Government of Canada celebrates the Canada Research Chairs Program
Chairs program brings best and brightest researchers to Canada’s universities
TORONTO, Ontario, November 24, 2010 | The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced that the Government of Canada has made a major investment in the Canada Research Chairs Program, enabling Canada to strengthen its position as a world leader in university research and development. During a speech to kick off a two-day conference to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the program, the Minister announced an investment of $275.6 million to fund 310 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs at 53 Canadian universities.
“The Harper Government is continuing its longstanding commitment to invest in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life of Canadians,” said Minister Clement. “For the past 10 years, the Canada Research Chairs Program has brought breakthroughs in clean energy, the control of infectious disease, business management, and digital technologies. This funding will help strengthen Canada’s capacity for leading-edge research while, at the same time, building economic opportunities for Canadians.”
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Canada Research Chairs Program,” said Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and head of the Canada Research Chairs Program steering committee. “Over the past 10 years, the program has been integral to funding research excellence in Canada and attracting and retaining renowned international experts at Canadian universities. The program has helped build world-class research centres across the country, propelled Canadian research leadership onto the world stage, and enhanced the education and training of thousands of domestic and foreign students.”
The investment announced today also includes $13.4 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for research infrastructure associated with the new Chair awards.
"An innovative society depends on innovative people," said Gilles G. Patry, President and CEO of the CFI. “The partnership between the CFI and the Canada Research Chairs Program helps ensure that Canada preserves its most critical resource in the knowledge economy—intellectual capital. The advancements and discoveries made by these researchers will have a real and lasting impact on the lives of all Canadians.”
“The funding provided through the Canada Research Chairs Program allows Canadian universities to attract and retain the best and the brightest minds from around the world,” said Professor Paul Young, Chair of the Ontario Council of University Research and Vice-President, Research, at the University of Toronto. “This program is vital for Canada, since it contributes to the development of first-class training and competitive research in Canada and abroad.”
The 310 chairholders included in today’s announcement will conduct research across a range of important fields, including water security, molecular neuroscience and globalization. The results of their research will hold the potential to benefit all sectors of Canadian society.
View the full list of chairholders announced today.
Details on the CFI’s funding for research infrastructure associated with the new Chair awards are available on the CFI website.
Media contacts:
Trevor Lynn
Manager, Communications
Canada Research Chairs Program
Telephone: 613-992-7302
Cell.: 613-302-9879
Email: trevor.lynn@chairs-chaires.gc.ca
Michael Adams
Media Relations Advisor
Canada Research Chairs Program
Telephone: 613-994-1758
Cell: 613-884-6118
Email: michael.adams@chairs-chaires.gc.ca
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
Tel.: 613-995-9001
Yves Melanson
Coordinator, Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Telephone: 613-996-3160
Cell.: 613-447-1723
Email: yves.melanson@innovation.ca