Innovation Saskatchewan is investing $459,095 in three University of Regina (U of R) research projects through the Innovation & Science Fund (ISF) to advance solutions in water security, environmental sustainability and antimicrobial resistance.
The investments match funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), effectively doubling the resources available to U of R researchers to accelerate their work.
"The U of R is leading research that's making a real impact and helping shape a stronger, more sustainable future for our province," Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. "These investments help ensure Saskatchewan stays at the forefront of innovation and is ready to tackle challenges with solutions developed right here at home."
The projects build on U of R strengths in climate science and population health, advancing Saskatchewan's priority research areas of life sciences, agriculture and energy:
- $205,779 for Advanced Antibacterial Research Technology led by Dr. Omar El-Halfawy
- Funding will support specialized lab tools, including high-throughput imaging and advanced bacterial genomics to speed up drug discovery. Researchers will be able to study bacteria in conditions that mimic real infections and uncover resistance mechanisms often missed in standard tests, helping improve treatments and guide more effective antibiotic use to support global efforts for combatting antimicrobial resistance.
- $170,176 for Water Quality Research Equipment led by Dr. Kerri Finlay
- Funding will support new field and lab equipment to expand high-precision monitoring across more than 100 lakes in southern Saskatchewan. The tools will help track how human activity and climate change affect prairie lakes and wetlands, inform practical, evidence-based strategies to protect water quality and advance climate resilience, building on three decades of research in the Qu'Appelle Valley.
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