November 4, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB
Research Manitoba is proud to announce an investment of $3,416,831 in matching funds to support 12 research projects through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) and one project through the CFI College Fund. This investment strengthens Manitoba’s research infrastructure and supports world-class innovation across a range of disciplines.
The University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg received funding this intake from JELF, to support projects that span a variety of fields, including glacier monitoring, soil health, neurogenetics, microvascular physiology, Indigenous heritage, water safety, planetary exploration, and community research. Researchers will benefit from cutting-edge equipment and facilities that advance scientific discovery and innovation.
Red River College Polytechnic has received support through CFI’s College Fund to advance research in green manufacturing, automation, and sustainability through its Technology Access Centre for Aerospace & Manufacturing (TACAM). The investment will fund new applied-research infrastructure, including a large-format hybrid manufacturing system that integrates 3D printing and machining to reduce material waste, and expanded heat-treatment capabilities to enhance the performance and sustainability of metal additive-manufactured parts. This project will strengthen Manitoba’s manufacturing sector by helping local companies adopt cleaner technologies, improve competitiveness, and provide students with hands-on training in advanced digital manufacturing, supporting the province’s transition to a net-zero future.
The John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) provides top researchers with the essential infrastructure needed to conduct pioneering research and establish themselves as leaders in their fields. By equipping institutions with state-of-the-art facilities, JELF strengthens Canada’s ability to attract and retain top research talent, fueling innovation and discovery.
The College Fund supports Canadian colleges in upgrading and expanding their applied-research infrastructure. It provides grant funding to help institutions acquire cutting-edge equipment, develop advanced laboratories and facilities, and enhance their capacity to partner with industry on research and technology development initiatives. The Fund typically covers up to 40 per cent of eligible project costs and is designed to strengthen colleges’ ability to conduct world-class applied research that drives innovation, economic growth and skills development.
“Research Manitoba is proud to provide matching funds for these CFI projects, which strengthen the research infrastructure that drives innovation and sustainability across the province.
By supporting the tools and facilities researchers and industry partners need to collaborate, we help position Manitoba at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and green technology development.”
Projects:
| CFI Program | Applicant Name | Co-Applicants | Project Title | Institution | Research Manitoba Funding | Total Funding |
| CFI-College Fund | Jose Rizalino Delos Reyes | N/A | Driving innovation in aerospace and manufacturing, towards green manufacturing, automation and sustainability | Red River College Polytech | $795,445 | $1,988,608 |
| CFI-JELF | Hooman Derakhshani | N/A | Microbiome Solutions for Mitigating Environmental Impacts of the Livestock Industry | University of Manitoba | $160,000 | $411,607 |
| CFI-JELF | Renée Douville | Henry Dunn | Subcellular Protein Assembly (SPA) Platforms for Investigating Mechanisms of Neurological Disease | University of Manitoba | $344,169 | $862,347 |
| CFI-JELF | Mirjana Roksandic | Yadira Chinique de Armas; William Buhay | Building MIRA-HOPE Colabs Isotope Capacity | University of Winnipeg | $282,251 | $705,627 |
| CFI-JELF | Barbara Nery Porto | N/A | The Respiratory Infections Modelling Lab: enhancing capacity for aerosol exposure and lung mechanics studies | University of Manitoba | $155,600 | $389,001 |
| CFI-JELF | Julia Gamble | Kristin Brink; Michael Schindler | Multimodal imaging and digital applications to deep time biorhythms and developmental biology | University of Manitoba | $513,072 | $1,282,679 |
| CFI-JELF | Chengjin Wang | N/A | Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for Micropollutant Control Investigation | University of Manitoba | $159,753 | $468,944 |
| CFI-JELF | Cedric Tremblay | Samantha Pauls | ImmunoMetabolism Suite (IMS) for translational research | University of Manitoba | $345,000 | $1,274,680 |
| CFI-JELF | Savino Longo | N/A | Subatomic Particle Detector Innovation Laboratory | University of Manitoba | $159,872 | $399,682 |
| CFI-JELF | Peng Hu | N/A | Infrastructure to Advance the Study of Space-Air-Ground Integrated Network Systems and Applications | University of Manitoba | $160,000 | $455,004 |
| CFI-JELF | Qian Liu | N/A | A High-Dimensional Multi-Modal Data Science Lab | University of Winnipeg | $25,000 | $62,500 |
| CFI-JELF | Jean-Pierre Desforges | Caleb Hasler; Sanoji Wijenayake | Center for Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences (CRIS) | University of Winnipeg | $160,000 | $400,000 |
| CFI-JELF | Ricardo Ferreira Louro Silva | N/A | Sedimentary Organic Matter Research Facility | University of Manitoba | $156,669 | $391,854 |
| Total | $3,416,831 | $9,092,533 |
“Congratulations to all the CFI recipients!
Research Manitoba is proud to invest in the success of our province’s top researchers. By strengthening research infrastructure, we are fueling innovation, economic growth, and solutions to global challenges.”
CFI was founded on the principles of bold thinking and strategic investment in research that benefits Canadians. Since 1997, CFI has equipped researchers with state-of-the-art labs, facilities, and technology, enabling them to push the boundaries of knowledge across all disciplines. By supporting the full spectrum of research, from groundbreaking discoveries to technological advancements—CFI continues to drive innovation and strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in research and development.
Related Links:
Contact:
Freyja Arnason, Director, Strategy and Programs, Research Manitoba
P: 204-942-1948 | E: Freyja.arnason@researchmb.ca| W: researchmanitoba.ca