea pipelines. They affect flow patterns and may lead to flow
blockage in a pipeline. This research will develop new methods to better
understand and control fluid and heat transfer processes in multiphase flows
involving oil, gas, sand and water mixtures for the purpose of improved
pipeline safety. Research will be performed on the conditions of pressure,
temperature and composition to better predict how hydrates form and grow in
cracks and unsmooth surfaces of multiphase subsea pipelines. This research
will lead to better control, safety, prediction and understanding of
multiphase flows in Newfoundland and Labrador offshore energy applications.
RDC investment: $100,000.
System of multisource data fusion for operational ice monitoring, Dr.
Igor Zakharov, C-CORE
C-CORE, an independent not-for-profit R&D corporation housed at Memorial
University, is developing a prototype system for combining ice-monitoring
data from multiple sources. This system, to be demonstrated through
monitoring in the Labrador Sea or other Arctic/sub-Arctic areas, will help
address the ice charting needs of the energy sector and allow C-CORE to
offer enhanced services to existing and prospective clients.
RDC investment: $100,000.
Newfoundland and Labrador fishery resource dynamics impacted by changing
ocean conditions, Dr. Jonathan Fisher, Fisheries and Marine Institute
The influence of ocean conditions and species interaction on Newfoundland
and Labrador marine resources has implications for the composition and
economic value of the province’s fisheries. Considering recent changes in
ocean conditions surrounding much of Newfoundland and Labrador, processors
and harvesters have questioned the effects this could have on cold-and
warmer-water fishery resources. This research addresses these issues by
increasing research capacity within the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems
Research (CFER) and focusing on quantifying potential indicators of
ecosystem change and dynamics of species in a changing ecosystem. This
project is expected to provide new insights linking physical drivers and
biological responses, and assist with fisheries management.
RDC investment: $100,000.
Quantifying maximum sustainable yield (MSY) reference points when
productivity varies, and marine stewardship, Dr. Noel Cadigan, Centre for
Fisheries Ecosystems Research, Fisheries and Marine Institute
The International Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a major organization
involved in setting standards for sustainable fishing practices and
certifying responsibly harvested products. As the market is moving towards
sustainability, MSC certified fish can result in improved market access,
improved prices for harvesters, and more profitable fisheries in the short
and long term. This project focuses on the maximum sustainable yield (MSY)
of Newfoundland and Labrador cod stocks, while taking into account changes
in the province’s marine ecosystem. The research aims to provide realistic
targets for fisheries management, and to assist with MSC certification. This
project will involve collaboration of experts from the Marine Institute and
Memorial University, Dalhousie University, Université Laval, and Fisheries
and Oceans Canada.
RDC investment: $100,000.
Development of a novel risk-based alarm system, Dr. Salim Ahmed, Faculty
of Engineering & Applied Science
Industrial operations such as power plants, mining operations, refineries,
gas pipelines, and nuclear reactors are inundated with false alarms.
Operators must acknowledge hundreds or even thousands of alarms, which are
often sounded or displayed simultaneously. This project seeks to reduce the
number of false alarms by developing a risk-based system in which individual
variables should not be alarmed; instead, alarms will be assigned to
indicate specific events. The outcome of this project will use a risk-based
approach to help provide industrial plants and their operators with a
well-designed alarm system that can provide more effective, accurate and
actionable warnings of abnormal situations.
RDC investment: $95,459.
Rebuilding Newfoundland groundfish stocks in a changing environment, Dr.
Sherrylynn Rowe, Centre for Fisheries Ecosystem Research, Fisheries and
Marine Institute
The objective of the research is to quantify the behaviour and life history
of groundfish species off Newfoundland and Labrador to improve understanding
of the impact of human and environmental factors on fish population growth
rates and sustainable levels of commercial harvest. Funding will allow
acquisition of equipment essential to present and future research
objectives, as well as provide support for students and their specific
research projects during the next two years. Elements of this research will
examine incidence and impacts of the economically damaging parasitic
sealworm in Atlantic cod and abundance and life history of haddock with a
view to fishery development in Newfoundland waters.
RDC investment: $99,700 and $28,000 from other sources.
2013 09 30 10:15 a.m.