November 2, Halifax — Research Nova Scotia (RNS) is investing $2 million in new research projects that could drive long-term economic impact across the province.
The funding is being provided through RNS’ Ear to the Ground (E2G) program. The program was created last year to support research that contributes to direct and tangible economic outcomes in Nova Scotia. The program supports projects that respond to defined needs or emerging opportunities within key sectors and produce research outputs that can be adopted or applied to create or accelerate economic growth and productivity within the province.
“Our Ear to the Ground (E2G) program is one of the tools we use to give us a practical way to deliver on our core mission,” said Stefan Leslie, chief executive officer of RNS. “It gives us a quick, flexible way to back high-potential ideas as they emerge, helping researchers tackle immediate provincial challenges and move their work into the real world where it can make a difference.”
Funded projects include:
Nova Scotia’s Critical Mineral Potential – Donnelly Archibald, St. Francis Xavier University
The proposed research will help identify and better understand Nova Scotia’s critical mineral resources by analyzing existing and new geological data, giving industry and government better information to support mineral exploration and economic development.
RNS investment: $401,000; Total project value: $709,000.
Containerized Oyster Hatcheries for Oyster Seed Security in Nova Scotia – Rod Beresford, Cape Breton University
This project will help strengthen Nova Scotia’s oyster industry by identifying the best ways to produce healthy oyster seed locally, improving supply security and supporting industry growth as diseases continue to spread.
RNS investment: $470,000; Total project value: $768,000
Flexible Robotic Automation for Precast Construction Productivity – Janarthan Rajendran, Dalhousie University
The research will help Nova Scotia’s precast concrete manufacturers improve productivity and address labour shortages by identifying practical uses for robotics in the assembly of steel reinforcement cages used in concrete construction.
RNS investment: $152,000; Total Project Value: $430,000
Unlocking the Economic Potential of Balsam Fir Genetics for NS Christmas Tree Growers – Andrew Schofield, Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia
This project will help Nova Scotia Christmas tree growers increase production and strengthen export growth by expanding access to improved Balsam fir seedlings that are more productive, resilient, and better suited to market demand.
RNS investment: $300,000; Total project value: $1.4 million
Water RESILIENCE (Responsive Innovation and Leadership in Climate-based Water Engineering) Lab – Amina Stoddart and Graham Gagnon, Dalhousie University
This project will help Nova Scotia communities reduce water treatment costs and improve essential services by testing innovative technologies that make water systems more efficient, sustainable, and ready for future growth.
RNS investment: $425,000; Total project value: $4.5 million
Development of environmental control strategies to reduce mortality in live lobster holding systems – Michelle Theriault, Université Sainte-Anne.
This project will help protect Nova Scotia’s lobster industry by developing innovative, non-chemical technologies to prevent disease, reduce losses, and improve the quality and sustainability of live lobster exports.
RNS investment: $252,000; Total project value: $347,000
“Research plays an important role in supporting Nova Scotia’s economic growth. By putting our public investment toward research that responds to real industry needs and opportunities, we can help turn new ideas into practical solutions that strengthen key sectors of our economy,” said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education. “Our universities and researchers have the expertise to help address industry challenges, improve productivity and create more opportunities for Nova Scotians.”
Grant recipients have put forward projects which have other funding sources. Partners and end users have contributed over $6 million in additional funding.
About Research Nova Scotia
Research Nova Scotia supports, organizes, and coordinates the funding of research to increase economic growth and productivity in three priority sectors: (1) natural resources, climate change and clean energy; (2) life sciences and health sciences; and (3) construction and transportation.
Media contact:
Jeffrey Taylor
jeffrey.taylor@researchns.ca
902-233-6679