“A unique opportunity to boost the scientific leadership of Montreal, Quebec and Canada throughout the world.”
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Apr 19, 2022 • 29 minutes ago • 1 minute read • Join the conversation
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the Courtois Foundation is giving $159 million to Université de Montréal to accelerate the discovery of new materials, including those that would encourage a green transition.
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According to U of Mthe donation is the largest ever given in natural sciences in Canada and will let researchers in chemistry, physics, information technology and operational research “solve the biggest scientific, economic, environmental and social challenges of our time.”
In a news conference Tuesday morning, university rector Daniel Jutras spoke of a “new start for fundamental research” at the university and “a unique opportunity to boost the scientific leadership of Montreal, Quebec and Canada throughout the world.”
The donation will fund the construction of a new wing and laboratories for the Courtois Institute, located in the MIL campus science complex.
Frédéric Bouchard, dean of the faculty of arts and science, said researchers could further the search for electric vehicle batteries that are greener and more efficient, or improve the efficiency of materials used in solar panels.
“Materials research is complex and it’s a study that takes time,” Bouchard said, describing it as almost an art.
Jacques Courtois, son of the former Montreal judge of the same name who created the foundation, noted that societies that are most active in fundamental sciences are also those that have the most economic prosperity. But he said the family’s donation is more to improve technology to solve environmental problems than it is for economic benefit.