Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
New funding for the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Experimental Ocean Climate Change Lab (EXCEL) will support research on the impact of climate change on the environment and the promotion of resilience and sustainability for B.C.’s marine sector.
“Understanding the effects of climate change on our coast will help us better protect our fisheries and aquaculture, and the people who rely on them,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Our government supports this vital research, which will help secure fish and crustaceans as valuable food sources, boost productivity and contribute to the resilience of the province’s economy.”
As part of the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF), the Province is providing $175,000 to establish EXCEL, which will use state-of-the-art equipment to measure the effects of marine climate change on organisms. Analyzing which species of B.C.’s coastal ecosystem are most sensitive to changes in ocean conditions is crucial to identifying vulnerabilities, enhancing fisheries and protecting biodiversity.
At EXCEL, researchers will use experimental aquariums that can regulate temperature, oxygen levels and pH in a controlled environment to create scenarios for predicting marine climate change. This will allow researchers to study species abundance, geographic shifts, food web models and biodiversity change.
“The current marine heat wave and its impact on ocean ecosystems is one example of why we need research to mitigate the consequences of climate change. UVic has been a leader in climate research for three decades,” said Lisa Kalynchuk, vice-president, research and innovation, UVic. “We are grateful for this investment in the Experimental Ocean Climate Change Lab, which will creatively probe causes, impacts and solutions for these devastating, climate-linked events.”
UVic’s EXCEL is one of 27 projects spread over five B.C. public post-secondary institutions that have received a total of $6.5 million for equipment in the latest funding round from the BCKDF.
Other projects supported in 2023 by BCKDF include:
- The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) research on the capacity of stem cells to be transformed into brain cells to help research treatments for neurological disorders;
- UBC’s research on food processing at the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre to lessen food waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen B.C. agricultural industries;
- Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) study into environmentally friendly transportation options that align with the Province’s CleanBC targets;
- SFU’s molecular microbiology lab where research into bacteria could enable new antimicrobial therapies to prevent antibiotic resistance;
- University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV) Centre for High-Pressure Research, which will aim to better understand how pressure affects chemical and biochemical reactions; and
- Selkirk College’s Technology Access Centre, which will provide local companies with access to technology to help them become more innovative.
“Supporting research by investing in laboratories helps drive innovation and strengthens learning opportunities for students,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “Researching the effects of climate change on our coast is important to understand the potential impact on British Columbians, especially on those who depend on our aquaculture sector.”
The BCKDF helps grow the economy by improving B.C.’s productivity and competitiveness, which is a key objective of the StrongerBC Economic Plan. Other benefits include potential commercialization, spinoffs, patents, improved environmental management and discoveries that directly affect the health and well-being of British Columbians.
By investing in research infrastructure projects, the B.C. government is continuing to support post-secondary institutions to build toward a more innovative, sustainable and inclusive future.
Quotes:
Murray Rankin, MLA, Oak Bay-Gordon Head –
“I am so proud that the University of Victoria has retained its place in the top 1% of universities in the world, and is among the top-ranked universities in Canada. Our government will continue to do our part to fund its infrastructure through the BCKDF, to keep growing our talent pool to support our innovation economy.”
Deborah Buszard, interim president and vice-chancellor, UBC –
“The BCKDF enables UBC’s talented faculty, post-docs and students to drive research and develop solutions for society's most urgent challenges, while advancing the physical and economic well-being of British Columbians. These investments in research infrastructure reflect the breadth of research capabilities and expertise at UBC campuses. From mental health to cancer treatment, Indigenous conservation, green technologies and more, UBC’s research excellence is improving lives.”
Dugan O’Neil, vice-president, research and international, SFU –
“From developing improved medical therapies and pursuing breakthrough quantum technologies, to helping achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets and training the next generation of in-demand graduates, SFU is committed to advancing B.C.’s economic and environmental sustainability. We are grateful for the government’s support of these important projects and look forward to the exciting innovations this work will yield.”
Garry Fehr, associate vice-president, research and graduate studies, University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) –
“As the only research centre conducting this work in all of Canada, UFV is excited to offer students the opportunity to create new knowledge, and hopefully new solutions, benefiting a range of key sectors. Thanks to this funding, our new Centre for High Pressure Research strengthens UFV’s commitment of engaging learners, transforming lives and building community.”
Jason Taylor, chair, Selkirk Innovates, Selkirk College –
“This funding changes what we can do at Selkirk Innovates. The impact and opportunities for working with local industry by providing state-of-the-art tech that’s not available anywhere in the Kootenay region will go a long way towards climate-change goals. We have immediately been able to support the likes of Columbia Power and Fortis with this equipment.”
Quick Facts:
- The BCKDF, established in 1998, is the B.C. government’s primary investment in research infrastructure in the province.
- Since 2017, the BCKDF has awarded more than $210 million to nearly 460 projects.
- Funding is available for research at public post-secondary institutions, research hospitals and affiliated non-profit organizations.
- BCKDF supplies funding for qualified projects, covering up to 40% of the cost.
Learn More:
To learn more about the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/technology-innovation/bckdf
To learn more about research at the University of Victoria, visit: https://www.uvic.ca/research/index.php
To learn more about research at the University of British Columbia, visit: https://research.ubc.ca/
To learn more about research at Simon Fraser University, visit: www.sfu.ca/research
To learn more about research at the University of the Fraser Valley, visit: https://www.ufv.ca/research/research-office/centres-and-institutes/
To learn more about research at Selkirk College visit: https://selkirk.ca/about-selkirk/selkirk-innovates
A backgrounder follows.
