Canada has enlisted 64 professors to spearhead scientific research at various universities nationwide, equipping them with substantial funding. During a speech at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Industry Minister Mélanie Joly disclosed that the government is allocating $541 million in research grants to an initial group of research leaders recruited by Canadian institutions.
These academics have been selected under the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada and the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders programs, integral components of Ottawa’s $1.7-billion Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative launched in December. The research chairs program was renamed in memory of the late Eddie Goldenburg, who served as chief of staff to former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and passed away in July.
Out of the total funding, $504 million is designated for the first 64 professors, with the remaining $37 million intended to assist universities in recruiting an additional 63 “emerging leaders” in the upcoming year. Sylvie Lamoureux, a vice-president at the federal government’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, highlighted that these academics possess a strong history of leading large-scale research endeavors.
Each professor is set to receive annual funding of either $500,000 or $1 million over an eight-year period for their research. This financial support is aimed at enabling renowned academics to assemble teams comprising professors, students, lab coordinators, and other professionals to collaborate on research projects.
Peter Caravan, who returned to Canada after a career in the U.S., was named one of the program’s four distinguished research chairs, focusing on translational molecular imaging and therapy. He expressed gratitude for being recognized as a distinguished Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair and emphasized the significance of investing in science and evidence-based research.
Regarding the recruitment of professors from the U.S., Joly stated that Canada sought to enhance the initiative’s appeal due to competition with other nations. The initiative is not only about attracting individual professors but also about building comprehensive research teams.
When asked about potential concerns of talent poaching from U.S. Ivy League schools and its impact on Canada-U.S. relations, Joly emphasized that while the U.S. administration makes its decisions, Canada is focused on attracting top researchers to its institutions. Meanwhile, President Trump’s actions in cutting research funding and clashing with higher education institutions have led to a welcoming environment for these incoming professors in Canada.