Articles from:August 2016

• Brock recognized for successful partnerships with industry

  Wednesday, August 31, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: R00180 – 26 August 2016

  Two Brock University research programs are being lauded by the Council of Ontario University’s Research Matters campaign for their success in partnering with industry.

  Research Matters, a program that promotes Ontario’s most innovative university research, has identified 50 ‘game-changing’ research partnerships across the province. Brock was named twice, for its VineAlert program as well as for its collaboration with Niagara company Norgen Biotek.

  VineAlert measures the cold hardiness of grapevines and warns grape growers when they need to turn on frost-fighting wind machines or take other protective measures against impending extreme weather conditions.

  The program is a collaboration between researchers Debbie Inglis and Jim Willwerth at Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) and Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc.

  An economic impact study of the program has shown that VineAlert has helped the Ontario grape and wine industry avoid up to $13.8 million in lost sales from a single severe cold weather event, as well as $11.7 million in lost sales while damaged vines recover in subsequent years, and $29.1 million in vine renewal and replacement costs.

  “Our cold hardiness research program would not be possible or successful without strong industry partnerships,” Willwerth said. “VineAlert is a great example of how strong partnerships can advance research and innovation while simultaneously overcoming challenges and improving the economics and sustainability of an industry.”

  The other Brock program recognized by Research Matters highlights the work of biologist Yousef Haj-Ahmad and the Thorold-based biotechnology firm Norgen Biotek Corporation.

  Norgen Biotek produces tools and kits that preserve human blood, urine, saliva and other samples without the need for refrigeration. Health care workers can isolate DNA, RNA or proteins from these samples to diagnose many diseases such as Hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia, cancers and genetic diseases.
   
  Preserving the specimens using Norgen’s kits makes it easier to store samples and ship them for testing.

  Haj-Ahmad says he is excited to have Norgen Biotek included within Research Matters’ campaign.

  “Research definitely matters: innovation and competitiveness must be supported by research,” Haj-Ahmad said.

  “Without research, you just simply lose the advantage. So research is critical, a very important investment of Canadian tax dollars in research and development. University research is what makes a difference between a developed and an underdeveloped country.”

  See the Research Matters profiles for these programs here:
  VineAlert: http://yourontarioresearch.ca/game-changer/vinealert/
  Norgen Biotech: http://yourontarioresearch.ca/game-changer/diagnostics-made-easier/

  For more information:
  * Kaitlyn Little, Marketing and Communications Officer, Brock University, [email protected], 905-688-5550 x4471

  * Cathy Majtenyi, Research Communications/Media Relations Specialist, [email protected], 905-688-5550 x5789 or 905-321-0566
   
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  Categories: Media releases

• Community invited to Brock Bazaar for student-run Day of Service

  Wednesday, August 31, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: R00178 – 25 August 2016

  A group of Brock University students are strengthening relationships with local community partners by hosting the first-ever Brock Bazaar during this year’s Brock Cares Day of Service.

  The Brock Leaders Citizenship Society (BLCS), one of two honour societies at Brock, is inviting community members and organizations to rummage through their home items and sell them on campus as part of the annual day of service on Saturday, Sept. 10.

  “We always have students out in the community, but this time we want to give people and organizations the opportunity to be on campus with our students and see the great things Brock does for Niagara,” said BLCS member and project lead Megan Brown.

  Tables at the Bazaar are available for $15, with all proceeds funding Alternative Reading Week bursaries for Brock students. Community members will keep what they make from selling their items. Activities for kids and families, a BBQ and cotton candy, as well as crafts and face painting will also be taking place throughout the day.

  The Bazaar is one of several events taking place on Brock Cares Day of Service, with hundreds of students heading out to 22 different community organizations in Grimsby, St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne and Niagara Falls to participate in Brock’s largest service day.

  Organized by Student Life and Community Experience and the Brock University Students’ Union, Brock Cares “provides students the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in Niagara,” said community outreach and volunteer co-ordinator Sarah Salt.

  “We hope this event will allow students to foster connections within the local community.”

  Brock Cares Day of Service saw 128 students volunteer within 14 organizations in 2014, completing more than 800 service hours. Due to inclement weather, the event was cancelled in 2015.

  To participate in Brock Cares, visit experiencebu.brocku.ca. To purchase a table for the Brock Bazaar, visit brockbazaar.eventbrite.com

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University [email protected], 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases