UBC projects get NSERC funding for efforts including flexible solar cell and wearable electronics development
University of British Columbia research in fish ecology, oil sands, energy efficient buildings, clean water and wearable electronics received a $9-million boost today through the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
The 10 UBC projects were among 77 grants awarded to 23 universities totaling $43 million, from NSERC’s Strategic Network Grants (SNG) and Strategic Project Grants (SPG) programs. The funding was announced by Greg Rickford, Minister of State for Science and Technology. He was joined for the announcement on the Vancouver campus by UBC President Stephen Toope, Vice President Research and International John Hepburn and NSERC Chief Operating Officer Janet Walden.
The event featured the work of Electrical and Computer Engineering Associate Professor Peyman Servati, who is leading a team in finding ways to integrate solar cells and other electronics into wearable garments. Potential applications include garments that charge mobile devices through woven-in solar cells, foldable mobile devices and sensor-equipped clothing that monitors and transmits vital signs to physicians.
“We are extremely proud of the UBC researchers who have been awarded grants in these highly competitive programs,” said Prof. Toope. “These projects involve complex and rigorous inquiries, close collaboration with industry and other partners, with a sharp focus on concrete solutions for real-world issues. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for supporting these vital endeavours.”
