Two local researchers have received a combined total of $262,320 in grants from the province's Ontario Research Fund-Research Infrastructure Program.

Dr. Balz Kamber, a Laurentian University professor, is using hardware and software to help astrobiologists learn about the origin of life and help geologists find precious metals.

“The new state-of-the-art laser ablation system will allow researchers in the Earth Sciences department of LU to continue being at the forefront of modern in situ chemical analysis,” Kamber said, in a press release.

Laurentian University’s Dr. Christine Kraus will be leading a team that will build a new facility at Sudbury's SNO lab able to take precise measurements of different parts of the solar neutrino spectrum, which will lead to a greater understanding of the evolution and fate of the sun.

“I am proud of the tremendous talent we have in our community, and proud that our government is helping make discoveries that will lead to the creation of new jobs in Sudbury,” Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci said in a press release.

“Attracting, developing and retaining world-class research talent is central to our success in the knowledge economy. Our government is ensuring that our researchers have the equipment they need to make the breakthroughs that will drive Ontario’s future prosperity.”