UNB receives more than $1 million from Research NB for health, oceans and forestry projects
From the Springboard Content Lab
More than $1 million has been awarded to Springboard member University of New Brunswick for research projects in healthcare, oceans, housing forestry and community well-being in the province.
ResearchNB announced that research will be funded through the Priority Sector Development Fund. It supports initiatives that align with New Brunswick’s priorities and have the potential to build transformative impact across the province.
UNB research teams have been awarded $1,119,731 through the program. Research NB will fund a total of five projects in the province through an investment of $1.5 million.
UNB research teams. The funded projects address pressing issues such as balancing economic and environmental sustainability in New Brunswick’s ocean and rivers, improving health and well-being outcomes for those experiencing precarious housing, and exploring new possibilities in primary healthcare access
“Research is one of the most powerful tools we have to build a stronger, more resilient New Brunswick. 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.”
Candice Pollack, CEO of ResearchNB
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.
“Congratulations to the research teams whose projects are being supported by Research NB today,” said Dr. David MaGee, vice president research. “From environmental sustainability to ensuring healthcare for some of our most vulnerable populations, these projects highlight some of the many significant ways that university research can help our province and our society address major challenges and create better futures.”
Dr. David MaGee, UNB Vice President Research
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) - Dr. 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)
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.
University of New Brunswick is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada. Our mission is to grow the economy through industry/community collaborations and research commercialization.