Fredericton, N.B., February 2, 2026  

ResearchNB today announced five successful projects funded through the Priority Sector Development Fund, supporting research initiatives that align with New Brunswick’s priority sectors and contribute to large-scale, transformative impact across the province. 

The Priority Sector Development Fund is designed to strengthen research capacity, drive innovation, and address critical challenges in sectors where New Brunswick has both established strengths and future opportunities. This year’s funded projects focus on oceans, forestry, and health, with research that supports economic growth, system improvement, and community wellbeing. 

Through this funding round, ResearchNB supported five projects, representing a total investment of $1.5 million. These projects reflect the depth of research talent in New Brunswick and the vital role research plays in improving quality of life for citizens, business, and communities across the province. 

“Research is one of the most powerful tools we have to build a stronger, more resilient New Brunswick,” said Candice Pollack, CEO of ResearchNB. “Through the Priority Sector Development Fund, we are investing in research that strengthens our economic drivers, supports innovation and capacity building, and delivers real benefits for New Brunswickers — whether that’s healthier communities, sustainable natural resources, or a more competitive economy.” 

The funded projects span a range of research with practical implications that can help shape programs, services, and long-term planning, including ecosystem sustainability, health system transformation, housing stability, and forestry management. Together, they demonstrate how research can inform decision-making, support innovation, and respond to real-world challenges facing the province. 

“Supporting research in priority sectors like health, oceans, and forestry is essential to New Brunswick’s long-term prosperity,” said Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Training. “These projects reflect the important work being done by researchers across our province and highlight how research contributes to stronger communities, a skilled workforce, and a more sustainable future for New Brunswick.” 

2026 Priority Sector Development Fund Recipients: 

• Philip Harrison, University of New Brunswick (Fredericton)
  “New Brunswick Aquatic Ecosystems Study” (Oceans) 

• Shelley Doucet, University of New Brunswick (Saint John)
  “Seizing the Policy Window: Building a Practice-Based Research and Learning Network for Primary Care Reform in New Brunswick” (Health) 

• Gaetan Pelletier, Northern Hardwoods Research Institute
  “Improved Management of Mixed and Hardwood Forests” (Forestry) 

• Suchinta Arif, University of New Brunswick (Saint John)
  “Charting Causal Pathways for Marine Resilience in New Brunswick” (Oceans) 

• Julia Woodhall-Melnik, University of New Brunswick (Saint John)
  “Staying Housed: Working alongside lived experts to establish programs and policies that improve housing stability in individuals waiting for subsidized housing” (Health) 

ResearchNB’s priority sectors include health, agriculture, oceans, energy, and forestry, reflecting areas where research and innovation can deliver meaningful economic, social, and environmental impact for the province. 

About ResearchNB 

ResearchNB supports research in New Brunswick. With a mission to power discovery together, ResearchNB funds leading-edge research, promotes research excellence, and connects the dots across the agriculture, forestry, oceans, health, and energy sectors to build a well-funded and impactful research ecosystem. 

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