Seven Simon Fraser University researchers will share more than $2.7 million in new funding to support research ranging from enhancing emergency management and response measures to studying the integration of acoustic and virtual musical instruments. The funds are part of a national strategic project grant announcement made today by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC): • Brian Fisher, a professor at SFU Surrey’s School for Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) will use a grant of more than $450,000 to apply visual analytic approaches to emergency management and preparedness. Visual analytics combines the science of analytical reasoning with mathematical deduction to derive patterns, knowledge and insight. “This will enable us to support the analysis and evaluation of risk and vulnerability, including threats, such as terrorism, and new approaches to preventing and countering them,” says Fisher, noting the work will also target new technologies for emergency response. Both will involve assessing changes in information technology. • Associate professor Mohamed Hefeeda of SFU’s School of Computing Science will use a $449,700 grant to study mobile gaming and 3D video systems, focusing on the next generation of services for wireless networks. Hefeeda’s researchers will team up with Nokia to study, design and develop a framework for processing, streaming and rendering multiuser games, 3D video and 3D virtual environments on mobile devices. “There’s no doubt that mobile computing will soon replace PC-based computing for the average consumer,” he says. “Already, more than half of the world population uses cell phones or other mobile devices, and more mobile phones are used to browse the Internet than PCs. “At the same time, we are witnessing a trend towards the mass consumption of new media,” he adds. “Despite their promising nature, significant challenges remain to be solved.” Hefeeda’s colleague, computing scientist Tamara Smyth, will use a $213,350 grant to study the interaction of acoustic and virtual instruments. • Chemistry associate professor Erika Plettner ($496,500) will be on the search for compounds that will either mask the sense of smell in insects or actively deter them. The goal is to selectively manipulate the behaviour of pest insects by influencing the way they perceive smell. The work includes moths, beetles and mosquitoes. Meanwhile, chemistry colleague professor Steven Holdcroft ($277,500) will continue research in the field of energy and fuel cells, while engineering sciences professor Bonnie Gray ($330,370) carries out research related to competitive manufacturing. Biological sciences professor Jim Mattson ($506,000) will target heartwood rot resistance and the durability of Western red cedar lumber, a key resource for Canada’s forest industry.