University of B.C. research into forest renewal, quantum computer nanotechnology, solar power, high-tech manufacturing, forestry products and the subarctic ocean climate got a boost of $3.5 million Tuesday from the federal Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
The six UBC projects tapped for grants include forestry professor Suzanne Simard’s research into forest renewal practices. Simard received $929,000 to focus on reassessing current practices in the context of climate change.
“This new Strategic Project Grant will investigate novel combinations of logging and planting practices across British Columbia that will protect the legacies and wisdom of the original old-growth forests,” Simard said in a statement. “In so doing, we will develop strategies for helping our forests remain healthy, vigorous and adaptive as climate changes into the future.”
Simard will partner with the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Brinkman Group.
“NSERC’s support of these exciting projects not only furthers scientific research, but also helps strengthen science and technology across Canada,” added John Hepburn, vice president, research and international at UBC. “The Strategic Partnership Grants enable our researchers to build important, constructive partnerships with industry and government.”