Six researches from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) will receive a total of $6.6 million federal funding via the Canada Research Chair (CRC) program to develop efficient solar cells, explore resistant bacteria and discover the causes of multiple sclerosis.
In addition, the scientists are utilizing the Canadian Light Source synchrotron for developing new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, medical imaging techniques, and advanced electronic materials.
Two existing CRCs from U of S have also been renewed in the funding round to continue their research and synchrotron-based medical X-ray imaging and exercises for elderly persons.
U of S Vice-President Research Karen Chad, stated that the research work of the Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) will help solve problems associated with public health and will also help produce clean power for the future. Tsier 1 chairs will receive an annual funding of $200,000 for seven years and Tier 2 chairs will be offered $100,000 for five years.
The new U of S CRCs are Bogdan Popescu, an assistant professor of cell biology and anatomy, Alexander Moewes, engineering physics professor; Timothy Kelly, assistant professor of chemistry; and Mirek Cygler, biochemistry professor. Two existing renewed chairs are Dean Chapman, anatomy and cell biology professor and Lawrence Brawley, kinesiology professor. U of S now has 29 CRCs with this latest announcement. The federal program intends to encourage and retain major researchers around the world.