Research and innovation can shine beacons of light toward a stronger, promising future. Nowhere is this clearer than in the power of science, research and innovation to lead Canadians out of the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, the Government of Canada announced its investment of more than $125 million to support 156 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs at 36 institutions.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, a partner of the program, will contribute approximately $6.4 million through its John R. Evans Leaders Fund, to maintain research equipment and laboratories for 29 of the Canada Research Chairs at 19 institutions.
Canada Research Chairs generate significant discoveries at Canadian institutions. A number of the latest chairholders announced are working in pandemic-focused areas, including developing portable, affordable medical tools to diagnose diseases; reimagining and revolutionizing socially distant, more sustainable public spaces; and working to understand and help mitigate the pandemic’s impacts on the mental health and well-being of children and youth.
In addition, the Canada Research Chairs investment will support emerging and ongoing research in other areas of critical importance, such as Indigenous reconciliation; precision medicine; women’s health; particle physics; citizenship and social justice; chronic pain; endocannabinoid imaging; and gender, race and inclusion.
The Canada Research Chairs Program recognizes diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of research excellence. It continues to work with participating Canadian institutions to achieve equity and diversity in the program reflecting Canada’s population by 2029. Among the 156 Canada Research Chairs announced this spring, 3.8% self-identified as Indigenous Peoples, 9% as persons with disabilities, 25.6% as racialized minorities and 48.7% as women.
See the full list of spring 2020-1 cycle recipients