CFI leadership grants strengthen Science research

An aquatic disease research facility at the University of Victoria will help mitigate the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture in Canada.

Three UVic Science projects receiving a total of $663, 000 in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leadership Fund, announced today as part of a federal investment of more than $52 million in new infrastructure projects at universities across Canada. These grants allow a select number of researchers from around the country to carry out ground-breaking research in world-class facilities.

The aquatic disease research facility, led by molecular biologist Caren Helbing and Canada Research Chair of Genomics and Molecular Biology Ben Koop, will receive a $398,000 grant. These funds will be used to establish a laboratory to study how—in the face of climate change and other human impacts—aquatic ecosystems can sustain fish and invertebrate species of commercial, recreational and ecological importance.

Microbiologist Lisa Reynolds will receive a $195,000 grant to study how intestinal microbes and parasites may be linked to allergies and susceptibility to infectious diseases, with the ultimate goal of revealing new pathways by which our immune system can be targeted to protect from allergies or infectious diseases.

Geoscientist Jon Husson will receive $70 000 to establish a geochemical laboratory to study the ancient carbon cycle, a line of research that will provide crucial insights into the impact that human-caused climate change will have on the future.