WCVM research receives NSERC funding

The following WCVM researchers will receive federal dollars over the next five years:

• David Janz, professor, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. Janz will study developmental toxicity and metabolic disruption in fish exposed to selenium. He will receive $47,000 per year.
• Joe Rubin, assistant professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology. Rubin will study the impact on antimicrobial resistance on the food supply due to antimicrobial resistant organisms in imported food. Rubin will receive $24,000 per year.
• Lynn Weber, assistant professor, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. Weber will study environmental and contaminant influences on cardiorespiratory function and metabolism in fish. She will receive $32,000 per year.

These WCVM researchers are part of a group of 57 University of Saskatchewan scientists who received more than $9.2 million in NSERC funding. Federal Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan made the announcement on June 23 at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.

The group includes U of S researcher Christy Morrisey, whose work on bird health and declining bird populations includes the recently completed Facility for Applied Avian Research, a joint venture with WCVM scientists John Giesy and Dr. Karen Machin.

The new centre received $91,500 as part of this announcement. The facility is located close the WCVM and is one of only two such facilities in Canada where advanced research on birds can be conducted. It's also the only facility of its kind that's dedicated to the studies of avian wildlife ecotoxicology and medicine.

These projects are part of more than $465 million for over 4,000 grants awarded across the country. A full listing of the grant recipients is available at the NSERC website.