Multiple early career researchers from Carleton University’s Faculty of Engineering and Design have been awarded support from the federal government’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) to pursue multidisciplinary projects in the diverse fields of energy-efficient buildings and telling stories about endangered species.
Each project will receive up to $250,000 over the next two years from the new fund, which enables leading-edge research not traditionally supported in the past. Science Minister Kirsty Duncan made the announcement on May 13.
“Carleton has a long history of supporting collaboration and sharing expertise across disciplines,” said Rafik Goubran, vice-president (Research and International). “These projects represent areas of research strength at Carleton and will add greatly to our research excellence in clean energy and Indigenous and environmental research. ”
The innovative fund encourages researchers to cross the boundaries of their disciplines and interact with other researchers. Taking a multidisciplinary approach to research can have positive impacts on society, regulatory frameworks and economic development.
Professors Zach Colbert (Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism), Jean Duquette (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) and Alexandra Mallett (School of Public Policy and Administration) are addressing challenges presented by increasing urban populations and energy consumption. The project will develop a gravity turbine prototype concept for energy recapture in tall residential buildings. It will include public consultation with community partners, creating a cross-disciplinary research platform and establishing new narratives for energy efficiency in the built environment.
Professors Zoe Todd (Department of Sociology and Anthropology) and Ozayr Saloojee (Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism) are joining forces with two colleagues from Athabasca University to develop an adaptable digital toolkit for storytelling about pressing environmental issues in Alberta’s Bighorn Country. Starting with a case study of the decline of the bull trout, researchers will work with artists, computer programmers, scientists, Indigenous knowledge keepers, journalists and other community stakeholders to study and communicate rapidly evolving environmental and species concerns, increase public appreciation for those species, and foster meaningful change to policy processes.
About the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF)
NFRF supports international, interdisciplinary and high-risk research and provides funding to help Canadian researchers make the next great discoveries in their fields. Created by the Canada Research Coordinating Committee, NFRF is administered on behalf of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Friday, May 24, 2019 in Architecture, Competitions and Awards (External), Energy, Faculty, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Research, Sustainability
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