MP Gallant unveils new research tool at AECL

June 15, 2007

CHALK RIVER – Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant unveiled a new world-class research instrument called a neutron reflectometer at the National Research Council Canadian Neutron Beam Centre (NRC-CNBC) Friday.

“Unique in Canada, this world-class instrument opens up new research possibilities, using neutrons to improve medical implants or develop hydrogen storage systems for the cars of the future. The neutron reflectometer is an advanced scientific tool that will provide unique knowledge about materials, giving Canadians the advantage they need to compete successfully in the world of nanotechnology, in sectors such as health, energy, the environment and communications,” MP Gallant said.

Worldwide, the scientific community is investing heavily in neutron science because the knowledge arising from experiments on chemical compounds is directly applicable to economic competitiveness, health, energy and the environment. Canada is no exception.

“Here at Chalk River Laboratories, the National Research Universal (NRU) Reactor, home of the National Research Council (NRC) Canadian Neutron Beam Centre, is perhaps the largest single piece of that infrastructure. I congratulate everyone here at Chalk River on this impressive achievement; and on behalf of Canada’s New Government, I wish you all continued success,” MP Gallant said.

The new reflectometer joins a suite of five other neutron instruments at the NRC-CNBC. These are essential parts of Canada’s national toolkit.

NRC has a range of in-house research projects in physics, engineering and life sciences using neutrons. However, the majority of the experiments at the NRC-CNBC each year are done by professors and students from Canadian universities in every province, which the NRC enables by providing training and access to these world-class resources.

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For More Information Please Call Cheryl Gallant, M.P. at (613) 732-4404