Nine McMaster researchers have been awarded a combined $2.25 million from the Government of Canada to advance their research across a number of disciplines.

The investment comes from the New Frontiers Research Fund – designed to support initiatives that push boundaries in exciting new areas and inspire high-risk, high-reward and interdisciplinary research. Each researcher will receive up to $250,000 over the next two years.

“Congratulations to our researchers who have been recognized for their innovative ideas and the potential value their research holds for Canadians,” said Karen Mossman, vice-president, research.

“I applaud the government on this investment that ensures Canada’s research community is positioned to lead the way on the next big discovery.”

These are the recipients of the 2020 New Frontiers Research Fund Exploration Awards:

Todd Hoare
Professor, department of chemical engineering
Project: Rebuilding the vitreous humour to delay or prevent the onset of age-related macular degeneration

Ravi Selvaganapathy
Professor, department of mechanical engineering
Project title: Biofabrication technologies for cultured meat products

Margaret Fahnestock
Professor, department of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences
Project title: Delivering neuronal survival signals across the blood brain barrier

Benicio Frey
Associate professor, department of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences
Project title: A paradigm shift in mood disorders: The end of trial-and-error in treatment selection

Flavio Kapczinski
Professor, department of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences
Project title: The use of artificial intelligence to predict suicide attempts among youth: a machine learning approach

David Ogborn
Associate professor, department of communication studies and multimedia
Project title: Collaborative, online live coding of dance and movement

Katherine Bujold
Assistant professor, department of chemistry
Project title: Unlocking the Gate to Targeted Drug Delivery: Understanding sulfated glycosaminoglycan binding of peptide-derivatized DNA nanostructures to predictably improve their cytosolic delivery

Juliet Daniel
Professor, department of biology
Project title: Genes and Geography: Disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes in a Black Canadian community

Sarah Styler
Assistant professor, department of chemistry
Project title: Interfacing Atmosphere and Art: Applying atmospheric chemistry strategies to advance cultural heritage conservation

“Research that takes great risks advances the way we think about the issues that impact Canadians,” said François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry during a national funding announcement on May 31.

“The Government of Canada is supporting researchers who are exploring bold new directions that could change lives and position Canada at the forefront of global research and innovation.” 

Click here to learn more about the 2020 New Frontiers Research Fund Exploration research projects.