News Archives: Research Evolving at Northwestern Polytechnic
Tuesday, August 1st, 2023
The applied research agenda at Northwestern Polytechnic is in full bloom with the announcement of a new Agriculture & Biosciences Applied Research Centre (ABARC). This newly branded facility in Beaverlodge is part of a broadened applied research focus that will enable the polytechnic to explore responsive regional solutions to emerging industry needs.
“This is exciting news for our region, with our long-standing National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC) serving as the heart of the new ABARC,” says NWP’s Associate Dean Applied Research, Sivagowry Lewis. “We are eager to share this development so our industry partners are aware that along with apiculture (the study of bees), we have the tools and resources to support research and diagnostics across the agriculture and forestry sector, including animal nutrition and forage quality, crop and animal residues, pest entomology, and bioremediation.”
The new Centre’s logo reflects the past while providing a glimpse of the bright future. There are two distinct bee shapes, in the form of a double helix, that meet to represent cross-pollinated discovery and the intersection of research and industry. The six petals represent the cyclical, six-step process of the scientific method: observation, question, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, and conclusion.
The new focus and bright logo come at a time when research funding is also flowing. NWP recently received a $1.75 million funding renewal from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) which will allow staff, faculty and students to continue building on ten years of success in honeybee research and service.
“Our Technology Access Centre (NBDC-TAC) is the only facility dedicated to improving bee health and providing innovative solutions to pollination challenges in Canada,” explains Patricia Wolf Veiga, ABARC Manager. “The funding support from the NSERC is essential in maintaining our ability to explore and better understand Canada’s managed and native bee communities, provide specialized training, and remain a key contributor and innovator in pollinator pathogens, epidemiology and ecology.”
NSERC is Canada’s largest supporter of discovery and innovation, and they work to remove barriers, develop opportunities, and attract new expertise to make Canada’s research community thrive. The Agriculture Funding Consortium, which unites 18 commodity groups including producers of wheat, barley, canola, bees and beef, has also been integral in boosting local research dollars.
NWP research scientist, Gail McInnis and her team at ABARC recently learned that they had been awarded 175K in Consortium funding. This grant will enable a continued focus on harnessing the power of pollen DNA metabarcoding to enhance pollinator health and honey value in cropping landscapes. Analyzing pollen DNA in honey, and on the bodies of bees, can accurately determine the plant species a bee has visited and uncover links between bee health and landscape resources.
“ABARC’s inception is timely as we work to maximize regional partnerships and research potential at our Beaverlodge Centre and across NWP campuses,” says Dr. Vanessa Sheane, Acting NWP President and CEO. “There is a tremendous amount of value to be realized when faculty, staff and students get an opportunity to put their heads together with the signature industries in our community.”
For more information -
- NWP Research and Innovation
- Technology Access Canada
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- Agriculture Funding Consortium
- NBDC Research Projects
