ResearchNB is proud to announce a total of 13 recipients of the Equipment and Infrastructure Support Fund (FY25-26), with awards totaling $481,737.90 to advance research capacity across New Brunswick. As part of its Infrastructure Support Pillar, this program provides critical funding for the purchase of specialized research equipment and infrastructure. These investments enable New Brunswick researchers to expand their research capabilities, foster collaboration, and drive innovation across multiple sectors.
Congratulations to the following:
Researcher: Serge Desjardins, Université de Moncton, Moncton – $80,000
Project: Wireless Vibration-Based Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructure
This project equips the Structural Laboratory with a wireless, mobile vibration-based monitoring system for bridges, buildings, and civil structures. The new platform will allow real-time monitoring to detect early fatigue and damage, improve safety, reduce maintenance costs, and provide training opportunities for students and industry partners.
Researcher: Brynle Barrett, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton – $14,692
Project: Developing a Portable Quantum Gravimeter for Natural Resource Detection
This project aims to develop Canada’s first portable quantum gravimeter, unlocking new opportunities for clean energy exploration and resource detection. The technology will support training, intellectual property development, and potential spin-off companies in New Brunswick’s emerging quantum technology sector.
Researcher: Myles O’Brien, Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick – $80,000
Project: Strengthening the Connection Between Kinesiology & Medicine to “Beat” Cardiovascular Dysfunction to Sedentary Postures
This project acquires state-of-the-art physiological monitoring equipment to study how sedentary lifestyles impact cardiovascular health, with a particular focus on women’s heart health. The infrastructure will advance research and trainee development in cardiovascular physiology.
Researcher: Jean-François Légaré, Horizon Health Network – $80,000
Project: Heart Rescue in Aging Cardio-Oncology Patients—AI for Early Detection of Amyloidosis
By applying artificial intelligence to cardiac imaging and blood analysis, this project seeks to detect amyloidosis earlier—an underdiagnosed, life-threatening heart condition. The research has the potential to transform patient care in New Brunswick and beyond.
Researcher: Alli Murugesan, University of New Brunswick, Saint John – $14,500
Project: Employing a Rapid Sequencing Platform to Decode Immune Landscapes in Blood Cancers and Inflammatory Disorders
This project introduces rapid sequencing technology to study gene expression patterns in patients with blood cancers and rheumatoid arthritis, advancing precision medicine approaches and bridging lab discoveries with clinical care.
Researcher: Sandra Turcotte, Université de Moncton, Moncton – $32,523
Project: Characterization of PIKfyve as a Therapeutic Target in Kidney Cancer
By studying PIKfyve, a key regulator of lysosomes, this research aims to understand and advance new therapies for kidney cancer, which remains highly lethal and resistant to standard treatments.
Researcher: Thomas Pulinilkunnil, Dalhousie Medicine NB – $25,000
Project: Targeted Therapies for Heart Failure Using iPSC Cells and Organoids
This project leverages cutting-edge genome editing tools to develop and test therapies for heart failure, supporting innovative cardiac research and new treatment development.
Researcher: Sébastien Vaudreuil, CCNB Bathurst – $41,025
Project: Beyond the Lab: Unlocking Industrial Value from a Hybrid Fabrication Hub
This initiative funds an advanced robotic-additive manufacturing system, enabling sustainable, large-scale fabrication using wood-based composites. The project promotes greener manufacturing and provides opportunities for industrial innovation in NB.
Researcher: Moulay Akhloufi, Université de Moncton, Moncton – $20,025
Project: A Coordinated Robotic Swarm for Automated Logistical Support in Elder Care Facilities
This project develops robotic systems to assist with daily tasks in elder care facilities, freeing healthcare staff to focus on patient care while improving safety, efficiency, and training in robotics and AI.
Researcher: Veronica Whitford, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton – $15,141.60
Project: Tracking Cognitive Aging Profiles with Eye-Tracking and AI
Combining psychology and AI, this research will use eye-tracking to distinguish between healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease, improving diagnostic accessibility and care for aging New Brunswickers.
Researcher: Zahra Khatami, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton – $10,050
Project: Next-Generation Thermal Measurement Infrastructure for Innovation in NB
This project establishes advanced thermal testing equipment at UNB, developed with Fredericton’s C-Therm Technologies, to accelerate innovation in energy, electronics, and materials science.
Researcher: Shivam Saxena, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton – $43,781.30
Project: A Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charging Laboratory for Energy Flexibility
This initiative develops Atlantic Canada’s first bidirectional EV charging lab, supporting renewable energy integration, grid stability, and hands-on training for students and utilities.
Researcher: Mohsen Mohammadi, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton – $25,000
Project: Metal Additive Manufacturing on Board of a Vessel
This project pioneers shipboard metal 3D printing for real-time vessel repair, reducing downtime and advancing marine innovation in New Brunswick.
We would like to thank all the researchers who applied for this funding opportunity.
ResearchNB is proud to offer a range of funding programs available throughout the year. Discover our new suite of research funding programs on the ResearchNB website. We look forward to working with New Brunswick’s gifted, innovative, and resourceful research community to help our province grow and thrive.
For further information, contact Research Services researchservices@researchnb.ca .