UPEI gets $2.2 million for upgrades

Improvements to Memorial Hall, research lab

A $2.2-million investment in the University of Prince Edward Island will go toward upgrading Memorial Hall and a research lab.

The funding, a joint investment from the federal and provincial governments, is aimed at creating jobs, expanding UPEI’s research and fostering innovation.

The Memorial Hall project received $1.53 million, with the cost being shared equally by the two governments.

The project will target the repair and renovation of the university’s psychology research infrastructure. It includes repairs to the building’s foundations, windows, walls, central air and heating systems to improve energy efficiency and quality of the research facilities.

The renovation will also improve consultation space for researchers and students in support of research projects in gerontology, social justice and indigenous issues.

The Clinic for Patient Oriented Research — located in the Steel Building — received $673,600, again shared evenly by the federal and provincial governments, to renovate about 4,350 square feet of existing space.

The “living lab” brings patients, health care partners, researchers, UPEI graduate and post-doctorate students together to collect data and apply research through new knowledge. Students gain real-world learning experiences while working with patients under the mentorship of licensed Health P.E.I. personnel and UPEI researchers.

With the renovations at both Memorial Hall and Steel Building, UPEI researchers will have modern, efficient, safer and more expansive facilities in which to conduct their innovative work,” said UPEI president Alaa AbdElAziz.

“These infrastructure improvements will allow our students to have access to experiential learning opportunities including greater interactions with the community at large.”