University College of the North has received its first federally funded research grant as the lead institution since becoming eligible for SSHRC funding.

Dr. Tariqul Islam and his research team have been awarded just over 80-thousand dollars for a two-year study examining barriers northern youth face when accessing support services in The Pas, Thompson and Flin Flon.

The research will focus on areas including mental health, addiction treatment, housing, education and employment, with the goal of improving access to culturally appropriate services.

The project will also provide UCN undergraduate students with hands-on research experience.