Brock University has received more than $478,000 in provincial funding to support four technology and health research initiatives aimed at advancing human health, strengthening digital infrastructure and improving online accessibility.
The funding, announced Jan. 21, was awarded through the Ontario Research Fund (ORF), which supports the purchase of state-of-the-art research equipment and the development of critical research facilities across the province.
“We welcome this latest investment from the Ontario government, which enables our researchers to expand their cutting-edge work boosting human health and making online spaces safer and more accessible,” said Tim Kenyon, Brock’s Vice-President, Research.
The investment will support four Brock-led research programs spanning kinesiology, cybersecurity and accessibility studies.
One project will enhance the Exercise and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, where Professor of Kinesiology Toby Mündel and his research team study how heat and physical activity affect body temperature and hydration. As Canada Research Chair in Extreme Human Environments, Mündel’s work focuses on how estrogen and progesterone — the primary ovarian hormones in women of reproductive age — influence heat adaptation and physiological responses.
Funding will also support the Cybersecurity and Critical Intelligent Infrastructure (C2I2) Lab, which examines ways to strengthen the resilience of Canada’s digital infrastructure. New equipment will allow researchers to simulate real-world critical systems, such as intelligent transportation networks, and to develop advanced artificial intelligence models.
The Muscle Contractile and Calcium Measurement Core Facility will be led by Associate Professor of Kinesiology Val Fajardo (BSc ’09, MSc ’12). The facility will house specialized equipment to monitor skeletal muscle function in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. As Canada Research Chair in Tissue Re-modelling and Plasticity throughout the Lifespan, Fajardo and his team are investigating muscle function to support the development of new treatments for aging and disease.
The fourth initiative, Making Accessible Media with Youth: Advancing Disability and Access, is led by Associate Professor of Child and Youth Studies Chelsea Jones. The project will provide training and mentorship to 60 young disabled content creators from around the world, building a global network that brings together youth and scholars with disabilities. Participants will collaborate to design accessible media, explore immersive arts, engage in training opportunities and advocate for policies and education that promote inclusive online spaces.
Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West, said the funding reflects the importance of supporting research and innovation across Ontario.
“The Ontario Research Fund is essential for supporting critical research and innovation across the province,” said Sam Oosterhoff. “This latest round of funding — which supports four local technology and health projects at Brock University — will help advance research on women’s health, muscle function, cybersecurity and accessibility issues.”
The four Brock initiatives are among 195 research projects at universities, colleges and hospitals across Ontario to receive ORF support.
Funding for projects led by Mündel, the C2I2 Lab and Fajardo builds on matching grants awarded last year through the Canada Foundation for Innovation, while Jones’ funding is tied to an Ontario Early Researcher Award received in 2025.
