Thirty-five research labs at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta will receive more than $8.4 million in grants through the Research Capacity Program to help researchers get the essential equipment they need to expand their work.
With a strong focus on health innovation and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and quantum science, this round of funding will support high-impact economic projects, including AI-powered health diagnostics, energy, quantum computing and wildfire management, furthering Alberta's global competitiveness in AI, advanced manufacturing and health innovation.
"Our province has a strong history of being on the leading edge of science. Programs like the Small Equipment Grant help ensure Alberta's world-class institutions and their researchers can continue to make groundbreaking discoveries, commercialize their work for the benefit of all Albertans and Canadians, and compete for talent on the world stage."
Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation
Providing Alberta researchers with the equipment they need strengthens the province's globally competitive position, and helps post-secondary institutions attract and retain top-tier talent from around the world, supporting economic diversification and technological growth in Alberta.
"Alberta's universities are at the leading edge of research and innovation, developing solutions to many of the most pressing issues we face today. Research and commercialization are essential to fostering economic growth and addressing productivity challenges, and this investment will help Alberta remain globally competitive in a rapidly changing innovation landscape."
Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education
"This investment is a catalyst for innovation at the University of Calgary. It enables our researchers to access the specialized tools they need to accelerate discovery and tackle real-world challenges. From health innovation to quantum science, this funding strengthens our ability to deliver research that drives meaningful impact for Albertans."
William Ghali, vice-president (research), University of Calgary.
The Research Capacity Program is a competitive, multi-stream funding program designed to help Alberta post-secondary institutions expand their research capacity. Its Small Equipment Grant stream covers up to 40 per cent of the costs and enables researchers to buy specialized lab equipment.
Successful applicants are selected through a rigorous, multi-disciplinary review process that assesses each proposal for its innovation, feasibility and potential for real-world impact to ensure that only the best solutions are chosen for funding.
Quick facts
- Alberta's government has invested more than $570 million into post-secondary research through the Research Capacity Program since it was established in 2000.
- More than 70 per cent (7,250 of 10,000) of the skilled professionals recruited or trained by a lab funded through the Research Capacity Program stay in Alberta.
- Funding decisions for the Research Capacity Program grants are recommended by an external Multidisciplinary Review Panel, which independently assesses proposals based on academic excellence, alignment with Alberta's priorities and potential impact.
- This process ensures impartiality, as the panel's expert peer review is independent and adheres to best practices used by leading research bodies like the Canada Foundation for Innovation and National Institutes of Health.
- The Research Capacity Program has multiple competition streams, including the College-Industry Innovation Grant, Research Infrastructure Grant and Small Equipment Grant.
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