UPEI Encouraged by New Research and Development Fund

The provincial government's recent announcement of a $500,000 fund to assist and encourage research and development in the province has been well received by the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). The University's emphasis on new knowledge development, and on partnerships with the private sector, has increased substantially in recent years. The new fund has the potential to provide a valuable boost to that work.

"I would like to congratulate the government for introducing this fund to encourage research that will lead to the development of new products and new economic growth," says Dr. Katherine Schultz, Vice-President of Research Development. "This initiative demonstrates the province's support for the development a knowledge-based future for Prince Edward Island. It is a commitment that we definitely share at UPEI."

Research income at UPEI has increased dramatically over the past five years. Last year, external research dollars on campus totalled $9 million, more than three times the $2.5 million earned in 1998. Income jumped by 29.1%, from 2002 to 2003 alone. In a recent survey of 50 universities from across the country, conducted by Research Infosource Inc., UPEI ranked third among primarily undergraduate universities in Canada. The rankings were based on financial indicators such as total sponsored research income, research income per full-time faculty position, and research income per full-time graduate student.

The new provincial research and development fund will give special consideration to projects in key economic sectors: Life Sciences/Biotechnology, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, Environmental Technologies and Aerospace.