University of Regina Secures $8.6M to Advance Water Protection and Environmental Sustainability

University of Regina Secures $8.6M to Advance Water Protection and Environmental Sustainability

The University of Regina has secured a record $8.6 million in federal funding to support a new wave of research in water protection and environmental sustainability. The investment enables two new Tier 1 Canada Research Chairs (CRCs), renewal of existing chairs, and the creation of cutting‑edge research facilities that will address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the Prairies and Canada as a whole.

For professionals, students, and community partners working in water stewardship, waste management, and climate science, the announcement signals a crucial opportunity to engage with a leading research community that is actively developing solutions to keep our lakes, rivers, and soils healthy for future generations.

Canada Research Chairs: A Catalyst for Prairie Water Science

Canada’s Research Chairs program grants high‑impact scholars the freedom and resources needed to pursue long‑term, world‑class research. In this funding cycle, the University of Regina will appoint Dr. Kerri Finlay to a new Tier 1 CRC in Water in a Changing Environment. The $1.4 million, seven‑year award will enable a comprehensive program that includes:

  • Tracking long‑term trends in water quality across 100+ lakes in southern Saskatchewan.
  • Testing emerging strategies to reduce water pollution from agriculture, industry, and urban runoff.
  • Co‑designing monitoring protocols with First Nations and local communities to ensure inclusive stewardship.

Finlay’s new field truck, research vessel, and high‑performance water‑quality instruments—funded by a $170,176 Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) grant—will provide the data necessary to make predictive models of how climate change and land‑use decisions impact prairie waters.

Learn more about the University of Regina’s Water Protection research and how you can get involved: Explore water‑safety programs. Curious about how this research could support your own sustainability initiatives? Contact the university’s research office for partnership opportunities.

Reinventing Waste Management in Canada

Canada generates more waste per capita than many industrialized nations, yet recycling rates lag behind. Dr. Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng has been awarded a Tier 1 CRC in Environmental Sustainability with an identical $1.4 million, seven‑year commitment to develop smart, data‑driven waste‑management systems tailored to Canada’s diverse regions.

  • Construction of the Waste Management System Design Laboratory (WMSD Lab) will combine advanced computing, near‑infrared spectroscopy, and hands‑on training to create evidence‑based strategies for waste collection, sorting, and processing.
  • Program will prioritize solutions for rural and northern communities where waste logistics are most challenging.
  • Educational component: training graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and industry partners in cutting‑edge waste‑management science.

Ng’s work is backed by a $83,140 JELF grant to build the laboratory and $205,779 for antibacterial research technology that can reduce pathogen loads in waste streams. The project aligns with Canada’s national strategy to close the waste‑management gap and supports the prairie environment.

Are you running a small‑to‑medium enterprise looking for advanced waste‑sorting technology? Find out how the University of Regina’s research could help you scale sustainable practices: Explore business‑research partnerships.

Strengthening Existing Research Capabilities

The $8.6 million also renews two pivotal Canada Research Chairs:

  • Dr. Margot Hurlbert – Tier 1 CRC in Climate Change, Energy, and Sustainability Policy – $1.4 million over seven years.
  • Dr. Omar El‑Halfawy – Tier 2 CRC in Chemogenomics and Antimicrobial Research – $500,000 over five years.

Additional CFI JELF investments support cutting‑edge equipment (
$205,779) and help the university upgrade facilities, cybersecurity, and research administration systems. The cumulative impact is a research ecosystem that can respond quickly to emerging environmental threats.

Implications for Policy, Community, and Industry

Why does this federal investment matter beyond academia?

  • Evidence‑Based Policy: Outcomes from Finlay’s and Ng’s projects will feed directly into provincial and federal water‑quality standards and waste‑management regulations.
  • Community Capacity: Partnerships with Indigenous communities and local municipalities will create co‑managed monitoring plans that distribute benefits equitably.
  • Economic Growth: New technologies and data platforms will foster entrepreneurship and job creation in green tech sectors.

Industry leaders are encouraged to engage with the university’s research teams to co‑develop solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and operational efficiency. The University of Regina offers a streamlined pathway for collaboration through its Dedicated Research Partnerships Office.

To explore potential collaborative research, please contact the partnership office today. This investment unlocks opportunities to shape the future of environmental stewardship in the Prairies and beyond.

Student Opportunities and Career Development

Students—both undergraduate and graduate—stand to benefit immensely from the expanded research portfolio. The University of Regina welcomes candidates with a passion for environmental science, data analytics, and community outreach. Positions include:

  • Graduate assistantships in the Water Protection lab.
  • Postdoctoral fellowships focused on climate‑resilient waste systems.
  • Internships in policy analysis and science communication for local governments.

These roles provide hands‑on experience, access to state‑of‑the‑art equipment, and mentorship from globally recognized scholars. For those interested in a career that blends science with social impact, the university offers a supportive environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ready to apply? Submit your application today through the university’s online portal and join a team that is driving tangible progress in environmental sustainability.

Looking Forward: A Brighter Water‑Sustainability Future

With the backing of the federal government, the University of Regina is setting the stage for transformative research that will monitor, protect, and restore water bodies across the Prairies. The combined focus on water protection and waste-management science creates a holistic approach to environmental stewardship that can be replicated across Canada.

Stakeholders from government, industry, and community groups can now rely on this research to guide policy decisions, design resilient infrastructure, and foster sustainable local economies.

Stay informed about upcoming research findings and opportunities by subscribing to the university’s newsletter or following its social media channels. Together, we can ensure that water resources remain safe and that waste handling practices move toward true sustainability.

For additional resources on water protection, environmental policy, and research collaboration, please explore related programs or read the latest news releases from the university.

Take the Next Step

Whether you are a student, researcher, or community advocate, the University of Regina’s new research initiatives offer pathways to contribute to a healthier environment. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how you can get involved or contact the university’s research office today.

Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below or reach out directly through our email. Your participation fuels the collective effort to safeguard our water resources.