Barbara Layne
Barbara Layne, a fibres professor in the Department of Studio Arts, is one of three Concordia University researchers to receive significant funding for leading-edge infrastructure support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
The funding, over $407,000 in total, enables Layne to purchase the Tajima 101 Laying Machine to further her research/creation in intelligent textiles. This powerful digital tool allows three-dimensional layering of multiple technical fibres in complex geometries, resulting in the creation of intricate electronic textiles, fully approximating that of a soft circuit board.
CFI grants, earmarked for research infrastructure and equipment and provided through the Leadership Opportunity Fund, are matched by the Quebec government and supported by Concordia.
Two other Concordia professors also benefited from CFI funding.
- Nadia Chaudhri, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, will acquire high-tech equipment to develop new therapies for the treatment of drug addiction.
- Dylan Fraser, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, will put his grant towards a DNA analyzer that will help carry out genotyping studies of certain species that are of economic, cultural or conservational importance to Canadians.
According to CFI President and CEO Gilles G. Patry: "Canadians from coast to coast can be assured that Canada's research community is bringing its talents to bear on the problems that matter to them. This round of investment illustrates the value of research and innovation in building stronger, healthier and more prosperous communities."