Surface Science Western Director Leo Lau is pushing a new frontier for uses of rubber for potential applications in the food and electronic industry thanks to $1.7 million in provincial funding.
London West MPP Chris Bentley, was at Western Friday to announce the funding from the Ontario Research Fund-Research Excellence program, which helps cover the operating costs of conducting advanced research.
“London continues to be a leader in cutting edge research,” says Bentley. “New discoveries will continue to be made and we want those people, those ideas and those jobs to stay right here in our community.”
Leo Lau
This funding is helping researchers make new discoveries that will improve the lives of people around the world. Lau says using this innovative process will cut down the environment loads in manufacturing new products and help Ontario keep its leading edge in the growing polymer market.
“Cross-disciplinary research like Professor Leo Lau’s helps expand the advanced manufacturing sector in Ontario, while providing a competitive advantage that will create jobs and ensure future prosperity,” says Ted Hewitt, Western’s Vice-President (Research & International Relations). “We are very thankful for the province’s recognition of the role research can play in economic recovery, as demonstrated by this investment.”