Canadian universities retain and attract brightest minds with federal funding
Calgary, Alberta, October 12, 2012—Top researchers at post-secondary institutions across Canada will continue to spur innovation thanks to a Harper Government investment in the Canada Research Chairs program. These world-class researchers bring new perspectives and solutions to the critical issues facing Canadians today, addressing challenges across Canadian universities' fields of research in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences. While speaking at the University of Calgary, the Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today celebrated funding of $121.6 million in support of top researchers.
"Our government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister of State Menzies. "By investing in talented people through programs such the Canada Research Chairs, our government is supporting cutting-edge research in Canadian post-secondary institutions. This fosters innovation by helping researchers bring their ideas to the marketplace, where they can touch the lives of Canadians."
In total, $121.6 million is being invested to support 155 newly awarded or renewed Canada Research Chairs. These chairholders will undertake new, cutting-edge research at 42 Canadian post-secondary institutions. This Harper Government investment allows Canadian post-secondary 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 Calgary featured Dr. Christopher Cully who is investigating the space environment through which satellites and astronauts fly, with a focus on high-energy particles. These particles, if accelerated by magnetic storms, can damage and destroy sensitive electronics on satellites. As the Canada Research Chair in Space Physics, Dr. Cully is studying the closest natural cosmic particle accelerator to clarify the pathways of energy flow in our universe. He and his team are also applying cutting-edge research in electronics and information technology to develop innovative instruments for monitoring our space environment. Dr. Cully's research could result in providing answers to help better understand and predict magnetic storms in our universe.
"Being named a Canada Research Chair brought me back to Canada from abroad," said Dr. Cully. "The opportunity to join the University of Calgary in a capacity where I can immediately perform cutting-edge research is fantastic."
"In addition to providing funding to the exceptional researchers already working in Canadian universities, the Canada Research Chairs program brings some of the brightest scholars to the Canadian research landscape, transforming our institutions into world-class research centres," said Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and Chair of the Canada Research Chairs Steering Committee. "With this federal funding, chairholders will improve our depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthen Canada's international competitiveness and train the next generation of highly-skilled people."
The investment announced today also includes an additional $7.1 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 Canadians," said Gilles G. Patry, President and CEO of the CFI. "The infrastructure investments that we are making as part of these awards will leave a lasting legacy in the communities where these researchers work."
The 155 chairholders included in the announcement will conduct research in diverse fields, with potential benefits for policy-makers, businesses, practitioners and Canadians.
A complete list of the chairholders is available on the Canada Research Chairs website.
Details on the CFI's funding for research infrastructure associated with the new Chair awards are available on the CFI website.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Michèle-Jamali Paquette
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-947-2956
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
