Church-Point (NS), February 13, 2025 — Conducting research that directly benefits the local community is at the heart of Université Sainte-Anne's mission. We are therefore proud to announce the expansion of our research facilities, which will contribute positively to the economic development of our region.
The University actively responds to the demands of industry by leading research and development initiatives and equipping new graduates with the skills needed to support key sectors. With its proven track record of collaboration with industry, Université Sainte-Anne continues to foster innovation and strengthen the regional economy. Pursuing these goals requires investments such as this laboratory expansion project at the Church-Point campus to enhance the research capabilities that enable regional companies to remain competitive in their sectors.
“This expansion reinforces Université Sainte-Anne's role as a driver of innovation for businesses in our region. By pooling our resources and expertise, we are contributing directly to the growth of the agri-food and fishing industries. Our research community will have new means of generating innovative solutions and value-added products, essential to the productivity and resilience of these sectors.”— Kenneth Deveau, President of Université Sainte-Anne
The project components
The expansion project comprises three main components:
The creation of a shared R&D analytical laboratory, maximizing research capabilities
The construction of a level 2 biosafety laboratory, essential for the study and analysis of moderate-risk biological agents.
The provision of a common multifunctional space, fostering collaboration and training for students in research.
A state-of-the-art R&D analytical laboratory
The new R&D analytical laboratory will offer a space equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. The expansion of Université Sainte-Anne's laboratories is essential to meet growing demands in applied research. Several proposed projects require these new facilities, for example:
Studies on improving the preservation time of seafood destined for export;
Isolation and characterization of microorganisms to optimize biofermentation processes;
Extracting value from seafood processing by-products.
A level 2 biosafety laboratory for advanced research
The addition of a containment level 2 laboratory will enable the analysis and identification of microorganisms of interest to the agri-food industry and research into antimicrobial resistance factors. Potential research applications for the industry could include finding new methods for maintaining the health of aquaculture stocks without the reliance on antibiotics.
A common space for collaborative research
A new shared laboratory space will make the most of the high-tech equipment and microscopes at Université Sainte-Anne. By adding this shared space and shared access to equipment, we will be able to increase the number of students and staff who can carry out experiments, leading to increased research productivity and efficiency.
“The Laboratory for Innovation in Science and Industry intends to be a catalyst for research collaboration. Concentrating our resources in a collaborative workspace that brings together our researchers will enable our institution to offer science-informed R&D solutions to the industrial sector.”— Mohammadi Kaouass, Director of the Laboratory for Innovation in Science and Industry
A Federal investment benefiting francophone communities
The Government of Canada, by way of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is making a non-repayable contribution of $350,000 to Université Sainte-Anne to relocate the Laboratory for Innovation in Science and Industry (LISI) to its Church Point campus, and to purchase new specialized equipment. The LISI’s workspaces will be adjacent to the Lobster Quality Laboratory, which was established in 2020.
“By helping to bring these two laboratories closer together, Université Sainte-Anne is creating a new, well-equipped hub for applied research. Students will have additional opportunities to acquire specialized skills, and rural businesses will have access to know-how that will help them become more innovative and competitive. This collaboration between academia and business helps build stronger, more sustainable communities.” — Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
A strong commitment from the private sector
Industry involvement is a key element of the project. A new memorandum of understanding between our university and the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse establishes a joint innovation committee. This committee's mandate is to develop an action plan to strengthen ties between the university and industry players, with the goal of increasing the number of projects funded and increasing opportunities for collaborative research.
In addition, Comeau's Sea Foods has demonstrated its commitment to local innovation by announcing a $25,000 donation to Université Sainte-Anne to support this project. This funding will contribute to the development of the infrastructure needed to facilitate research and foster innovative solutions in the agri-food and fishing sectors.
A commitment to regional economic development
This project will foster greater synergy between the research community and industry, mobilizing more applied R&D efforts. It will also increase the involvement of graduate and undergraduate students in research partnerships. This experiential learning will offer science graduates qualified employment opportunities in the agri-food and fisheries sectors.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For more information
Gilles Saulnier, Research and Communications Officer Université Sainte-Anne Tel.: 902-260-5141 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lori Selig, Acting Director of Communications Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Tel.: 902-266-7477 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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