Water Institute to fund innovative, practical water research
October 3, 2007 — The Alberta Water Research Institute issued its first call for proposals this week to tackle some of Alberta’s most pressing water-related environmental issues, including habitat decline, biodiversity loss, water flow and water quality.
Funded by a $30 million grant from the Government of Alberta through Alberta Ingenuity, the Alberta Water Research Institute’s focus is on funding innovative, world class research to enhance the knowledge of water users, managers, industry, policy-makers and consumers, while facilitating policy development and improved management practices of this critical resource. Specifically, the Water Institute is seeking research proposals to support the Alberta Science and Research Authority’s Water Research Strategy, and Alberta’s Water for Life strategy goals of safe drinking water, efficient water use and healthy watersheds.
Dr. Lorne Taylor, Chair of the Alberta Water Research Institute and the former Minister of Alberta Environment responsible for the creation of the Water for Life strategy, said ideally, the research will involve a multi-disciplinary approach -- including biologists, engineers, economists and other social scientists -- to provide the knowledge water users, managers, industry, policy makers and consumers to help them make informed choices.
“What we are really looking for is research that can be translated directly into stakeholder information and practical applications for water management policies and practices,” said Taylor. “In other words, this isn’t about funding research that will sit on a shelf, this is about funding research that will make a real and meaningful difference to all Albertans.”
The Water Institute has issued its first call for proposals and is currently seeking research proposals that encourage the public, private industry, government and university-based researchers to work together to address water resources issues.
“Collaboration is really at the core of the Water Institute,” said Dr. Peter Hackett, President and CEO of Alberta Ingenuity. “Building strategic research partnerships will enable the Water Institute to address pressing issues and help policy makers and water managers make decisions that are right for the province.”
The Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI) is one of those collaborators. In addition to the general call for research proposals, the Water Institute is teaming up with AERI on a focused call for proposals aimed at enhancing knowledge around the use of water in the energy industry. This research will serve as a basis for the development of technologies and guidelines that will reduce the use of fresh water and implement cost-effective water re-use and recycle mechanisms in the following priority research areas:
• Produced Water Treatment and Recycling
• Oilsands Tailings Treatment with water recycling
• Reducing water use in electrical power generation
“Efficient water recycle and re-use in the energy industry is a critical component of Alberta Energy Innovation Strategy,” said Dr. Eddy Isaacs, Executive Director of AERI. “AERI is very pleased to partner with the Alberta Water Research Institute to promote research and technologies that will advance Alberta’s clean energy goals.”
Detailed guidelines and application procedures for the Call for Proposals can be found at www.waterinstitute.ca.
Deadline for the initial proposals is Thursday, November 15, 2007.
For more information, please contact:
Val Mellesmoen
Alberta Water Research Institute
(780) 235-2536
Keri Scobie
Alberta Ingenuity
(780) 429-7651