Canada has enlisted 64 professors to spearhead scientific research at universities nationwide, with a substantial funding injection. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, speaking at the University of British Columbia, disclosed a $541 million research fund allocation to the initial batch of research leaders appointed to 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 recently. The research chairs program was renamed to honor the late Eddie Goldenberg, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, acknowledging his significant contributions to public service and mentorship of young talents.
Out of the total funding, $504 million is earmarked for the first 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 of the federal government’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, highlighted the academic caliber of these professors, noting their history of leading large-scale research endeavors.
According to Joly, the recruited professors are predominantly from the United States, constituting three-quarters of the total appointments. This strategic move was influenced by competition with other countries running similar initiatives, like France and the EU, prompting Canada to enhance the program’s appeal.
Each professor is slated to receive annual research funding ranging from $500,000 to $1 million over eight years. Joly clarified that this funding is not for personal gain but intended to facilitate star academics in building teams comprising professors, students, and lab coordinators.
One distinguished recipient of this initiative is Peter Caravan, a Canadian researcher who returned from the U.S. to participate. Caravan, recognized as a distinguished Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Canadian research in translational molecular imaging and therapy, receiving $1.5 million annually for a total of $12 million.
Addressing concerns about poaching talent from U.S. Ivy League schools, Joly emphasized Canada’s commitment to bolstering its scientific landscape. In response to queries regarding potential conflicts with the U.S., Joly affirmed that while the U.S. administration makes its choices, Canada is focused on attracting top-tier researchers.
The initiative comes amidst significant cuts to scientific research in the U.S. under President Trump’s administration, prompting a surge in Canadian recruitment efforts. Joly expressed enthusiasm for the incoming professors and hinted at further recruitment phases under the Eddie Goldenberg chairs program.