1. New Models in Science Journalism
Launched: Summer 2008
Project Summary: The objective of this research project is to move from criticisms of science journalism to practical tools for creating “better” science journalism. The study will do this by building and testing models of science journalism that present improved solutions to the challenges facing journalists. Theoretically the project asks how, why, and for whom improved science journalism would actually be an improvement. Methodologically the project builds on a successful pilot study to collect qualitative data from a variety of sources and to use this information to develop clear guidelines for producing science journalism within a variety of theoretical frameworks. This culminates in the production of test print journalism and the collection of citizen input on the quality of these stories.
Project Funding: Fonds de recherche sur la société et la culture (FQRSC), Établissement de nouveaux professeurs-chercheurs ($40,500; 2008-2011); Concordia Vice-President Research & Graduate Studies Accelerator Funding ($6,300; 2011-2012)
2. Genozymes
Launched: October, 2009
Project Leader: Adrian Tsang, Concordia University
GE3LS Project Leader: David Secko, Concordia University
Overall Project Summary for Genome Canada Announcement:
(Genome Canada Announcement for the GE3LS project)
To move from a fossil-fuel based economy to a bioeconomy based on converting plant material into energy, researchers need to isolate the proteins involved in the process that converts woody biomass (lignocellulose) into simple sugars. Those sugars are the basic blocks required to build the advanced biofuels and biochemicals that can turn agricultural and urban waste into products and energy.
Fungi play a natural role in decomposition. They break down woody biomass, which includes limbs, tops, needles, leaves, bushes and shrubs, into sugars. That makes fungi an ideal natural laboratory where we can search for the proteins involved in this process, which we aim to harness and duplicate.
Our project will use the massive amounts of information available from genome research to identify, analyze and develop potential enzymes in fungi that we could use as catalysts to produce biofuels and other plant-based products. We will map the genome of important fungi and identify the enzymes, or proteins, they use to break down the biomass. We will build a database of the genes and genomes of various types of fungi, as well as the enzyme families and the properties and applications for those proteins. We will clone and express these proteins in the large volumes needed for industrial use. We will also modify promising enzymes to adapt their properties to the requirements of industrial settings. We will use them to develop new fuels, chemicals and novel processes for pulp and paper manufacturing and the production of cattle feed. We will also establish new standards to measure the sustainability of converting woody biomass to biofuels and other products. Finally, we will develop effective communications strategies to engage the Canadian public in a conversation about issues associated with using biomass as a key source of chemicals and fuels in the future.
Once we have developed new enzymes, they will become the cornerstones for the development of large-scale industrial biorefineries that process biomass into biofuels and biochemicals. We also plan to develop enzyme supplements to use in cattle feed, reducing the amount of grain necessary to ensure a nutritious feed product. That development would stabilize the cost of feed for farmers and could cut food costs overall. The enzymes we develop will also help the pulp and paper industry reduce the amount of energy it requires and the pollution the pulping process generates.
Project Funding: Genome Canada and Genome Quebec.
3. Media Saturated Publics Project
Launched: Summer 2009
Co-Investigator: Julia Abelson, McMaster University
Summary: Patients and publics live in an information saturated world dominated by the news media. The effective engagement of the public on health policy issues can therefore not be considered to occur within a vacuum. Instead, health news and other ‘news-like’ information are presumed to shape the perceptions, expectations and behaviours of patients and publics. Yet these effects are not clear. The purpose of this project is to identify and prioritize research gaps and capacity needs concerning the impact of the media on the perceptions, expectations and behaviour of patients and the public, specifically with regard to emerging therapies and medical technologies that carry high price tags and present challenges for decision makers.
Project Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Health Services and Policy Research)
4. The Unfinished Science Story
Launched: Fall 2009
Project Summary: There is a lack of literature specifically exploring the impacts of the online environment on science journalists and their role in a democracy. This is despite the growing importance of the Internet as a source of scientific information and the questions this raises over accuracy, expertise and proportionality (e.g. is scientific information online accurate? How do we recognize a scientific expert online? Do science stories of little relevance go “viral” online?). The objective of this research program is to move from theorizing on the changes the online environment could bring for science journalists to an empirical analysis of how science journalist-audience interactions are evolving online. The proposed study will do this through an exploratory analysis of one specific example: the Globe and Mail’s online health section.
Project Funding: VPRGS Seed Funding Program, Concordia University