Daily Bulletin

First big CFI research grants

"Representing a total investment of $21.6 million, these awards will help strengthen the capability for world-class research and technology development at 35 Canadian universities and research institutions," says CFI president David Strangway. "These awards represent an important milestone in the development of Canadian innovation. The CFI investment will enable more than 550 researchers in institutions across the country to have access to the advanced equipment and facilities they need to undertake leading-edge research."

One major grant for UW was in the group of projects approved earlier this week. It's for work headed by Shaun Frape of the earth sciences department. Project title: "Gas Chromatograph/Fraction Collector-Gas Mass Spectrometer for stable isotope analysis of chlorine and hydrogen to fingerprint organic compounds (contamination)". CFI hasn't yet said how much money it's awarding for each of the projects that were approved -- a total of 16 across Canada.

Eight other UW projects, and 159 across the country, were put on the list of funding requests that CFI will give closer attention over the next few months. The UW projects are based in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, chemistry, optometry, biology, and information systems and technology.

CFI said a further 121 projects -- including five from Waterloo -- "will not proceed further".

And then there are 28 proposals for buildings "that could be invited to move on to the next stage of the review", CFI says. "Before inviting any such proposal to the next stage of the competition, the CFI will hold a further review to assess the value added of each proposal to Canadian innovation." Among those projects is UW's long-awaited new building, which for CFI purposes is titled the Centre for Environmental and Information Technologies.

The CFI also awarded 67 small-scale grants (under $350,000) this week, to support projects at 26 institutions, not including Waterloo. There were also "research development" grants to "help strengthen the research environment" at seven small universities.

The approvals given this week represent the first money since CFI was set up following the federal budget in the spring of 1997, apart from some modest "new opportunities" grants given this summer to help with start-up costs for young researchers.

Cancelled, cancelled, not cancelled

The meeting of the pension and benefits committee that was scheduled for this morning has also been cancelled.

Among things that will be happening as scheduled: the co-op department will post job match results for chartered accounting students this afternoon. Other students going out on winter term jobs continue in the interview process until November 6.

The undergraduate Science Society holds an election today for the vacant position of vice-president; polls will be open from 9 to 4 near the coffee-and-doughnut outlet on the first floor of Biology I.

Eric McCormack of St. Jerome's University will read from his writings at 4:00 this afternoon in the St. Jerome's common room. "Be very careful about putting your nightmares into words," he wrote in First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women, but I take it he's not going to follow his own advice. The reading is free, and everyone is welcome.

An "international forum" is scheduled for tomorrow in the multipurpose room of the Student Life Centre. Says a flyer: "Panelists will discuss international paid/volunteer work opportunities and study exchanges . . . networking will follow." There are three scheduled panels: at 10:00 and 11:00 with representatives of various work-abroad programs, and at 1:00 with people who know about student exchange programs to a number of lands, mostly in Europe. The day's events are sponsored by career services, the international programs office, the international student office and student affairs.

The Federation of Students sends word that its annual general meeting will be held Wednesday, October 28, at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Student Life Centre. "All fee-paying members of the Federation of Students are eligible to attend and cast a vote at the meeting. Please direct any agenda items to the attention of the president, Christian Provenzano, at 888-4042."

Events support the United Way

People in various parts of the university are getting into the United Way spirit. The faculty of arts is an example; Richard Crispin in the psychology department reports that several special fund-raisers are happening over the next few days, including organized dress-down days this Friday and next.

"Second," Crispin writes, "what could be better on a cool autumn day than a bowl of homemade chili and a slice of homemade bread? If this is to your liking, then we have a deal for you." That's the lunch you can get on Monday, October 26, in Humanities room 373, with the $3 charge going to the United Way. "Please, so we know how much chili to prepare," he writes, "get your tickets before October 23." They're available from United Way representatives across arts, or directly from him.

Also planned in arts: a 50-50 raffle, in which tickets are $2, half the money going to the United Way and half to prizes; and, on Tuesday, November 3, a flea market from 11:00 to 2:00 in the Humanities lobby. "Please check your closets, cupboards, under the bed, behind the basement door for items which you can donate. We will have the coat check open on Monday, November 2, from noon till 4:30 p.m. so you can bring your items then."

Fragments from the United Way wish-list: a $2-a-week donation is enough, in the course of a year, to send an underprivileged kid to Scout camp for a week, or to provide two homeless people with food and shelter for a day through the House of Friendship, or to pay for two home visits for two new mothers who need emotional and practical support from Lutherwood.

Local volunteers are wanted

• Help prepare Olympic athletes: Special Olympic athletes are looking for an assistant swim coach. The ideal volunteer should have a background in aquatics, CPR training, patience, understanding and want to have fun. The Special Olympics soccer teams, the Kitchener Spirit and Kitchener Kickers also need a team manager. A well organized volunteer who loves soccer will get a kick out of this position. Experience with people who have special needs is beneficial but not necessary. Additional training is provided.
• Crohns and Colitis Foundation: The Waterloo-Wellington Chapter is in need of many volunteers with various strengths and skills. If you are outgoing and enjoy organizing special events, the Chapter is seeking a walk-a-thon coordinator as well as task force members to help with its annual Heel 'n' Wheel-a-thon. Other great opportunities such as Cake and Cookie sales, coordinating or participating at the M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day, Education Event Coordinator and committee member positions are also available.
• Treasurer's help needed: Waterloo Region Block Parents Program urgently requires a Treasurer. A volunteer who is a CA, a CGA or has senior bookkeeping skills is needed to prepare a financial statement, assist with payroll for one employee and provide financial guidance and direction to the Board. This organization has been working hard to stay in existence in our community, and support from volunteers willing to join the Board are essential.

CAR

Editor of the Daily Bulletin: Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
credmond@uwaterloo.ca | (519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
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