Ticks are becoming a real problem across Canada, which is why Research Nova Scotia (RNS) is investing $1.2 million through its Focused Research Investment (FRI) program to support the development and commercialization of technologies that address tick-borne diseases.
The announcement was made Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Acadia University in conjunction with the official opening of the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre (CTRIC).
The project is led by Drs. Nicoletta Faraone, Laura Ferguson, and Neil Kirk Hillier.
Dr. Nicoletta Faraone is an associate professor of chemistry at the university and director of the CTRIC. She says the investment will help the centre create new tick repellents and control technologies that will strengthen its ability to detect and monitor emerging pathogens.
RNS was joined by Minister of Advanced Education, Brian Wong, and other project partners for the announcement.
Wong says the investment builds “on Nova Scotia’s expertise in tick repellency, helping local companies, such as the South Shore’s PureGard, compete in new markets.”
Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, says “Tick-borne diseases are an increasingly important challenge for people and animals, and addressing them requires research that can move beyond the lab and into practical use.
“FRI gives us a way to invest in research where there is a clear opportunity to tackle societal challenges and create economic value.”
