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NSAC awarded Canada Research Chair valued at $500,000
Bible Hill--Research excellence at NSAC was awarded today with the presentation of a Canada Research Chair valued at $500,000 to the Bible Hill university.
Dr. Vasantha Rupasinghe received a Tier II Canada Research Chair in fruit biochemistry and bioproducts valued at $100,000 annually for the duration of the term. Tier II Chair positions are tenable for five years and renewable once and are intended for exceptional emerging researchers, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field.
“NSAC is proud to be part of the Canada Research Chairs program and in particular of Dr. Rupasinghe and his leading-edge research,” said Dr. Richard Donald, NSAC vice president, research, extension and outreach. “Dr. Rupasinghe’s research is a key component of NSAC’s research program and contributes greatly to our ability to support, healthy, sustainable communities.”
Dr. Rupasinghe’s research involves developing and commercializing innovative, socially and economically acceptable value-added foods, food additives and ingredients, natural health products and other bioproducts from cool climate fruits.
Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as the use of novel food ingredients derived from fruits and vegetables, will be important in helping to manage current and emerging health care challenges.
“Less in the abundance though they are, some non-nutrient components in fruits such as polyphenolics have remarkable power in promoting human health and wellness,” said Dr. Rupasinghe.
Research will be expanded to identify unique antioxidant compounds of fruits that can play a major role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like brain disorders and heart disease. The new funds will allow Dr. Rupasinghe to explore the processes of isolating these valuable components from under-utilized fruit bio-resources in Atlantic Canada and then to develop novel bio-products.
NSAC holds three prestigious Canada Research Chairs - one in agricultural biotechnology, one in organic agriculture and currently fruit biochemistry and bio-products.
NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.
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For more information please contact Stephanie Rogers at (902) 893-7247 or by e-mail at srogers@nsac.ca
Photo available upon request.
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