University launches research network, January 2002

University launches research network

A. Scott, S. Murray, H. Richmond Sharon Murray and Heather Richmond converse with MP Andy Scott after the Campus Research Network news conference.

The Christmas season brought a special event to the campus on December 17.

The University held a news conference to announce the addition of its Campus Research Network. The network was made possible through a $500,000 grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The grant will allow the University to acquire state-of-the-art computing equipment to support research projects into populations and communities at risk and in the areas of human rights and development. St. Thomas is the first university to receive funding for this type of research.
Dignitaries at the news conference included The Honourable Andy Scott, MP for Fredericton, who spoke on behalf of ACOA, and The Honourable Brad Green, Justice Minister, who represented Business New Brunswick. Carmen Charette, the Senior Vice-President of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, was unable to attend.

Congratulating the University on its willingness to embrace innovation, Mr. Scott said,“St. Thomas University is addressing important social issues using technology. This will serve to further demonstrate its leadership in New Brunswick and worldwide.”

As examples, Mr. Scott cited future innovative works such as research on how to respond to hate on the Internet; using multimedia to deliver First Nation language programs to aboriginals living in remote areas; establishing a Genomics and human rights electronic library and Web site to link to human rights centres worldwide; and preparing essential data on the impact of technology in terms of educating troubled youth.

“St. Thomas University, with its well-known liberal arts program, had the right vision when it sought the necessary support to blend its knowledge with new technology,” he said.

The Campus Research Network will strengthen research capacity at the University, providing a necessary and valuable infrastructure. In addition, it will allow access to other research funds and enhance participation in international research projects. It will also equip liberal arts students with the knowledge and experience required to compete in the new economy.

The Honourable Brad Green pointed out that “St. Thomas prides itself on its ability to conduct innovative and multi-disciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences. … The support received from each of the partners in this project is a sign of the confidence placed in St. Thomas and in the quality education it provides.”

Dr. Daniel O’Brien thanked CFI and ACOA for their financial investment to improve St. Thomas’s research capacity, but also expressed gratitude “for indicating their confidence in the type of research which can be conducted at a unique, undergraduate university – unique in that we do not have science and technology programmes which are the usual recipients of CFI and ACOA funding.”

Dr. O’Brien promoted the University’s research focus on human development and well-being, with a more specific focus on populations at risk, such as the elderly, youth, and communities.

“We are resolute in our belief that innovative research is not the exclusive prerogative of the physical and natural sciences. Indeed, many of the enduring societal problems which continue to plague our people and nations will only be understood and controlled by innovative behavioural science research.

“With this announcement today, St. Thomas University is signalling its intention to play a role in this noble cause.”