Congratulations to our 2024/25 funding recipients. Thank you for helping to uncover the best solutions to Nova Scotia’s biggest challenges.
Project: Role of VIP and GLP-1 in Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes
Dr. Valerie Chappe
Dalhousie University
RNS Funding Contribution: $100,000
Total Project Value: $299,400
Funding Partners: Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Key Words: animal models of CF, drug discovery and/or delivery systems, endocrinology, Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD), prevent or treat CFRD, incretins
Project: Exploring the Use of Mismatch Negativity on EEG and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Glutamate as Prospective Markers of Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia
Dr. Kara Dempster, Dr. Derek Fisher, Dr. Phil Tibbo
Nova Scotia Health
RNS Funding Contribution: $202,465.79
Total Project Value: $202,465.79
Key Words: treatment resistant schizophrenia, first episode psychosis, glutamate, mismatch negativity, clozapine, predictors
Project: Understanding the Impacts of Whole Body Vibration Exposure on Bone Health
Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
RNS Funding Contribution: $150,000.00
Total Project Value: $160,000.00
Key Words: vibration, bone, skeleton, workplace safety, zebrafish, trades
Project: Evaluation of NON-GM camelina germplasm and seeding rates for improved plant growth, seed yield and quality of camelina in Eastern Canada
Dr. Yunfei Jiang
Eastern Canada Oilseed Development Alliance
RNS Funding Contribution: $44,325
Total Project Value: $101,873
Funding Partners: Eastern Canada Oilseed Development Alliance
Key Words: camelina, diversifying cropping systems, climate change, oilseed crop, crop resilience, bioeconomy
Project: Development of a biocontrol and integrated pest management strategy for invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Dr. Neil Kirk Hillier
Acadia University
RNS Funding Contribution: $502,000
Funding Partners: Nova Scotia Forestry Innovation Transition Trust (FITT)
Key Words: biological control, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, phenology, Integrated Pest Management, Laricobius, Leucotaraxis
Project: fNIRS-based cerebrovascular reactivity measurements: Improved tracking of brain health
Dr. Erin Mazerolle
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
RNS Funding Contribution: $263,288
Total Project Value: $314,288
Key Words: functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), cerebrovascular reactivity, concussion, brain imaging, reliability, functional brain mapping
Project: Creation of Community Interest Company for the CIRCLES NS Project
Mr. Bernard Miller
Restorative Change Lab, C.I.C.
RNS Funding Contribution: $2,000
Project: Improving Childhood Immunization Coverage among Priority Populations in Nova Scotia
Dr. Stephana Julia Moss
Dalhousie University
RNS Funding Contribution: $244,476
Total Project Value: $250,226.16
Key Words: childhood, immunization, survey, community engagement, health equity, equity-deserving populations
Project: Thermochemical and Hydrothermal Upgrading of Low-Grade Forestry Residues to High-Value Biofuels and Biochar
Dr. Sonil Nanda
Dalhousie University
RNS Funding Contribution: $361,000
Total Project Value: $514,000
Funding Partners: Nova Scotia Forestry Innovation Transition Trust (FITT)
Key Words: biochar, biofuels, circular economy, forestry biomass, Hythane, waste valorization
Project: Community-Embedded Implementation in the Context of HRM
Dr. Annika Voltan
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
RNS Funding Contribution: $15,000
Total Project Value: $30,000
Funding Partners: Halifax Regional Municipality