Food security, AI, health research get federal boost

Projects investigating food security, AI-driven chemistry, critical minerals, and cell interactions are among 80 new research programs across UBC Science being supported by major investments in federal research funding announced today. 

"By investing in our world-class researchers and innovators right here at home, we are helping turn Canadian discoveries into new technologies, growing companies, and good jobs," said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. 

"At a time of rapid global change we are backing Canadian talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring Canada remains a global leader in innovation, competitiveness and resilience."

The new projects are part of 199 new programs led by UBC researchers awarded more than $47 million through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Research Program competition. In total, Faculty of Science researchers were awarded $20 million in funding.

The Discovery Grants program supports ongoing research with long-term goals, and recognize the creativity and innovation that are at the heart of all research advances. The UBC Science-led research projects include:

Coralie Salesse-Smith (Botany)
Understanding how to optimize photosynthesis to engineer climate-resilient crops

Jason Hein (Chemistry)
Autonomous process chemistry to support Canadian manufacturing

Yichen Chen (Computer Science)
AI-enhanced physics simulation

Lee Groat (Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences)
Genetic models and exploration criteria for pegmatite and gem deposits

Villy Christensen (Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries)
Evaluating impact of climate change for the global ocean

Kai Chan (Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability)
Effects of ecological food subsidies on ecosystem services and health

Leah Edelstein-Keshet (Mathematics)
Modeling and simulating the regulation of cell motility and cell-cell interactions

Thea Whitman (Microbiology and Immunology)
Uncovering the belowground effects of fire on microbes and carbon cycling

Xin Li (Michael Smith Laboratories)
A fluorescence microscope for observing fungal pathogens

Brett Gladman (Physics and Astronomy)
Exploring the murky outer Solar System

Charles Margossian (Statistics)
Statistical algorithms for the next generation of probabilistic programming languages

Kendall Langton Calhoun (Zoology)
Influence of novel disturbance regimes on animal communities and conservation outcomes

Read the NSERC announcement.

For details on university-wide funding, visit the UBC Research and Innovation website.