Research Nova Scotia is investing $2.1 million in projects designed to move promising research closer to real-world applications, including five led by 妻友 researchers.
Selected for their potential benefit to people in the province, the projects aim to strengthen local food industries, advance clean energy systems, improve tools for drug development, and build the science behind ocean carbon removal.
The new funding was made possible through the organization鈥檚 first , which supports projects developed with partners and designed to respond to real-world needs.
鈥淣ova Scotia鈥檚 future prosperity depends on our ability to turn our natural advantages, research strengths and industry partnerships into solutions the world needs,鈥� said Dr. Graham Gagnon, vice-president Research and Innovation at 妻友. 鈥淭his investment is directly focused on this kind of work, helping our community to advance applied research in areas where Nova Scotia can lead and create lasting value.鈥�
Nova Scotia鈥檚 future prosperity depends on our ability to turn our natural advantages, research strengths and industry partnerships into solutions the world needs.
Each research project involves active collaboration with end users, helping ensure the research contributes directly to economic activity in Nova Scotia while building capacity in sectors of growing importance.
Funded projects involving 妻友 researchers include:
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Dr. Kim Brewer, Faculty of Medicine
Sharper images for better drug development
Advanced imaging methods will track multiple biological processes at once in living systems, allowing researchers to see where therapies go, how they interact with the body, and how they change over time. The work, to be based at the IWK Health Sciences Centre, is shaped by ongoing collaboration with local biotech companies and equipment partners, ensuring it reflects real development needs. By improving the quality and depth of pre-clinical data, the project reduces risk before clinical trials and supports more efficient progression toward commercialization.
Dr. Mita Dasog, Faculty of Science
Clean energy for overlooked resources
Solar-powered systems will be developed to produce hydrogen and recover minerals from water and waste streams using durable materials designed for harsh conditions. The approach centres on smaller, modular systems that can be developed locally, avoiding need for large infrastructure. Integration with water treatment processes increases efficiency and reduces environmental impact. As a result, it provides a practical way for clean energy use and resource recovery for Nova Scotia.
Dr. Natalya Evans, Faculty of Science
Advancing tools for ocean carbon removal
New instruments and methods will expand how alkalinity is measured in ocean and river systems, including organic components that are not captured through standard approaches. New instruments and methods will expand how alkalinity is measured in ocean and river systems, including organic components that are not captured through standard approaches. The work supports companies such as CarbonRun while strengthening shared research infrastructure in Nova Scotia.
Dr. Vasantha Rupasinghe, Faculty of Agriculture
Exploring sustainable food ingredients innovation from Nova Scotia fruits and their processing by-products
Processing methods will convert surplus fruit and by-products into stable, higher-value ingredients with improved shelf life and nutritional value. Methods such as fermentation and encapsulation are developed in conjunction with growers, processors, and food companies to ensure practical use. This work reduces waste, increases returns for producers, and creates new products for food and health markets. It also supports stronger links between agriculture and value-added manufacturing.
Dr. Jiankang (Adam) Yang, Faculty of Engineering
Particle Dynamics and Dissolution in the Ocean with Applications to Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
Lab experiments and numerical modelling with be used to examine how particles move, settle, resuspend, and dissolve in coastal waters under conditions like currents, turbulence, and stratification. The research also considers how particle size, density, and release conditions affect behaviour over time. Results will be translated into practical information for system design, including deployment methods, site selection, and monitoring tactics. As a result, it helps industry partners improve reliability and reduce risk, while giving regulators information to evaluate environmental impacts.