June 16, 2000 For Immediate Release

University of Northern British Columbia researchers will be able to focus more attention on significant northern issues with new research equipment receiving provincial and federal funding.

· A new $1.4 million high-performance computing facility will give UNBC researchers the tools to expand knowledge in atmospheric science, forestry resource planning, and molecular modeling and drug design. The high-performance computer will have the power of thousands of desktop computers and provide the opportunity to build detailed three-dimensional moving models of subjects being studied. The proposal has been developed in partnership with Silicon Graphics, an industry leader in high-performance computing and three-dimensional visualization.

· The recently acquired Doppler Sodar uses sound waves to measure wind movement and direction up to a kilometre above ground. The equipment, for example, is useful for determining the speed and movement of air pollution.

· The federal and provincial investments have allowed UNBC to nearly quadruple the original capacity of the University's DNA analysis facility. The equipment has been used to study the genetic make-up of fish, wildlife, and the organisms necessary for tree growth. In addition to new DNA sequencers, the funding has allowed UNBC to acquire equipment to amplify the DNA of either very old or very small genetic samples. Original funding for the facility was provided by the Bank of Montreal.

In total, the equipment described above is receiving $564,028 in funding from the British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) and $694,119 from the federal Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). "The federal and provincial funding has provided UNBC with critical tools for understanding important issues such as air pollution, forest management, and fisheries," says Max Blouw, UNBC Associate Vice-President of Research & Dean of Graduate Studies. In addition, the CFI and BCKDF both contributed funding to help build the I.K. Barber Enhanced Forestry Laboratory, which opened in March.

"UNBC is producing science and technology innovations that are specifically adapted to the needs of the North," says Advanced Education, Training and Technology Minister Graeme Bowbrick. "This series of projects will enable scientists to blaze new trails and enhance UNBC's reputation for top-notch science."

"BC's support for research is a key part of this government's strategy to enhance our education system and spark ideas that will fuel the knowledge-based economy," said Prince George-Mount Robson MLA Lois Boone. Support from the Knowledge Development Fund for these projects is part of a total investment of $1.84 million for new equipment at UNBC. The $217-million fund, now in its second year, is expected to unlock more than $500 million in research at BC's post-secondary institutions. These three UNBC projects bring the total investment by this fund to more than $25 million in the last two years.

"This investment shows the Government of Canada's commitment to support innovation and new opportunities for Canadian researchers," says David Anderson, Minister of the Environment on behalf of John Manley, Minister of Industry. "I congratulate the UNBC team on their commitment to protecting and improving the environment by using leading edge technology."

The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation established by the federal government in 1997 to address an urgent need of Canada's research community: new, state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The CFI has been entrusted with a capital investment budget of $1.9 billion, and its investments are made in partnership with all levels of government, as well as with the private and voluntary sectors. Its work focuses on health, the environment, science and engineering.

"The Canada Foundation for Innovation is proud to be an integral part of these research projects. By supporting the infrastructure for research and development, the CFI is helping to increase the capability of the University of Northern British Columbia to carry out innovative research, which will lead to beneficial results for British Columbia and Canadian society," says Dr David Strangway, the CFI President and CEO.