Science and research in mathematics at the Banff International Research Station received a big boost this week with the announcement of $12.8 million in funding from the federal government, province and U.S. and Mexican governments.
The research station is located at the Banff Centre and is a leading centre for mathematical research and discovery and the funding announcement came on Feb. 10 from federal Minister of Veterans Affairs Kent Hehr and MLA for Banff-Cochrane Cam Westhead on behalf of their respective ministers of science and advanced education.
“It is incredibly exciting to have one of the world’s best mathematical institutes here in Alberta,” Hehr stated in a press release. “Students and mathematicians come from across the globe in order to learn new methods and participate in groundbreaking discoveries. I am excited the Government of Canada is investing in such an excellent example of Canada’s research excellence.”
The International Research Station gives more than 2,000 researchers from 60 countries the chance to meet with peers to share ideas on the frontiers of mathematical knowledge.
It is a collaboration that relates directly to areas of ground-breaking research like clean energy technology, computer science, climate science and a full range of biological sciences from cell biology to ecology and even the prediction and mitigation of natural disasters.
“Bringing thousands of the world’s best researchers to Alberta has benefits for every sector in our province including energy, technology, health, agriculture, forestry and manufacturing,” said Alberta’s Minister of Economic development and Trade Deron Bilous. “By supporting BIRS we are supporting research and innovation that will help create a diversified economy for the future.”
The funding breakdown includes $3.4 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, $4 million from Alberta’s Ministry of Economic Development and trade, $5 million ($3.9 million U.S.) from the National Science Foundation and $250,000 from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología.
“The renewal of this unprecedented multinational funding validates the importance, and vigour of the research conducted at BIRS,” said Doug Mitchell, chair of the board of directors for BIRS.
“It is a tremendous success for a remarkable and ground-breaking North American collaboration in support of the world’s mathematical sciences and their manifestations in science, technology, and society.”
