The federal government is investing $3.7 million in health research projects at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN).
Seamus O’Regan, minister of Indigenous Services, spoke about the investment and the importance of MUN’s work during his tour if the university’s research facilities Tuesday.
“From their research into Alzheimer’s diseases to Type 2 diabetes and heart attacks, researchers at Memorial University are shedding new light on health issues that have touched the lives of so many in this province, and across the country,” said O’Regan.
It’s part of a $275-million national investment to support Canadian researchers studying the full spectrum of health issues affecting the lives of Canadians, he said. He noted the investment in health research supports the economy and creates high-quality middle-class jobs.
During his visit, O’Regan met with grant recipients at MUN, as well as Dr. Sheila Garland, who received funding to study ways of treating memory and concentration problems and insomnia in cancer survivors, and Dr. Qi Yuan, whose lab is investigating new methods for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
MUN president and vice-chancellor Dr. Gary Kachanoski said the money will help MUN as it builds specialized research capacity.
“Through the innovative work led by our teams of multi-disciplinary researchers,” he said, “Memorial University is addressing health care challenges directly affecting our communities and improving health outcomes for all Canadians.”