Society Driving Research.
Research in Service of Society.
fri pROPOSAlS
In March 2024, Research Nova Scotia (RNS) invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a new initiative, Focused Research Investments (FRI). Intended to help address a gap in our current research system, FRI will provide substantial, secure, and flexible funding to research teams devoted to tackling Nova Scotia’s most pressing challenges.
The research community responded with enthusiasm. In total, 46 EOI were received from universities, colleges, health authorities, non-profits, and community organizations from across Nova Scotia. Following a detailed assessment, including in-depth discussions with the advisory panel and RNS team, 9 EOIs were invited to submit a full proposal.
| Primary Applicant(s) | Host Institution(s) + Collaborators | Proposed FRI |
| Dr. Kim Brewer | IWK Health, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Health, Cubresa Inc. | Women’s Health Imaging Research & Learning (WHIRL) Centre |
| Dr. Jill Chorney, Dr. Lori Wozney, Dr. Jenny Baechler | Dalhousie University, IWK Health, IWK Foundation, Nova Scotia Health, Cape Breton University, Maritime SPOR Support Unit, DIVERT Mental Health, Nova Scotia Integrated Service Delivery, Community Partners, Government | Unifying Networks to InnovaTE (UNITE): A Whole of System Approach for Youth Mental Health |
| Dr. Tim Webster | Nova Scotia Community College, Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, 3-D Wave, Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR), Ecology Action Centre, Pisces Ocean Research Project Management, ClimAtlantic, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM), IBM, Regional Emergency Management Offices, Government (including municipalities and scientists) | ResilieNS: New data and risk prediction for Nova Scotia’s Adaptability to Climate Change |
| Jennifer Llewellyn | Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia Community College, Cumberland Restorative Justice Society, Valley Restorative Justice, Island Community Justice Society, Tri-County Restorative Justice, Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network, Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia, Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia, Engage Nova Scotia, Sport Nova Scotia, University of Windsor, Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, Nova Scotia Health, Community Partners, Government | Restorative Communities |
| Dr. Mita Dasog, Dr. Michael Freund | Dalhousie University and The Verschuren Centre, Eastward Energy, EverWind Fuels, NRC, NetZero Atlantic | Nova Scotia’s Pathway to Green Hydrogen: Sustainable Generation and Utilization (NS-GHU) |
| Jennifer McGill | Pier Labs, Nova Scotia Department of Community Services, United Way, Dalhousie University, University of British Columbia, Community Partners, Centre for Implementation | Income Security – A pathway to Quality of Life |
| Dr. Kenneth Rockwood | Nova Scotia Health, Dalhousie University, Cape Breton University, Northwood LTC, St. Francis Xavier University, Trauma Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Community College, Mount Saint Vincent University, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia | Frailty Research to Enhance Seniors’ Health in Nova Scotia (FRESH-NS) |
| Dr. Alison Grittner | Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Island Family Health Care, Nova Scotia Health, McMaster University, University of New Brunswick, Queens University, Nova Scotia Community College, Community Partners | Homeward Bound: Enhancing Healthcare, Housing, and Social Support for Aging Rural Nova Scotians. |
| Dr. Margot Latimer, John R Sylliboy | IWK Health and Tajikeimɨk, Nova Scotia Health, Dalhousie University, Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance, Tajikeimɨk | Etuaptmu’k W’loti: Using Mi’kmaw Knowledge to Create Health and Wellness Solutions |