By Nick Dube

UNBC scientists awarded grants for innovative research projects

Oct 30, 2025 | 4:56 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The three UNBC researchers received over $860 thousand dollars to avance their research in the areas of food security, snowpack monitoring in the mountains and natural resource extraction.The funds are expected to go a long way to help with research.

“These grants allow our junior faculty to purchase equipment for their labs and that allows them to do experiments that otherwise they wouldn’t be able to do. It provides useful data that allows us to make conclusions about the research. It also provides opportunities for students to learn how to use this these scientific instruments.” said UNBC Vice-President Research Innovation Dr.Paula Wood-Adams.

For recipient Dr. Wenbo Zheng who received just over $312,000 the funds are much needed. Dr.Zheng is an Engineering associate professor and his project focuses on bridging the gaps that are needed to develop and understand deep earth energy. He plans to use the funds to buy equipment to help with his research which he says will have positive future effects on British Columbia.

“The shale gas development is very important to this province and also to Canada. It’s in line with the liquefied natural gas project and currently, the Montney formation which is located near Fort Saint John contributes to over 90% of the, natural gas production in B.C. By investing in this tool, you can, enhance the efficiency.” said Engineering Associate Professor Dr.Wenbo Zheng.

Road closure

Water service repair to close 1st Ave at Victoria Street Wednesday

1h ago

Fraser Lake fire

One person believed dead in Fraser Lake fire

4h ago

Public Safety

Public Safety Committee issues front and centre

15h ago

The grants were provided through the Canadian Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders fund, the BC Knowledge Development Fund and contributions from other partners. 40% of the funds are provided by the Federal government while the province matches it while the remaining 20% is provided by UNBC or vendors of the equipment.