From Canada Research Chairs Program
Researchers at universities across Canada will continue to make advances in disease prevention and treatment, informational technology, sustainable development, and business and management practices, among many other areas, thanks to a federal investment in the Canada Research Chairs Program. The funding announcement was made today by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, while speaking at the University of Ottawa.
“Our Government is committed to investing in research programs that continue to have a positive effect on Canada’s economy and that touch the lives of Canadians,” said Minister Goodyear. “We are focused on what matters—creating jobs and economic growth. By supporting innovation, we are not only encouraging cutting-edge research but also help bring promising ideas to the marketplace to keep our economy strong in the future.”
In total, $124.5 million is being allocated among 132 newly awarded or renewed Canada Research Chairs to undertake new, cutting-edge research at 36 Canadian postsecondary institutions. This federal investment allows Canadian institutions to strengthen their position as global leaders in research and development, bringing greater economic opportunities for Canadians.
Today’s event at the University of Ottawa featured Dr. Julian Little, who is developing epidemiological methods to investigate the roles genes play in a number of diseases and to measure their response to therapy or preventative interventions. As Canada Research Chair in Human Genome Epidemiology, Dr. Little is helping to develop the techniques that will be needed to translate genetic discoveries into opportunities for preventive medicine and public health benefits.
“The Canada Research Chairs Program helps to position Canadian postsecondary institutions as world-class research centres,” said Dr. Chad Gaffield, president of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and chair of the Canada Research Chairs Program Steering Committee, who attended today’s announcement. “With this funding support, researchers are gaining insight about, and developing innovative solutions to, today’s social, health and economic issues, and are training the next generation of top scientists and scholars.”
The investment announced today also includes an additional $6.3 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for research infrastructure associated with the new Chair awards.
“Canada Research Chairs are working in areas of strategic importance to Canadian communities,” said Dr. Gilles G. Patry, president and CEO of the CFI. “And state-of-the-art research infrastructure ensures that this world-class talent will help Canada compete in a global knowledge economy.”
The 132 chairholders included in the announcement will conduct research in diverse fields, with potential benefits for policy-makers, businesses, practitioners and Canadians.
A full list of the chairholders is available here.
Details on the CFI’s funding for research infrastructure associated with the new Chair awards are available on the CFI website.
