SARNIA, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – Aug. 19, 2014) – Industry Canada
Researchers at Lambton College will expand their development and testing of next-generation batteries in partnership with business thanks to an investment by the Harper Government. The investment was one of four highlighted by the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, today in Sarnia.
Lambton College will purchase specialized equipment for testing eco-friendly nano-engineered materials-tiny engineered structures that are a fraction of the width of a human hair.
Dr. Shahram Karimi, NSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Advanced Material Development for Generation, Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy and professor at Lambton College, and his research team are already using nano-engineered materials to develop the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. This type of lighter-weight, longer-lasting and quicker-charging battery could soon be used in smartphones and tablets, allowing them to become fully charged in seconds.
Nano-engineered materials offer a cost-effective alternative for Canadian manufacturers because they result in products that are stronger and lighter to transport, thereby saving on energy and fuel. The materials are also a clean alternative to fossil fuels, which benefits the health and well-being of all Canadians.
Quick facts
– Four research projects at Lambton College will share an investment of $505,000, each receiving an Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grant under the College and Community Innovation Program:
* $150,000 for Dr. Karimi’s project involving the development, characterization and optimization of nano-engineered materials for green energy conversion and storage;
* $150,000 for a water analysis laboratory;
* $150,000 for additive manufacturing and 3D digitizing technologies for the Bluewater Technology Access Centre; and
* $55,000 for a distributed monitoring and control system.
– The College and Community Innovation Program is managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
– Since its launch in 2009, the program has supported 90 colleges across Canada and more than 732 projects with $246.7 million.
Quotes
“Moving ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace is key to driving Canadian innovation forward. Our government is strengthening partnerships between local businesses and Lambton College, bolstering entrepreneurship, creating jobs and economic prosperity, and improving the quality of life of Canadians.”
– Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)
“Our government’s investments in innovative partnerships create jobs, improve the quality of life of those in our community and strengthen the Canadian economy. These partnerships will provide Lambton College with access to the people, resources and tools it needs to be at the forefront of innovation.”
– Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton
“These investments help businesses tap into the talented people at Canada’s colleges to stay at the forefront of innovation. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the ability of colleges to help businesses innovate, stimulating our economy and training the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
– Janet Walden, Chief Operating Officer, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
“Lambton College has become a leader in applied research. These newly funded initiatives will allow us to continue to increase our research capacity and development services to support industry demand while enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students. This announcement will allow us to further expand our research and development capacity and establish a revolutionary working model that ranges from direct research contracts to collaborative projects. We thank our community partners for their support of these funding proposals and look forward to increasing our research capabilities on campus.”
– Judith Morris, President and CEO, Lambton College
Associated links
• Information about grants for colleges and the College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program
• Results of the spring 2014 CCI competition
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NSERC is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports almost 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding approximately 12,000 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging over 2,400 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.
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