OVC Researcher Receives Federal Health Funding

Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) professor Giannina Descalzi is one of three University of Guelph researchers awarded project grant funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

A professor in the OVC’s Department of Biomedical Sciences, Descalzi will receive $100,000 to investigate functional and molecular changes in the brain as acute pain becomes chronic pain. Understanding these changes will lead to improved treatment for humans and animals. 

Dr. Cezar Khursigara, College of Biological Science (CBS) received funding to study the protein interactions that control cell division in pathogenic microbes. The research will help in developing novel antimicrobials that prevent bacterial infection by interrupting cell division. Dr. Matthew Sorbara, also in CBS, received funding to explore how beneficial microbes living in the gastrointestinal tract protect against antibiotic-resistant infection.

“This generous federal funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research will enable these University of Guelph researchers to expand our understanding of two of today’s most vital concerns in health and health care research,” said Dr. Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research). “The novel insights they gain through fundamental research will fuel future innovation and improve life.” 

“Each year through our Project Grant competitions, CIHR funds exceptional research with the potential to make Canada a healthier place,” said Dr. Michael J. Strong, president, Canadian Institutes of Health Research. “I want to congratulate Drs. Khursigara, Sorbara, and Descalzi on being awarded grants to study two pressing health issues: antimicrobial resistance and chronic pain. I wish you great success as you begin your research.” 

In total, the researchers were awarded more than $1.4 million from CIHR.

Read the entire news release on the University of Guelph website.