Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The need for data management plans that address robust data storage and data sharing protocols are critical for water research laboratories that collect data from field-based, lab-based and industrial-based data streams and encompass measurement tools based on the physical, chemical and biological state of water. The Centre for Water Resources Studies (CWRS) at Dalhousie University have made significant investments in its analytical equipment and as a result have strong research partnerships with many industries, academic researchers and government labs. Accordingly, the need to exchange data generated through CWRS projects with the various partners is very high. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are routinely used to aggregate data generated on different analytical instruments for the purposes of improved data management of water samples. This application seeks funding to invest in LIMS for the CWRS team to (i) improve industrial internships for research students engaged in the CREATE Program ASPIRE (ii) Enable better data transfer between water utilities, industry partners and Dr. Gagnon's team in the NSERC / Halifax Water Industrial Research Chair program and (iii) Foster new research collaboration offered through metagenomics and other data intensive measurements. Dr. Gagnon's team has the necessary research experience and trained personnel to quickly integrate the LIMS into the Clean Water Technology Laboratory (CWTL) and across research programs.