Government of Canada Supports World-Class Research with Increased Funding to Canadian Light Source

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Boosting crop productivity, making mining more green and identifying flaws in medical devices are some of the challenges researchers will be tackling thanks to increased support for Canadian Light Source (CLS). The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification), on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced funding to strengthen operations at Canada’s national synchrotron, which is among the most advanced in the world.

“Canadian Light Source is at the forefront of internationally-acclaimed Canadian research,” said Minister Yelich. “The Government of Canada’s investment in outstanding facilities such as this one allows researchers from industry and academia to make discoveries that benefit all Canadians, creates jobs and helps build a stronger, more diverse economy.”

Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, CLS generates brilliant beams of light that allow researchers to observe matter down to the atomic level. The research has applications in a wide range of fields, from advanced materials to biomedical devices to the detection of environmental pollutants.

The $44 million announced today will allow CLS to expand its operational capacity as it prepares to switch on seven new beamlines currently under construction. The funding, which fulfills a commitment made in Budget 2008, will flow through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

“NSERC is proud to support CLS, one of Canada’s largest and most important research facilities,” said Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC. “This synchrotron is attracting the best scientists from all over the world to Canada, while providing a unique training environment for the next generation of researchers.”

NSERC is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 28,000 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11,800 university professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,500 Canadian companies to participate and invest in university research projects.