Grant: Canada Research Chairs
Cape Breton University
$75,000.00
Healthy Environments and Communities
FY 2024-25
Summary
The primary objective of the CRC nomination is to create a top-tier research program focused on developing vital new knowledge and technologies that enhance environmental protection and health sciences. The program has five goals:
1. Community-engaged technology development
2. Discovery of new knowledge
3. Establishment of a partnership-based Water Research Hub
4. Community-engaged training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in an inclusive environment
5. Offering research services to communities to bolster local socioeconomic growth.
Research Approach:
The program prioritizes active engagement with partners and stakeholders. It emphasizes community-engaged research and university-industry collaborations, addressing locally relevant research challenges with global implications. HQP training adheres to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices and guidelines as mandated by government agencies and Cape Breton University.
Novelty and Significance:
The program stands out for three reasons. First, it offers a unique methodology by merging fundamental research in surface sciences and free radical chemistry with specific local community challenges, notably water contamination and cancer control—issues that have historically impacted Cape Breton Island. Second, the program underscores the value of collaborating with local entities, such as the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Water Utility, Cape Breton communities, and regional industries, e.g., Drinkable Inc., Aqua Production Systems, and Kavacha, for effective and targeted problem-solving and technology advancement. Such collaborations are seen as the most viable means of creating practical, user-friendly solutions and technologies. Finally, the proposed Water Research Program aligns with CBU’s 2019–2024 Strategic Plan, particularly the goal to "Champion the Island's Prosperity" and emphasize science-based innovation and entrepreneurship. This program aims to be a Clean Tech innovation hub for Cape Breton Island (population ~140,000), propelling the island's health and growth through technology breakthroughs in water monitoring, decentralized water treatment, and sustainable marine anti-biofouling coatings.
Program
Canada Research Chairs
Recipient
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
CRC-2023-00190
Name nom
Zhang, Xu
Department département
Chemistry - Cape Breton University
Organization id
84
Institution établissement
Cape Breton University
Province en
Nova Scotia
Province fr
Nouvelle-Écosse
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2024
Competition year année de concours
2023
Award amount
75000
Program id
CRC
Program name en
Canada Research Chairs
Program name fr
Chaires de recherche du Canada
Group en
DISCOVERY RESEARCH
Group fr
RECHERCHE AXÉE SUR LA DÉCOUVERTE
Committee code
9998
Committee name en
Canada Research Chair Selection Committee
Committee name fr
Comité de sélection des Chaires de recherche du Canada
Area of application code
9999
Area of application group en
Not available
Area of application group fr
Non disponible
Area of application en
Not available
Area of application fr
Non disponible
Research subject code
9999
Research subject group en
Not available
Research subject group fr
Non disponible
Research subject en
Not available
Research subject fr
Non disponible
Field of research list codes
RDF1040109; RDF2060115
Field of research list names en
Environmental chemistry (including atmospheric chemistry);Nanoparticle synthesis, properties and applications
Field of research list names fr
Chimie de l’environnement (y compris la chimie de l’atmosphère);Synthèse, propriétés, applications des nanoparticules
Socioeconomic objective list codes
RDS10202
Socioeconomic objective list names en
Water provision and waste services
Socioeconomic objective list names fr
Services d'approvisionnement en eau et services des déchets
Application title
Healthy Environments and Communities
Keywords
Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy; Nano-surface and bio-nano interface chemistry; Disease diagnosis and drug delivery technologies; Fenton chemistry and reactive oxygen species; Photocatalyst; Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment; Heavy metal detection with electrochemical sensors; Anti-bacteria and -biofilm materials; Anti-biofouling and anti-marine fouling; Antioxidation
Application summary
The primary objective of the CRC nomination is to create a top-tier research program focused on developing vital new knowledge and technologies that enhance environmental protection and health sciences. The program has five goals:
1. Community-engaged technology development
2. Discovery of new knowledge
3. Establishment of a partnership-based Water Research Hub
4. Community-engaged training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in an inclusive environment
5. Offering research services to communities to bolster local socioeconomic growth.
Research Approach:
The program prioritizes active engagement with partners and stakeholders. It emphasizes community-engaged research and university-industry collaborations, addressing locally relevant research challenges with global implications. HQP training adheres to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices and guidelines as mandated by government agencies and Cape Breton University.
Novelty and Significance:
The program stands out for three reasons. First, it offers a unique methodology by merging fundamental research in surface sciences and free radical chemistry with specific local community challenges, notably water contamination and cancer control—issues that have historically impacted Cape Breton Island. Second, the program underscores the value of collaborating with local entities, such as the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Water Utility, Cape Breton communities, and regional industries, e.g., Drinkable Inc., Aqua Production Systems, and Kavacha, for effective and targeted problem-solving and technology advancement. Such collaborations are seen as the most viable means of creating practical, user-friendly solutions and technologies. Finally, the proposed Water Research Program aligns with CBU’s 2019–2024 Strategic Plan, particularly the goal to "Champion the Island's Prosperity" and emphasize science-based innovation and entrepreneurship. This program aims to be a Clean Tech innovation hub for Cape Breton Island (population ~140,000), propelling the island's health and growth through technology breakthroughs in water monitoring, decentralized water treatment, and sustainable marine anti-biofouling coatings.
