We are grateful for the ongoing support of funders including the British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF), who recently awarded researchers at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) more than $3 million for projects that will support infrastructure and drive research in quantum materials. The BCKDF provides matching funding for UBC awards from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
Funded projects
Momentum-resolved electron-pair spectroscopy (2e-ARPES)
- $2,628,802 BCKDF contribution
- $2,628,802 CFI contribution
- Principal Investigators: Andrea Damascelli and David Jones, Department of Physics and Astronomy
This funding will be used to develop a first-of-its-kind system at Blusson QMI that will study the physics of quantum materials with broad impacts across a range of fields including medicine, transportation and renewable energy. This new infrastructure will strengthen BC’s position as a leader in the study of quantum materials and devices, quantum computing and quantum communications, and help anchor new industries arising out of the study of quantum materials in BC.
Building a Future for Canadian Neutron Scattering
- $700,000 BCKDF contribution
- Principal Investigator: Alannah Hallas, Department of Physics and Astronomy
This funding supports a national project to build a neutron beam lab that will enable research and innovation in areas such as clean energy technology, information technology and biomaterials for understanding and combating disease. A Canadian neutron beam lab is essential for materials research and technology development, and this project will bring much-needed research capacity home. Hallas, with Meigan Aronson, were co-investigators on a CFI awarded to McMaster University in March 2021 ($14.3 million).
In addition, UBC Physics & Astronomy Assistant Professor Jess McIver received $200,000 from BCKDF for her project, Enabling gravitational wave astrophysics with calibration, monitoring, and characterization of the LIGO detectors; McIver is a collaborator on the Blusson QMI Grand Challenge, Atomistic approach to emergent properties of disordered materials.
“UBC is home to some of the world’s top researchers, and this investment gives them access to cutting-edge scientific infrastructure that will support breakthroughs in fields like health care, clean technology, quantum science and agriculture,” said UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono. “Whether it’s developing life-saving new drugs, ensuring literacy for all or creating novel technologies that give BC companies a competitive edge, this investment will promote a more healthy, innovative and sustainable society for all British Columbians.”
Read more
- PHAS research projects receive 6.8M BC government investment for research infrastructure
- UBC awarded more than $22 million for research infrastructure projects
- Province invests in post-secondary research innovation for a stronger BC
About the BC Knowledge Development Fund
The BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) has awarded $22,107,638 to invest in research infrastructure for 24 projects at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
The BCKDF shares project funding with other funding partners, including the Canada Foundation for Innovation. These investments help ensure UBC will have the state-of-the-art scientific equipment and infrastructure to be well-positioned to lead BC into the future.
