By Brian Schultz
Researchers at the University of Winnipeg received $7.5 million in combined funding this week to further their efforts into three national projects.
The new research grants, in shares of $2.5 million each, came from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Dr. Jino Distasio, director of the Institute for Urban Studies, is the Winnipeg leader in a University of Toronto-led study that will examine what drives change in seven cities. The United Way of Winnipeg is a community partner in the project.
The second study will look at establishing an Aboriginal knowledge network. The focus will be on understanding how to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal people in urban settings across the country. The third study will be carried out by the Manitoba Research Alliance (MRA) and will figure out what works well and what doesn’t in solving poverty-related issues, and to develop appropriate policy tools and funding mechanisms to promote solutions.