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Press Release

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Major Grant Awarded to Étienne Hébert Chatelain toward Purchase of Confocal Microscope

Étienne Hébert Chatelain, a professor with the Department of Biology of the Université de Moncton, has been awarded a grant of $170,993 by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) toward the purchase of a confocal microscope, a state-of-the art device used by biologists in advanced imaging. The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation has also agreed to contribute $170,993 toward the purchase, while the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation will be contributing $25,000.

The acquisition of a confocal microscope is critical to improving the productivity of Dr. Hébert Chatelain and his team and will be used to explore new areas of research in neuroscience in addition to facilitating the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and a range of other maladies.

“With this confocal microscope, we will be able to study living cells, thereby making more effective use of available resources for studying how the brain works and neurodegenerative diseases,” explained Dr. Hébert Chatelain. “This device will supplement the resources currently available to the Canada Research Chair in Mitochondrial Signaling and Physiopathology and be made available for use by the future New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine.”

“Dr. Hébert Chatelain’s success in this prestigious competition confirms the very high quality of his research,” stated Francis LeBlanc, Associate Vice-President of Research and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. “He has an outstanding reputation in his field.”

Overview of research project:

Mitochondria supply most of the energy required by brain cells. Their optimal function is essential for maintaining this organ’s high level of activity. Mitochondrial abnormalities can lead to the development of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of Dr. Hébert Chatelain’s research is to identify new mechanisms responsible for regulating mitochondrial activity and describe their role in the brain and in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The confocal microscope will permit high-resolution observation of mitochondria in living cells.

This news follows an announcement made by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, concerning a substantial increase in the funding allocated to the CFI with the goal of stimulating innovation. Minister Duncan also announced that the CFI’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund was allocating more than $39 million toward the acquisition of laboratory space and cutting-edge research equipment. This investment will be used to fund 251 researchers, including Dr. Hébert Chatelain, undertaking research projects at universities across Canada.


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