Nearly $825,000 in provincial funding through the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) will allow the University of Victoria (UVic) to conduct cutting-edge research that will be applied to health and life sciences, infrastructure, remote sensing, software development and transportation.

This brings the Province’s latest round of BCKDF investments to more than $40 million for public post-secondary institutions to undertake 34 research infrastructure projects.

(flickr.com)

UVic was awarded BCKDF funding for six research projects, which include development of cement-based smart composite materials with ‘self-sealing’ properties, creation of the next generation of tools to improve software engineering training, development of new methods and technologies using satellite data to map Arctic sea ice, creation of a unique tabletop x-ray system, new cures for various types of vision loss, and studies aimed at rehabilitation and sports performance.

BCKDF investments are aimed at attracting and retaining world class research and innovation talent in British Columbia. Successful proposals have the potential to spur technology commercialization, talent development and job creation.

BCKDF funding is part of the #BCTECH Strategy, a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse knowledge-based economy. The 10-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity across the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk –

“As part of our #BCTECH Strategy, the BCKDF provides investments in research and innovation that will explore new frontiers in life sciences, rehabilitation and sport performance, and astrophysics among many other technology sectors. As one of the top three fastest private-sector job creators over the last decade, B.C.’s tech sector is driving our economy and generating desirable jobs for highly-skilled and creative British Columbians.”

Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson –

“Investments by our government in research infrastructure allows our research universities to attract talented researchers and skilled technicians as well as make make important scientific discoveries. The work being funded pays dividends in a range of new discoveries and economic growth, fostering greater environmental knowledge and improving health care treatments for British Columbians.”

University of Victoria president Jamie Cassels –

“With an international reputation as one of the best research-intensive universities in the world, the University of Victoria is pleased to have been awarded provincial government funding aimed at some of our most innovative research infrastructure projects. These investments will help UVic to attract and retain outstanding researchers and keep us at the forefront of important discoveries.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, government has invested more than $595 million in research and innovation in B.C.
• The government has leveraged an additional $1.05 billion in research funding from other sources.
• That’s more than $1.6 billion for research and innovation.

Learn More:

BCKDF: http://www.gov.bc.ca/citz/technologyandinnovation/Funding/BCKDF/

BC Technology Strategy: http://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

University of Victoria: http://www.uvic.ca/

A backgrounder follows.