HALIFAX, May 17, 2010 — Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester–Musquodoboit Valley, welcomed to Dalhousie University Dr. Douglas Wallace, one of 19 world-renowned researchers who have chosen to pursue their leading-edge research at universities across Canada. The event followed the announcement of the recipients of the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program made earlier today at the University of Toronto by the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry.
“The Government of Canada’s investment in the CERC program will benefit all Canadians,” said Mr. Armstrong. “Researchers of this calibre will create new opportunities for their colleagues already in Canada, as well as for students at Dalhousie University. We also know that innovative research is a powerful economic engine, helping to create new products, new companies and new jobs for Canadians.”
For each Chair, universities will receive up to $10 million over seven years to support chairholders and their research teams in undertaking ambitious research programs. The complete list of chairholders, including the 13 universities where they will be working, is available on the CERC website.
Dr. Douglas Wallace, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Science and Technology, is a world leader in developing and applying technologies for measuring critical changes in the world’s oceans. His work will help increase our understanding of ocean changes, as well as provide new tools for predicting future changes in the exchange of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases between sea and air as a result of climate change.
“Through studying at Dalhousie University, I know something of the traditions and ways of doing science in the Maritimes, as well as the capabilities of local institutions and companies,” said Dr. Wallace. “For me, it’s not a matter of coming full circle. I think it’s really a chance to start something new, but with the benefit of knowing that the capability exists to do something special.”
“The arrival of these globally respected researchers will have multiple benefits for Canada,” said Dr. Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Chair of the Tri-Agency Steering Committee. “Research chairs of this calibre working together with other researchers, students and post-doctoral fellows already in Canada will create meaningful new opportunities.”
The CERC program was announced in Budget 2008 as part of the government’s Science and Technology Strategy to help build expertise in strategic areas. Research conducted by the chairholders will focus on the areas of environmental sciences and technologies, natural resources and energy, health and related life sciences and technologies, and information and communications technologies.
“This appointment marks a significant development in the history of Dalhousie University. I am very happy to announce the appointment of Dr. Douglas Wallace as our first Canada Excellence Research Chair,” said Dr. Tom Traves, President, Dalhousie University. “As the result of this generous funding, Dr. Wallace and his team will have the resources to carry out leading-edge research to measure critical changes in the world’s oceans and develop new tools to advance predictions of these changes.”
“Science and technology research has been identified as highly important to ensuring Canada’s sustained growth and prosperity as a nation,” added Dr. Traves. “And we at Dalhousie are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wallace so that he can continue his work and amplify our institution’s long-standing tradition of innovative experimentation and analysis.”
The CERC program is administered jointly by Canada’s three research granting agencies: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
For more information, visit the CERC website.
For more information, please contact:
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
Trevor Lynn
Manager, Communications
Canada Excellence Research Chairs
Email: trevor.lynn@chairs-chaires.gc.ca
Tel.: 613-992-7302
Cell: 613-302-9879
Taylor Paxton
Media Relations
Canada Excellence Research Chairs
Email: taylor.paxton@chairs-chaires.gc.ca
Tel.: 613-944-1758
Cell: 613-286-0012
