Promoting U of M Research

The University of Manitoba hosted Showcase 2000: A University of Manitoba Agri-Food Research Fair in March, to explore issues in the agri-food industry and to exhibit research projects that are taking place at the university. The fair, which was open to the public, featured projects in a number of areas including manure and environmental management, wheat and canola breeding and food safety and nutrition. The event included a panel discussion on genetically modified organisms, and the public dialogue surrounding the manipulation of plant and animal genes. As well, Bruce McDonald, foods and nutrition, was a guest speaker on functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Roberta Koscielny, research promotion officer, implemented the Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge (SPARK) program in 1999 through the Office of the Vice-President (Research). This program, which is sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), recruits, trains and pays students with an aptitude for communications to write stories about U of M research for publication in news releases, newspapers and newsletters. Koscielny mentors the SPARK students and coordinates the program.