The way research is conducted at the University of Saskatchewan is changing. With the expansion and development of the Health Sciences project, flexible space within the new facilities will support modern research activities for life and health science discovery. When the building project is complete, the D wing and E wing will provide space for faculty, researchers and graduate students to work in an open-concept lab environment, a model that has been successfully used at other institutions across the country.
The GEMS Lab and the Neural Systems and Plasticity Research Group are demonstration labs that are testing the open-lab concept.
The GEMS Lab (Gene Expression Mapping using Synchrotron Light), consisting of four principal investigators and a number of associates, are performing collaborative research using the biomedical beamline at the Canadian Light Source. Using this technology gives principle investigators the ability to track cell movement. Understanding how cells move within the body will advance understanding of how healing occurs and the origins of diseases such as cancer.
The Neural Systems and Plasticity Research Group provides an example of how a variety of health sciences professionals have joined forces to advance research. Members of the group come from the Colleges of Arts & Science, Engineering, Kinesiology, Medicine, Pharmacy and Nutrition, and Veterinary Medicine. Together they conduct investigations that focus on the higher processes of the nervous system.
Both groups are working in labs that are outfitted with movable cabinets, tables and light fixtures. This allows researchers to adjust the space to suit their needs. In addition, expensive equipment is shared resulting in cost savings.
With the expansion of the Health Sciences, we can expect research activity at the U of S to stay competitive with other institutions.
For a current listing of research groups, click here.
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