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UNB granted $1.6 million in support of social sciences and humanities research

Author: UNB Newsroom

Posted on Jul 17, 2019

Category: UNB Fredericton

A group of 33 researchers and graduate students at the University of New Brunswick have been granted funding in support of social sciences and humanities investigations.

On July 17, 2019, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced more than $285 million in funding for over 6,900 researchers and graduate students across Canada. The investment, through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), will fund research in areas like education, immigration, Indigenous health and the environment.

“Researchers in the humanities and social sciences perform investigation essential to the growth, development and betterment of our society,” says Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB President and Vice-Chancellor. “We are thrilled that UNB faculty and graduate students will be given the opportunity to further their research, affecting not just life in New Brunswick, but across the country and around the world.”

Many of the projects receiving funding promote collaboration and partnerships among academic researchers, businesses and community partners to advance knowledge and understanding of these critical issues.

Humanities and social sciences research play a critical role in helping to understand some of the biggest challenges Canadians face. Researchers provide the evidence we need to make informed decisions about our communities, economy, health and future prosperity.

Dr. David Busolo, an early career researcher in UNB’s faculty of nursing, received over $60,000 for his research to better understand the needs and priorities of immigrant and refugee families new to Canada.

“On behalf of all UNB researchers and our partners from different institutions who have benefitted from SSHRC funding,” says Dr. Busolo, “thank you for giving us the opportunity to further our research, and in some cases develop that research into community initiatives that will help move our society forward.”

This investment is part of Canada’s Science Vision and the government’s commitment of more than $10 billion for science and research. This includes a historic increase in funding for fundamental research and the largest boost in over a decade to the federal research funding agencies.

“The social sciences and humanities are integral towards building a healthier, stronger and more prosperous Canada,” says Minister Duncan. “Since taking office, our government has worked hard to put science and research back to their rightful place. Today’s grant recipients will help us make informed decisions about our communities, economy, health and future prosperity.”

Prior to the announcement, UNB President and Vice-Chancellor Paul Mazerolle and Minister Duncan signed the Dimensions charter, committing to embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in UNB’s policies, practices, action plans and culture.

Media contact: Hilary Creamer Robinson

Photo, L-R: David Busolo, assistant professor at UNB and SSHRC Insight Development Grant recipient, Brent Herbert-Copley, Executive Vice-President, SSHRC, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB President and Vice-Chancellor and Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton. Photo credit: Rob Blanchard/Photo UNB