The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of a strong and vibrant science and research ecosystem. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting this ecosystem, along with the talent and innovation that it nurtures.

Two research projects at Nipissing University in North Bay have received funding through the the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canada Research Chairs program.

The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming says, “The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that society cannot move forward without the strong contribution of researchers from across Canada and also right here in Nipissing-Timiskaming. Advancing this knowledge and insight within and across all disciplines is essential to tackling the challenges we face and finding the solutions we need to make Canada healthier, safer, more innovative and more prosperous.”

$292,000 is awarded to a project titled, “Together Toward A Shared Sense of 'Us': Unlocking the Power of Groups in Youth Sport,” and will be headed by Dr. Mark Bruner, a professor with the Faculty of Education and Professional Studies - Schulich School of Education - Physical and Health Education.

Bruner says, “Our area of interest is how the identities that youth form through sport team membership (i.e., their social identities) impacts their moral behaviors toward teammates, mental health, and continued sport participation. The funding will permit the team of international scholars to: (a) evaluate the effects of a peer-led social identity intervention on study outcomes; and (b) adapt, translate, and evaluate the effectiveness of the peer-led social identity intervention across international youth sport contexts.”

$120,000 is awarded to a project titled, “Development of synthetic methodologies to access novel fused polycyclic frameworks,” and will be headed by Dr. Mukund Jha, a Professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry.

Jha says, “The primary focus of my NSERC funded project is to develop innovative metal-catalyzed synthetic reaction methodologies to access new and complex organic compounds of biological importance. The funding will enable us to create molecules critical for the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and other materials for commercial applications, ultimately impacting the health of Canadians. To feed the demands of the current marketplace, training of highly qualified personnel will also be of utmost importance during the course of this project."

Rota says, “It is inspiring to see the ingenuity and dedication local researchers embrace in exploring big ideas that will fuel the discoveries and innovations of tomorrow to make our world a better place.”