An ALES expert in tree breeding and another who specializes in the microbial health of the human gut are each receiving major investments from the federal government for their cutting-edge research.
Barb Thomas and Jens Walter are two of just nine University of Alberta researchers who will get a share of $2 million awarded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation's John R. Evans Leaders Fund.
The fund is designed to attract and retain the world's best researchers, by giving them the tools to make discoveries that will better the lives of Canadians.
Thomas, the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Tree Improvement, received $54,000 for lab and field equipment to conduct trials on trees best adapted to climate change. Her team's findings will help her advise the Alberta forest industry and the provincial government on the best parents to use for producing seedlings required for reforestation.
"The funds I'm receiving will make a significant contribution to my lab facilities, expanding on the capabilities of ecophysiological equipment purchased through my Chair, adding new field-based equipment and allowing for the collection, transportation and storage of samples for DNA analysis," said Thomas.
"I was thrilled to be successful in this application and in having the opportunity to meet and discuss the funding needs of our research community with the Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, when the award was announced."
Jens Walter, the Campus Alberta Innovation Program Chair for Nutrition, Microbes and Gastroinstestinal Health, received $400,000 to translate basic research into therapeutic and nutritional strategies that modulate the microbiome.
A diversity of bacteria in the microbiome is important to human health, said Walter, but through our western diet and hygiene practices we have removed some of that diversity.
To correct that, his research is looking at two main strategies - understanding which dietary fibre promotes healthy bacteria, and developing microbes that can be reintroduced in humans.
"What we are trying to do that's different than previous efforts is to do it very systematically," said Walter. "For example, if we identify the bacteria that are missing, we can put them back. Or if we understand which fibre is supporting the bacteria, and the right doses, we can change dietary recommendations or develop food supplements."
To that end, part of the Foundation for Innovation funding will support his FYBER study (Feed Your Gut Bacteria), which is currently recruiting healthy overweight people between the ages of 19 and 45 to add fibre to their normal diet for six weeks. Participants receive dietary counselling with a registered dietician and an honorarium. Volunteers can contact Walter at uafyber@ualberta.ca.
Barb Thomas and Jens Walter are two of just nine University of Alberta researchers who will get a share of $2 million awarded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation's John R. Evans Leaders Fund.
The fund is designed to attract and retain the world's best researchers, by giving them the tools to make discoveries that will better the lives of Canadians.
Thomas, the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Tree Improvement, received $54,000 for lab and field equipment to conduct trials on trees best adapted to climate change. Her team's findings will help her advise the Alberta forest industry and the provincial government on the best parents to use for producing seedlings required for reforestation.
"The funds I'm receiving will make a significant contribution to my lab facilities, expanding on the capabilities of ecophysiological equipment purchased through my Chair, adding new field-based equipment and allowing for the collection, transportation and storage of samples for DNA analysis," said Thomas.
"I was thrilled to be successful in this application and in having the opportunity to meet and discuss the funding needs of our research community with the Minister of Science, Kirsty Duncan, when the award was announced."
Jens Walter, the Campus Alberta Innovation Program Chair for Nutrition, Microbes and Gastroinstestinal Health, received $400,000 to translate basic research into therapeutic and nutritional strategies that modulate the microbiome.
A diversity of bacteria in the microbiome is important to human health, said Walter, but through our western diet and hygiene practices we have removed some of that diversity.
To correct that, his research is looking at two main strategies - understanding which dietary fibre promotes healthy bacteria, and developing microbes that can be reintroduced in humans.
"What we are trying to do that's different than previous efforts is to do it very systematically," said Walter. "For example, if we identify the bacteria that are missing, we can put them back. Or if we understand which fibre is supporting the bacteria, and the right doses, we can change dietary recommendations or develop food supplements."
To that end, part of the Foundation for Innovation funding will support his FYBER study (Feed Your Gut Bacteria), which is currently recruiting healthy overweight people between the ages of 19 and 45 to add fibre to their normal diet for six weeks. Participants receive dietary counselling with a registered dietician and an honorarium. Volunteers can contact Walter at uafyber@ualberta.ca.