CORNWALL, Ontario - The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences is looking to provide research services to companies across Canada, North America and even the world with the launching of a new Applied Research and Technical Services Branch.
“We are open for business, and we are actively looking for projects where our expertise is needed, “said Dr. Jeff Ridal, Executive Director and Chief Research Scientist of the Institute.
The Institute has recently invested in new scientific equipment and has established a new microscopic imaging laboratory at its location on the Cornwall Campus of St. Lawrence College. The state-of-the art equipment will help researchers discover solutions to problems companies might be facing, such as how to become more efficient, reduce demand on resources or simply to lower costs.
“We have top-notch scientists backed by an incredibly talented technical support team,” said Jennifer Haley, Microbiologist. “We’re anxious to take on work that will make use of our expertise and our new resources. Our goal is not to compete with the private sector, but to work in partnership.”
The Institute already has a successful case study in Lafleche Leblanc Soil Recycling Inc. Researchers at the Institute worked in partnership with company officials to investigate ways of improving the company’s ground breaking work in reclaiming contaminated soil through the use of bacteria. The research has delivered direct benefits in the areas of quality control and best practices.
“The bottom line is that we became more knowledgeable about our process which allowed us to become more efficient, lowering our costs by hundreds of thousands each year,” said Damian Rodriguez, Manager, Soil Facilities at Lafleche Leblanc Soil Recycling Inc. “We’re anxious to work with the Institute again, and would recommend their work to anybody looking to solve a problem.”
The announcement of the new Applied Research & Technical Services branch was made at a special gathering of over 55 business and political leaders from Eastern Ontario, including Mayor Kilger.
“We are very proud of the River Institute and the scientists who work here in our community, said Mayor Kilger. “The new branch is an exciting extension of the Institute’s core mission to seek knowledge and I would invite any member of the public to take a closer look at the work happening at this facility.”
The Applied Research and Technical Services offered by the River Institute include custom research and development, analytical and technical laboratory services, microscopic imaging and classification, as well as specialized education and training.
The term “applied research” or “applied science” refers to work that seeks to solve practical problems and find solutions to everyday problems in a variety of areas including business, industry, communities and medicine. Applied research often leads to the development of innovative technologies, and is therefore has an important role to play in economic development.
More information on the new Applied Research and Technical Services Branch can be found on the Institute’s website.
- choosecornwall.ca
