UWindsor researchers Daniel Heath and Subba Rao Chaganti of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research were part of a delegation on Parliament Hill, Wednesday, May 18, to engage MPs, political staff and government officials in discussions of the value of their work to all Canadians.

The Council of Ontario Universities organized the Research Matters Pop-up Research Park to demonstrate the tangible, positive effects research is having on the economy, job creation, or societal benefits and to demonstrate accountability for government funding.

Drs. Heath and Chaganti presented their work in conservation genomics aimed at protecting Canada’s water resources through assessment of ballast water treatment for the control of invasive plankton.

“Dialogues between highly qualified personnel that we train and representatives of our government are important ‎as they directly show the impact of government support and funding, and showcase the outstanding next-generation scholars and researchers that are in the pipeline,” says K.W. Michael Siu, UWindsor vice-president, research and innovation.

MP Brian Masse, who represents the Windsor West riding which is home to the University of Windsor, was the formal champion of the event for the New Democratic Party.