New Research Chairs program will bring the world’s brightest talent to Canadian campuses

News Release

Canada 150 Research Chairs program to provide $117.6 million to attract top international scientists and innovators

April 3, 2017 – Waterloo, Ontario – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canada is committed to attracting world-leading scholars and researchers who will help further the country’s reputation as a global centre of excellence in science, research and innovation.

These talented scholars and researchers enrich universities across Canada and better prepare students to become the professionals of tomorrow—the doctors, nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs and teachers whose contributions help build a better Canada.

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, announced today at the University of Waterloo that the Government of Canada will invest $117.6 million over eight years for the new Canada 150 Research Chairs program. The program provides one-time funding in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. It is designed to attract approximately 25 internationally esteemed researchers and Canadian expatriates who wish to relocate to Canada so they can further knowledge in the sciences, technology, health, engineering and the social sciences and humanities.

The Government anticipates that the drive to recruit new chairs will take months, not years, and will encourage equity and diversity among successful candidates. Opening Canada’s doors to talented scientists and researchers from around the world will help bring new ideas and fresh perspectives, while creating good, well-paying jobs, growing the economy and strengthening the middle class.  

Quotes

“I am pleased to announce the Government of Canada’s support for recruiting top talent from the world’s science and technology sector. Attracting international researchers and scholars to Canada is critical for us as a country. These efforts will also ensure the next generation of students learn from the best and brightest talent in the world, seeing what they have to offer so that they are better prepared for the highly skilled jobs of the future.”

– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

Quick Facts

  • Budget 2017 announced an investment of $117.6 million over eight years in the Canada 150 Research Chair program, funded from resources in the existing Canada Excellence Research Chairs program.

  • The Canada 150 Research Chairs program will be open to top-tier international scholars and researchers from across all disciplines, including Canadian expatriates.

  • The Government of Canada wants to leverage Canada’s strengths as a destination of choice for the best and brightest world-leading scholars and researchers.

Contacts

Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin

Stéfanie Power
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science
343-291-2600

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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