Congratulations to Dr. Rachel Baker whose is among 17 Queen's Researchers to receive funding from the Government of Canada through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). CFI JELF provides funds for new researchers to acquire state-of-the-art infrastructure to fuel innovative research including acquiring laboratory equipment, instruments and facilities. Recipients are recognized as innovative leaders or have demonstrated the potential for excellence in their fields. In total, 396 projects at 56 institutions received $113M.
Rachel's project, "Exploring the Landscape of Electrochemical Reactions and Improving Process Sustainability through Paired Synthesis", aims to decrease the carbon footprint of the chemical industry by developing novel systems that use electricity as an energy source in the transformation of renewable building blocks. In particular, she is interested in carrying out mechanistic investigations, with the goal of further improving these sustainable processes for implementation in the chemical industry. The success of this research program will decrease the reliance of industries across Ontario such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fuels, materials, and more, on fossil fuels, leading to environmental, economic, and societal benefits.
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages announced more than $2M in funding for Queen’s from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund. The support will equip Queen’s researchers with the infrastructure they need to advance STEM innovations – from a seismic monitoring system to informatics for cancer biomarkers. The CFI announcement is part of a larger $960M suite of funding announced by the federal government.
"Congratulations to these talented recipients from all across the country who are doing the groundbreaking work that will contribute not only to Canada’s health and well-being but also to the world’s," says the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. "Through this funding, the Government of Canada is investing in the next generation of researchers and inspiring them to continue to think outside the box and tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow."
This article appeared first in its original form in the Queen's Gazette.