Two McMaster researchers in the School of Geography & Geology will benefit from the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) New Opportunities Fund. The pair have been awarded more than $420,000 following a recent competition, it was announced yesterday.

Lesley Warren will receive $254,952 to create a new environmental geo-chemistry/geo-microbiology research program that will conduct field and laboratory biochemical investigations of metal-impacted aquatic environments.

Eduard Reinhardt's research on the geo-archeology of coastal change — natural and anthropogenic impacts will be supported with a $165,672 award.

Both research projects are also eligible for the Ontario Innovation Trust (OIT), a matching fund for CFI awards. Results will be available in April.

The New Opportunities Fund is another boost for university-based research. The $6.4 million investment announced yesterday will benefit 44 projects at 20 universities.

The foundation also recently announced the University Research Development Fund. This fund will inject $3.7 million into eight institutions for eight projects.

The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation established by the federal government in 1997 to address the urgent need of Canada's research community. The CFI has a capital investment budget of $1.9 billion. 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.

For more information on CFI, or to view the list of approved projects, visit the CFI Web site via the link below.