CFI awards USask researchers $1.3M for new tools to advance health, environment and the economy
SASKATOON — Eight University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded $1.3 million by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for state-of-the-art equipment to support leading-edge projects in human health, food security, environmental protection, public safety and computer technology.
“This critical investment provides the cutting-edge tools our researchers need to advance a range of exciting and innovative projects that hold promise to improve the lives of Canadians,” said USask Vice-President Research Karen Chad. “These advanced tools will help our talented researchers become leaders in their fields as we work to address global challenges in areas such as food and water security.”
CFI’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) awards were announced Aug. 12 in Edmonton by federal Science and Sport Minister Kirsty Duncan, and includes the following College of Medicine recipient:
- Treating HIV: Linda Chelico, a microbiologist ($213,000) aims to develop a new therapy for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Saskatchewan’s HIV infection rate is among Canada’s highest. Chelico’s grant is for high-resolution instrumentation essential for designing and selecting new compounds that enable human enzymes to alter the genetic information of HIV, rendering the virus incapable of replication.
Read more about the recipients on the university's news site.