Innovation Saskatchewan is investing more than $580,000 in three research projects at the University of Regina (U of R) in nuclear energy, subatomic physics and high-performance computing in nuclear science through the Innovation and Science Fund (ISF). ISF matches federal innovation funding dollars for projects from Saskatchewan universities, colleges and research institutes to promote research excellence and competitiveness in the province.

“Saskatchewan continues to showcase its leadership in nuclear and subatomic research, helping advance global efforts and developing solutions in these key areas,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said. "This investment at the University of Regina will further support our province’s world-class research community, while providing advanced training, employment and economic opportunities for Saskatchewan people.”

The program funding supports three projects advancing science in priority research areas for the U of R:

Nuclear Energy and Science

  1. $200,000 – Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Fuel Corrosion Laboratory led by Dr. Arthur Situm. This project will study ways of preventing rust and damage in materials used to protect fuel in SMRs and provide advanced training opportunities in SMRs technology. With Saskatchewan and the world’s renewed focus on nuclear power as a cleaner energy source, this project aims to make SMRs safer and more efficient and provide valuable insight to government and industry.
     
  2. $83,109 – Multi-scale studies of the Nuclear Medium led by Dr. Gojko Vuljanic. This funding will be used to upgrade simulation lab equipment for studying nuclear matter under extreme conditions. This advanced research will accelerate nuclear science leadership in Canada and help develop new, beneficial, technologies, such as computational accelerators, which are needed to significantly expedite calculations related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and supercomputing.

Subatomic Physics

  1. $300,000 – Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID) Heavy Gas Cherenkov (HGC) Detector led by Dr. Garth Huber. The funding will be used to help construct and test components of the HGC, a critical piece of SoLID, one of the world’s most powerful microscopes. The SoLID project is a collaboration of 300 members from 70+ institutions in 13 countries, and the HGC detector is a significant part of Canada’s contribution to advancing physics globally.
     

These projects leverage the strong research presence U of R has in subatomic physics and nuclear energy and science, furthering Saskatchewan’s capacity to attract and retain highly qualified researchers and train the next generation of scientists on emerging technologies and advancements in to support the province’s energy, technology and growth goals.


"Many of the world's most significant advancements in renewable energy, medicine, and defence have stemmed from research in subatomic physics and nuclear energy,” said University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jeff Keshen.  “The Government of Saskatchewan's support positions our researchers as leaders in innovation, working to ensure a better quality of life both provincially and nationally. Their discoveries will be crucial to a strong and sustainable future for Saskatchewan."
 

Innovation Saskatchewan has provided over $18 million in ISF funding for innovative projects at Saskatchewan institutions since 2018.
 

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Dani Wawryk
Innovation Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: 306.230.6220
Email: dani.wawryk@innovationsask.ca

Everett Dorma 
University of Regina
University Advancement & Communications 
Everett.Dorma@uregina.ca  
Phone: 306-337-8451

 

About Innovation Saskatchewan
Innovation Saskatchewan is the central innovation agency for the Government of Saskatchewan. It is dedicated to empowering innovators and supporting Saskatchewan’s vibrant technology sector and research community, helping propel the province to a prosperous future. The agency's robust portfolio of research and technology parks, grant programs and research funding help accelerate ground-breaking advancements, support technological growth and create collaborative environments. Innovation Saskatchewan works closely with industry, academia and other stakeholders to provide strong foundations that allow our ecosystem to thrive and make Saskatchewan a world leader in innovation. Visit www.innovationsask.ca for more information.

 

About University of Regina
2024 marks our 50th anniversary as an independent University (although our roots as Regina College date back more than a century!). As we celebrate our past, we work towards a future that is as limitless as the prairie horizon. We support the health and well-being of our 16,700 students and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities to develop career-ready graduates – more than 90,000 alumni enrich communities in Saskatchewan and around the globe. Our research enterprise has grown to 21 research centres and includes 9 Canada Research Chairs. Our campuses are on Treaties 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future.

Let’s go far, together.