Canada has enlisted 64 professors to spearhead scientific research endeavors at universities nationwide, with substantial financial backing. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly revealed during an event at the University of British Columbia (UBC) that the government is allocating $541 million in research funding 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 initiatives, integral components of Ottawa’s $1.7-billion Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative introduced in December. The research chairs program was renamed in honor of Eddie Goldenburg, the late chief of staff to former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Chrétien emphasized Canada’s gratitude to Goldenberg for his public service contributions, particularly his dedication to nurturing the potential of young individuals.
Out of the total funding, $504 million is designated for the initial 64 professors, while the remaining $37 million will support universities in recruiting an additional 63 “emerging leaders” within the next year. Sylvie Lamoureux, a vice-president at the federal government’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, highlighted the distinguished track records of these academics in leading extensive research initiatives.
According to Joly, the majority of the recruited professors, about three-quarters, are transitioning from U.S. educational institutions. In a bid to attract top talent, especially amidst competition from other countries with similar programs like France and the EU, Canada has enhanced the appeal of its initiative. Each professor is set to receive annual research funding ranging from $500,000 to $1 million over an eight-year period.
Peter Caravan, a Canadian professor returning from the U.S., expressed his gratitude for being selected as one of the program’s distinguished research chairs, focusing on translational molecular imaging and therapy. Caravan, who had a successful career at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, emphasized the significance of this investment in science and research, underscoring Canada as a welcoming environment for such endeavors.
Addressing concerns about the initiative potentially poaching talent from U.S. Ivy League schools and its implications on the Canada-U.S. relationship, Joly clarified that the U.S. administration makes its decisions independently. While the U.S. has witnessed significant cuts in scientific research funding and strained relations with its higher education institutions, Canada remains committed to attracting top-notch researchers.
Joly expressed excitement about the influx of talented professors and hinted at a forthcoming second phase of the Eddie Goldenberg chairs initiative.