Ontario is helping attract and retain the top researchers who will strengthen the province’s competitiveness in the global innovation-driven economy.

The province is investing more than $1.6 million at the University of Windsor to support 60 world-class researchers. Some of the researchers who are receiving funding are:

Dr. Ming Zheng, who is receiving $1.3 million to develop new technologies that enhance the fuel efficiency and reduce high emissions that are caused by diesel fuel engines.

Dr. Narayan Kar, who is receiving $178,820 to create next generation hybrid auto technologies, with the goal of reducing the auto sector’s dependency on fossil fuels.

Dr. Sreekanta Das, is receiving funding to determine the lifespan of steel under the effects of cold and fatigue load as it pertains to structural steel used in ship hulls, helping shipbuilders design and build safer ships for our northern waters.

Dr. Zhuo Wang is receiving funding to develop new advanced materials, specifically, polymers and nanomaterials which will help keep Ontario at the leading edge of advanced materials research and development.

Funding world-class research is part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda – the McGuinty government’s plan to build an innovation economy that turns new knowledge into new jobs, better health care, a cleaner environment and endless possibilities for Ontario families.

“In the 21st century, economic stimulus must create jobs today and tomorrow – it must be both shovels in the ground, and support for innovative people and innovative thinking”, said John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation. “Today’s funding is part of a larger investment in research infrastructure that will support 1,300 construction jobs and over 3,300 scientists across our province. Today we are demonstrating, once again, that our government understands the value of science to our economy today and for creating the jobs of the future.”

“Our government’s investment will support the work of more than 60 Windsor researchers,” said Sandra Pupatello, MPP for Windsor West. “The University of Windsor is home to bright minds and world-class innovation; as the new discoveries are made we want those people, those ideas and those jobs right here in our community”.

“Innovation creates jobs, builds industries and paves the path towards a more prosperous future for all Ontarians,” said Dwight Duncan, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh. “The Government of Ontario is committed to looking beyond the next few years and investing in meaningful innovation for the future. That’s why we launched our Innovation Agenda, and that’s why we’re investing in 214 research infrastructure projects and over 3,300 researchers here today.”

“Innovation is an essential component on the road to a strong and prosperous future for Windsor and Essex County,” said Bruce Crozier, MPP for Essex. “Today’s investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to building our capacity to innovate, creating new jobs, a stronger economy and higher quality of life for the residents of our region, and all of Ontario.”

"The University of Windsor is most grateful for the support of the province in funding the important work of our researchers in such vital areas as innovative green technology and advanced materials," said University of Windsor President Alan Wildeman. "The Ontario Research Fund helps the creative minds of our researchers and the research partners we work with contribute to building an innovative and sustainable economy for Ontario's future."

QUICK FACTS

§ To date, the Ministry of Research and Innovation has invested more than $9 million to support world-class researchers in Windsor.

§ Between 2005 and 2008, Ontario investments in research and innovation leveraged $1.1 billion in new investment while helping to advance the knowledge, skills and training of close to 30,000 individuals.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about the Ontario Research Fund.

Learn about the Ontario Innovation Agenda.