$13 million Surface Engineering and Science Centre Opens at the U of A
February 4, 2005 - The Faculties of Engineering and Science announced the official opening of a $13 million integrated research facility for surface characterization and modification, the Alberta Centre for Surface Engineering and Science (ACSES). This Centre is unique in Western Canada and contains equipment that is first of its class in North America.
Until now, Alberta had no instrumentation for surface analysis. Now, ACSES has comprehensive lab capability and highly sophisticated equipment to examine surface samples. Researchers will test the performance of new materials, and make significant advances in resource extraction, petrochemicals, microelectronics, medical implants, pharmaceutical, and emerging micro- and nanotechnologies. ACSES will vault Alberta to the position of forerunner in surface science and engineering.
“The ACSES is an impressive example of the type of partnerships that are essential to ensure Canada’s success in the knowledge-based economy”, said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). “This new facility will enable researchers to perform their cutting-edge work right here in Alberta.”
“Today’s announcement is another excellent example of the innovative things that happen when universities, industry, and government work together,” said Victor Doerksen, Minister of Innovation and Science. “This investment has practical applications in many sectors, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative that will have such a positive impact across the nation.”
In announcing the opening, Dr. Murray Gray, Director of ACSES said, “Thanks to the federal and provincial governments and our corporate partners, the U of A will significantly strengthen its world-class profile and credibility in surface science and engineering research.”
Funds for ACSES came from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Government of Alberta, through the Alberta Science and Research Investments Program, Syncrude, and Micralyne. The Faculties of Engineering and Science and the U of A made in-kind contributions.
The University of Alberta in Edmonton is one of Canada's premier teaching and research universities serving more than 35,000 students with 8,000 faculty and staff.
For more information please contact:
University of Alberta
Sherrell Steele, Communications and Public Relations Strategist,
Faculty of Engineering, 780-492-9387; Sherrell.Steele@ualberta.ca
Julie Naylor, Communications Officer,
Faculty of Science, 780-492-4073; Julie.Naylor@ualberta.ca
Sandra Halme, Public Affairs, 780-492-0442.
Alberta Innovation & Science
Lynn Hutchings-Mah, Acting Director of Communications
780-415-6186; lynn.hutchings-mah@gov.ab.ca
Canada Foundation for Innovation
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created in 1997 by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the ability of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that will benefit Canadians. For more information please contact:
Alastair Sinclair
Coordinator, Media Relations / Coordonnateur, Relations avec les médias
Canada Foundation for Innovation / Fondation canadienne pour l'innovation
230 rue Queen St., Suite/pièce 450, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E4
Tel/Tél.:(613) 996-3160 Fax/Télec.: (613) 996-3148
www.innovation.ca
File No: 3
February 1, 2005
