Canada has enlisted 64 professors to spearhead scientific research at various universities nationwide, with substantial funding allocated for this purpose. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly revealed at the University of British Columbia (UBC) that the government is providing $541 million in research grants to an initial group of research leaders recently recruited by Canadian institutions.
These academics are part of the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada and the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders programs, integral components of Ottawa’s Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, launched in December with a budget of $1.7 billion. The research chairs program was renamed in memory of Eddie Goldenberg, the former chief of staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who passed away in July. Chrétien emphasized Canada’s debt to Goldenberg for his public service, particularly his investments in nurturing young talent.
A substantial portion of the funding, $504 million, is designated for the first 64 professors, while the remaining $37 million will support universities in recruiting an additional 63 “emerging leaders” over the coming year. Sylvie Lamoureux, a vice-president at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, highlighted the new recruits’ track record in leading ambitious research projects.
Minister Joly emphasized the government’s commitment to science and research, contrasting it with other countries that are reducing research investment and academic freedom. The initiative aims to attract top researchers to Canada, with three-quarters of the recruited professors originating from the United States. Joly highlighted the competitive landscape with other countries launching similar initiatives, necessitating Canada to enhance its program’s appeal.
Each professor is set to receive substantial annual funding, ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, over an eight-year period for their research endeavors. This funding is directed towards supporting the professors in building a team that includes students, lab coordinators, and other collaborators to advance their research.
One distinguished recipient of the research funding is Peter Caravan, a Canadian professor returning from the U.S. to partake in the initiative. Caravan expressed gratitude for being named as one of the program’s distinguished research chairs, receiving substantial financial support for his work in translational molecular imaging and therapy. He emphasized his emotional connection to Canada and the program’s emphasis on investing in science and evidence-based research.
In response to questions about talent poaching and potential trade war implications with the U.S., Minister Joly stated that the U.S. administration makes its decisions, while Canada pursues its own strategies. The influx of talented professors from the U.S. is seen as a positive development, with plans for a second wave of recruitments under the Eddie Goldenberg chairs initiative already underway.