Research & Development Corporation supports researchers at CNA

3/16/2012 12:21:34 PM

Two research projects at the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) are receiving a $239,500 investment through the Research & Development Corporation (RDC) that will expand Newfoundland and Labrador's research capacity in the manufacturing sector.
 
“This investment is critical to advancing College of the North Atlantic’s research expertise and infrastructure,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation. “RDC’s programming is playing a pivotal role in supporting researchers and the work they do within Newfoundland and Labrador’s public college system, as well as helping the college drive innovation and foster its research growth.”

The research project at the Burin campus will be studying and reviewing the durability and strength of plastics used in the construction of products such as the inflatable structures produced by Grand Bank based Dynamic Air Shelters. The second research project at the Prince Philips Drive campus will study how to use graphic arts technology to create 3-D prototypes of products from blueprints.

“The research and work being undertaken at College of the North Atlantic, particularly at the Burin Campus, demonstrates the true innovative nature of what is taking place in rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education and MHA for Burin-Placentia West. “Today’s investment not only provides researchers in Burin with a tremendous opportunity to collaborate with industry partners such as Dynamic Air Shelters, but the advances made as a result of this research will benefit any industry that needs to work in extreme climates." 
 
“Today’s announcement not only supports the enhancement of R&D in Newfoundland and Labrador, but also builds upon our existing expertise,” said Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer of RDC. “RDC's ability to play a key role in bringing our province's academic institutions together with industry will only continue to enhance Newfoundland and Labrador's international reputation as a place where research is a driver for economic growth."
 
“This innovation activity is consistent with our mission to enhance the economic prosperity of the province,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, President of CNA. Whenever colleges and industry can access the best resources available, jobs are created and communities benefit from increased economic activity.”
 
One of the researchers receiving funding today is James Manning, a welding engineering technician instructor at the college’s Burin Campus. RDC’s investment of $140,000 has helped Mr. Manning leverage an additional $170,000 from other sources, including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Dynamic Air Shelters and College of the North Atlantic.
 
“This funding has enabled us to proceed with our research,” said Mr. Manning. “We are looking at adapting traditional non-destructive testing methods for use on heat sealed and RF welded plastics. This research will not only benefit our partner company, Dynamic Air Shelters, but other manufacturers using non-metal materials for fabrication. Other benefits of this funding include exposure of students to research methodology, improved infrastructure for the campus and locally available testing services for local businesses and industry.”
 
Details of the projects receiving funding are contained in the backgrounder of this release, while further details of RDC’s academic programs are available online at www.researchnl.com.
 
RDC is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador’s R&D performance. RDC works with R&D stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments. In Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government allocated more than $19 million to make strategic research and development related investments in people, strategic opportunities and infrastructure. For more information about RDC, go to www.researchnl.com.
 

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca	Janice Brushett Executive Assistant to the Honourable Clyde Jackman MHA for Burin - Placentia West 709-891-5607 janicebrushett@gov.nl.ca
Jeff Green Manager, Marketing & Communications Research & Development Corporation 709-758-0973, 691-8892 jeffsgreen@researchnl.com	Roger Hulan Communications Specialist College of the North Atlantic 709-643-7938 Roger.Hulan@cna.nl.ca