Alberta Ingenuity awards up to $14 million for new research centres

Wednesday, October 2, 2002
Edmonton, Alberta

Alberta Ingenuity today announced the establishment of two new research centres to be based at the University of Alberta. The Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Machine Learning and the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Carbohydrate Science will each receive $1.21 million in the first year of a five year award, and each may receive about $7 million over the term of the award, for a potential combined total of $14 million.

The Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Machine Learning will concentrate on creating smarter computers for use in areas such as e-commerce, industrial processing, improved diagnostics for health care, everyday software applications, and interactive entertainment.

The Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Carbohydrate Science will research the chemistry of complex sugars that coat cells and are responsible for cellular interactions and many immune reactions. New families of carbohydrates will be made which could lead to the development of new vaccines and carbohydrate based drugs. New analytical tools, including instrumentation, will be developed for rapid elucidation of the structure and biological activity of complex carbohydrates. Two of the six key researchers in this group are from the University of Calgary.

“Alberta Ingenuity support for the new Centres will be instrumental in keeping the bright research stars we already have in these areas here and attracting high quality scientists from all over the world to Alberta to join and strengthen these groups,” said Premier Ralph Klein. “That combination can only result in new discoveries, new technologies, and ultimately, new industry and new jobs for Albertans.”

“The outstanding researchers associated with the new Centres are internationally-recognized for their work,” said Dr. Bill Bridger, President of Alberta Ingenuity. “Combining their talents will significantly accelerate discoveries in these areas and result in innovations and economic gains for Alberta.

Fraser’s quote

Established by the Government of Alberta in 2000, Alberta Ingenuity supports a long-term program of science and engineering research at Alberta universities, public colleges and technical institutes, and in industry.

Operating funds come from a portion of the interest revenue from a Government endowment, with an initial investment of $500 million.

Alberta Ingenuity is an independent, arm’s length organization that reports through the Minister of Innovation and Science. For more information, go to www.albertaingenuity.ca.

For more information please call Rhonda Lothammer at 780-423-5735 or 915-6230.

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