Canada has appointed 64 professors to spearhead scientific research at universities nationwide, granting them millions in funding. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, speaking at the University of British Columbia (UBC), revealed that the government is allocating $541 million in research funding to the initial group of research leaders recruited by Canadian institutions.
The scholars 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 research chairs program was renamed in memory of the late Eddie Goldenburg, former chief of staff to ex-Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who passed away in July. Chrétien emphasized Canada’s indebtedness to Goldenberg for his public service endeavors, particularly his support for nurturing the capabilities of young individuals.
Out of the total funding, $504 million will support the first 64 professors, with the remaining $37 million aiding universities in recruiting an additional 63 “emerging leaders” in the coming year. Sylvie Lamoureux, a vice-president at the federal government’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, noted that these academics possess a strong history of leading large-scale, impactful research initiatives.
According to Joly, three-quarters of the recruited professors are from the United States, as Canada aimed to capitalize on an opportunity while facing competition from other countries with similar initiatives, such as France and the EU. Each professor is set to receive over $1 million annually for their research over an eight-year period. Joly clarified that the funding is not for personal gain but to enable star academics to build teams comprising professors, students, and lab coordinators.
One of the beneficiaries, Peter Caravan, who pursued his education in Canada before working in the U.S., expressed his gratitude for being named one of the program’s distinguished research chairs. Caravan, allocated $1.5 million in research funding, highlighted his return to Canada as a significant homecoming. He emphasized the program’s commitment to science, reason, and evidence, making Canada an appealing destination for researchers.
Responding to queries about poaching talent from U.S. Ivy League schools, Joly stated that the U.S. administration makes its decisions, and Canada does the same. In contrast, the U.S. under President Trump has reduced funding for scientific research and engaged in conflicts with its academic institutions. Joly expressed enthusiasm for the influx of talented professors and hinted at further recruitment under the Eddie Goldenberg chairs program.