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$5.5 M Announcement for UCCB For Immediate Release (Sydney, NS, September 22, 2003) - The world of petroleum applications
of wireless systems at University College of Cape Breton took a
huge leap forward today with the "We are delighted with this Atlantic Innovation Fund announcement of $5.5 M for UCCB and ultimately for our community," said President John Harker. "This funding for petroleum applications of wireless systems is true recognition of our knowledge and dedication in research and development and of our contributions to making an important impact in post-secondary and global venues." This particular project, led by UCCB, will involve the development and commercialization of wireless process control systems with applications within the energy sector both onshore and offshore. Key benefits to the oil and gas industry will be weight and volume reduction on the platforms, the elimination of cabling, speed and ease of installation and the possibility of increased data collection points. The project, with total project costs of $7,782,071, will receive up to $5,560,278 from the AIF over a five-year period. The concept for this project was incubated at UCCB over a period of three years. Researchers from other Atlantic Canada institutions collaborated with UCCB to provide the multi-disciplinary expertise required for a project of this scope. Three institutions will join forces with the National Research Council to pursue this initiative. The Nova Scotia team is made up of the National Research Council's Wireless Systems research team (located at UCCB), along with UCCB's Information Technology Innovation Centre (ITIC) and Centre of Excellence in Petroleum Development. The Free the Cuban Five Committee - Toronto, which actively pursues support for the Five, will welcome the Cuban visitors at Pearson International Airport, Terminal 3, arrivals level, on Sunday, September 28, around 5:30 p.m. The media are invited to attend. "We are thrilled with this additional investment to support wireless research in Cape Breton," said Dr. Andrew Woodsworth, Director General, NRC-IIT. "This research focus will strengthen the already growing relationship between NRC, UCCB, and the Cape Breton community." "This investment has tremendous impact for the UCCB community. The project positions us to do important global strategic research with other institutions and industry partners," said Dr. Keith Brown, Dean, Economic and Technological Innovation at UCCB. The New Brunswick team, situated in Fredericton at the University of New Brunswick's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, will focus on the systems and control related information technology. The Newfoundland team at the College of the North Atlantic will provide realistic testing facilities to evaluate the devices and systems in an industrial petroleum production and processing facility. Lucia MacIsaac, Director, Centre of Excellence Petroleum at UCCB said the funding of this project provides an opportunity to conduct leading-edge research for the oil and gas sector. "Wireless devices and network systems specifically developed for the harsh environments and process conditions that exist in the oil and gas industry will be tested in advanced laboratory environments at UCCB and the College of the North Atlantic." Various AIF announcements were made simultaneously today in Halifax and Sydney. The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) is a $300-million, five-year fund designed to strengthen the economy of Atlantic Canada by accelerating the development of knowledge-based industry. An Atlantic Canada post-secondary leader, UCCB provides opportunities and partnerships to help learners and communities meet educational, cultural and economic goals. Currently home to more than 3,300 students, UCCB has helped shape the progress of this region and its people for more than 25 years. Located on scenic Cape Breton Island, UCCB students pursue a broad range of degree, diploma, certificate and skills development training options in an integrated learning environment. An impressive record of industrial outreach and an expanding distance education offering complement existing strengths. Visit www.uccb.ca.-30- For more information:
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