UBC Reports | Vol. 47 | No. 04 | Feb. 22, 2001

Digest

NSERC updates areas eligible for grants

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) has announced major changes to its Strategic Projects Grants competition.

The changes allocate $32-million for grants in strategic target areas in science and engineering that have potential for significant contributions to the Canadian economy, society or environment within the next 10 years.

The changes are aimed at stimulating research in the categories of biosciences, environment and sustainable development, information and communications technologies, value-added products and processes, and new directions.

"We've made a special effort to update the eligible areas to accommodate some of the most exciting new developments in science and engineering," says Janet Walden, NSERC's director general of Research Partnerships.

While proposed projects must fall within one of the target areas, the "new directions" category is aimed at capturing proposals that fall outside the descriptions of the listed target areas but which may lead to advances in new areas of research for Canada.

NSERC is particularly interested in multidisciplinary research projects, says Walden.

The changes are effective for applications due April 15.

For detailed descriptions of the eligible categories of research, visit www.nserc.ca/programs/resguide/a7_e.htm.

YWCA seeks women of distinction

The YWCA of Vancouver is seeking nominations for the Year 2001 Women of Distinction Awards.

The awards celebrate women whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the health and future well-being of the community.

Categories include Communcations and Information Technology; Science, Research and Medicine; Young Women of Distinction; Health, Wellness and Active Living; and Education, Training and Development.

Last year UBC was represented by 10 women including Psychology Prof. Janet Werker and Pharmaceutical Sciences Prof. Helen Burt.

This year UBC is sponsoring the Life Achievement Award. The award recognizes an individual who has made multi-faceted contributions which profoundly and uniquely affect the lives of those around her.

To nominate an individual call (604) 895-5767 or visit the Web site at www.ywcavan.org.

Deadline for nominations is March 1. The awards will be presented at a gala dinner on May 17.