69传媒

The Government of Canada has made a more than $51 million investment in research equipment across the country through the most recent round of the Canada Foundation for Innovation鈥檚 (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). Among the projects supported is one led by , an assistant professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at UPEI. Dr. Johnston鈥檚 research is also supported by the Business Development Program of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the 69传媒Research Services with an combined award of $461, 000.

focuses on tissue adaptation and repair following injury with specific emphasis in the nervous and muscular systems. Since these processes involve stem cells, his lab studies the factors which control stem cell activity.

鈥淭his generous investment will greatly enhance my research capability and provide me the opportunity to establish the 69传媒Skeletal Muscle Health and Adaptation Research Laboratory,鈥� said Dr. Johnston. 鈥淭his laboratory, the only of its kind in Atlantic Canada, will be dedicated to excellence in research, training of highly qualified individuals, and fostering academic and industry collaborations.鈥�

Dr. Johnston utilizes two laboratories on UPEI鈥檚 campus. In his biochemistry lab in UPEI鈥檚 Health Sciences Building, the funding will allow him to purchase specialized microscopes, a cell culture suite, and equipment to assist in studying gene and protein expression. In his exercise physiology lab in UPEI鈥檚 Steel Building, the funding will assist with several pieces of equipment to measure muscle and exercise performance, collect muscle biopsy samples, and oversee clinical exercise trials.

鈥淚nvestments in Canada鈥檚 research infrastructure are incredibly important to our nation鈥檚 future,鈥� said the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Canada鈥檚 Minister of Science. 鈥淭hey help us to attract and retain the very best scientists and give Canadian researchers the tools they need to perform excellent cutting-edge research, train the scientists of tomorrow and enable innovative new discoveries that improve our environment, economy and communities.鈥�

Dr. Johnston鈥檚 research equipment is also generously supported by a non-repayable contribution from ACOA鈥檚 Business Development Program.

鈥淭he Skeletal Muscle Health and Adaptation Research Laboratory is the latest addition to the significant research capacity at the 69传媒,鈥� said Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud to see this unique research happening right here in PEI, supporting our province鈥檚 growing biosciences sector.鈥�

鈥�69传媒is delighted that one of the most recent additions to our faculty has been able to establish his outstanding research laboratory so rapidly and we are very grateful to ACOA and to CFI for helping to make that possible,鈥� said Dr. Robert Gilmour, Vice-President Academic and Research at UPEI. 鈥淲e look forward to many new insights from Dr. Johnston's unique and clinically relevant studies.鈥�

About the Canada Foundation for Innovation

For 20 years, the CFI has been giving researchers the tools they need to think big and innovate. And a robust innovation system translates into jobs and new enterprises, better health, cleaner environments and, ultimately, vibrant communities. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in Canada鈥檚 universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions, the CFI also helps to attract and retain the world鈥檚 top talent, to train the next generation of researchers and to support world-class research that strengthens the economy and improves the quality of life for all Canadians.

About 69传媒

The 69传媒 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.