University of Regina researchers receive $8 million in federal funding

University of Regina researchers have been awarded more than $8 million in funding from Canada’s three federal research granting agencies: the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). 

The funding supports 66 research projects led by University of Regina scholars across a broad range of disciplines. Projects funded in this round include: 

• Indigenous community-led water governance (Dr. Margot Hurlbert) 
• Extending the life of electric vehicle batteries (Dr. Zhanle Wang) 
• Investigating toxic positivity in the workplace (Dr. Alexandra Lefcoe) 
• Using rare atoms to study the building blocks of matter and the origins of elements (Dr. Gwen Grinyer) 

Among the recipients are two researchers recognized with two of Canada’s most prestigious academic awards: the SSHRC Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. 

Investigating the future of digital agriculture 

Dr. Emily Duncan, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Regina, was awarded a $140,000 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship to explore how digital technologies are transforming Canadian agriculture, and the impacts on farmers, rural communities, and the environment. 

Her research focuses on tools such as artificial intelligence, automation, and algorithm-based decision-making in agriculture. These technologies are often promoted as climate solutions, but their broader effects remain understudied. 

“There’s a lot of talk about digital technologies being the key to sustainable agriculture,” says Duncan. “But we also need to understand how these technologies affect farmers, food production, land use, and equity in the sector.” 

Duncan is particularly interested in the rise of carbon markets in agriculture. These are systems that reward farmers for practices like no-till farming that help capture carbon in soils. Her work will examine how these markets are structured, how digital tools are used to track emissions reductions, and how farmers perceive their role in these systems. 

She also plans to explore how these trends intersect with issues such as corporate consolidation, farmland ownership, and climate policy. 

Her research aims to provide critical insights that can inform more equitable, sustainable food systems across Canada. 

Supporting mental health for people with cystic fibrosis 

Anna Dollimount, a PhD student in the Department of Psychology, has received a $150,000 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship to improve mental health care for people living with cystic fibrosis (CF)—a life-limiting genetic disease affecting about 4,300 Canadians. 

People with CF often experience anxiety and depression in addition to their physical health challenges. These mental health struggles can negatively affect treatment adherence, quality of life, and health outcomes. 

Dollimount’s project will test the effectiveness of virtual group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in supporting adults with CF. 

“Previous research has shown that one-on-one CBT can help people with CF manage anxiety and depression,” says Dollimount. “Now I want to find out if virtual group sessions can be just as effective—while also being more accessible, affordable, and safer for participants who are at higher risk from infections in in-person settings.” 

The study will examine how participants respond to the group therapy, including changes in mental health, stress levels, and coping strategies. It will also assess participants' experiences and overall satisfaction with the program. 

If successful, the research could lead to scalable, virtual mental health support options for CF clinics across Canada. 

Federal investment fuels discovery 

Dr. Chris Yost, Vice-President (Research) at the University of Regina, says federal funding is essential for research like this to thrive. 

“Our researchers are asking urgent questions, driving innovation, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge to create positive impacts in society,” says Yost. “This support ensures that their work can have real and lasting impact in Saskatchewan, across Canada, and beyond.” 

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