Canada has enlisted 64 professors to spearhead scientific research at various universities nationwide, with a substantial financial backing. During an event at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Industry Minister Mélanie Joly disclosed that the government is allocating $541 million in research funding to the first cohort of research leaders joining 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 $1.7-billion Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative launched in December. The renaming of the research chairs program in tribute to the late Eddie Goldenburg, former chief of staff to ex-prime minister Jean Chrétien, was announced. Chrétien emphasized Canada’s debt to Goldenberg for his public service, particularly his investment in nurturing the skills of young individuals.
Of the total funding, $504 million is designated for the initial 64 professors, while the remaining $37 million will support universities in recruiting 63 additional “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 have a strong history of leading large-scale research endeavors.
Industry Minister Joly emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing science and research, contrasting it with other nations cutting back on research and academic freedom. Notably, three-quarters of the recruited professors are from the United States, as Canada competes with other countries offering similar initiatives.
Each professor is set to receive between $500,000 and $1 million annually for eight years to fund their research endeavors. Joly clarified that the funding is not for personal gain but to enable these accomplished academics to build teams comprising professors, students, and lab coordinators.
One prominent recruit, Peter Caravan, who had a career in the U.S. after completing his studies in Canada, expressed his gratitude for being named one of the program’s distinguished research chairs. Caravan, assigned to translational molecular imaging and therapy, will receive $1.5 million annually for a total of $12 million.
Joly addressed concerns of talent poaching from U.S. institutions, stating that the U.S. administration makes its decisions, and Canada pursues its strategies. Amid cuts to scientific research funding in the U.S., Canada welcomes the influx of top-tier professors, with plans for a second intake for the Eddie Goldenberg chairs already in progress.
