October 20, 2005 Source: University of New Brunswick - Saint John:
http://www.unb.ca/news/view.cgi?id=869 Chair in Nanotechology Established in honour of UNB Chancellor October 20, 2005
UNB Fredericton News Release: D399
John Suart, Campaign Communications & Events Manager (506) 458-7548 Fredericton, New Brunswick, October 20th, 2005 – The University of New Brunswick announced today the establishment of a Chair in Nanotechnology honoring UNB Chancellor and BCE Chairman, Dr. Richard J. Currie, O.C. This interdisciplinary Chair in Nanotechnology will involve both research and teaching of graduate level courses. Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) and Lucent Technologies have joined forces to establish this new chair at UNB. The chair will strengthen and solidify UNB’s ongoing research in nanotechnology, which has the opportunity for applications in biotechnology, biomedicine, engineering and more. "Nanotechnology is the wave of the future," said Dr. John McLaughlin, UNB president and vice-chancellor. "With our highly-respected faculty of engineering – one of best-ranked programs in North America – UNB is well positioned to lead the field in nanotechnology research. What we need are partners, like BCE and Lucent Technologies, who have the vision and commitment to making tomorrow’s technology available today. We welcome their support in making this project become a reality." The establishment of this chair, the first chair in nanotechnology in Canada, positions the university as a leader in the emerging field of nanotechnology and will create economic benefits for the province of New Brunswick. BCE will contribute $1.5 million to the new Richard J. Currie Chair in Nanotechnology at the faculty of engineering. Lucent Technologies – Canada will contribute $500,000. "This chair will support and encourage research at the forefront of technological innovation," said Michael Sabia, president and CEO, BCE. "Nanotechnology will have a positive impact on our economy and society as a whole over the coming years, and BCE is pleased to be playing a part in its early development." "Lucent, along with Bell Labs – our research and development arm – are pleased to join Bell Canada in helping academic research institutions like UNB unleash the potential of nanotechnology," said Pat Russo, chairman and CEO of Lucent Technologies. "As a world leader in nanotechnology, we are honoured to support advanced applied research in Canada." Dr. Currie has been UNB’s chancellor since 2003 and chairman of BCE since 2002. An Officer of the Order of Canada, Dr. Currie has received numerous awards for his professional and charitable work, including an honorary degree from UNB in 1987. He studied chemical engineering at UNB in the mid-1950s before turning to business. "The creation of this prestigious chair, honouring BCE’s chairman and UNB’s chancellor, distinguishes BCE and Lucent Technologies as forerunners in leading-edge research, launches UNB on the path to becoming a leader in this field, and serves as a fitting tribute to Dr. Currie’s outstanding intellectual and professional achievements," said David J. Coleman, dean of engineering. About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company. Through its 27 million customer connections, BCE provides the most comprehensive and innovative suite of communication services to residential and business customers in Canada. Under the Bell brand, the company’s services include local, long distance and wireless phone services, high-speed and wireless Internet access, IP-broadband services, value-added business solutions and direct-to-home satellite and VDSL television services. Other BCE businesses include Canada’s premier media company, Bell Globemedia, and Telesat Canada, a pioneer and world leader in satellite operations and systems management. BCE shares are listed in Canada, the United States and Europe. About Lucent
Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software that drive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent's customer base includes communications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. For more information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, visit www.lucent.com. About Forging Our Futures
Forging Our Futures is the most important development campaign in UNB’s more-than-200-year history. It will make strategic investments in students, faculty, facilities and programs. The campaign will strengthen UNB’s position as a national university that is fundamentally important to the economic, social and cultural well-being of the province, the region and the country. Forging Our Futures was launched in June. More information on the campaign can be found online at www.unbfutures.ca. - 30 -
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