Canada has appointed 64 professors to spearhead scientific research at universities nationwide, granting them substantial funding. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, speaking at the University of British Columbia (UBC), disclosed that the government is allocating $541 million for research funding to the initial cohort of research leaders hired by Canadian institutions.
These academics were selected under 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 after the late Eddie Goldenberg, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who passed away in July. Chrétien emphasized Canada’s indebtedness to Goldenberg for his public service, particularly his investments in nurturing the potential of young individuals.
Out of the total funding, $504 million is designated for the first 64 professors, with the remaining $37 million set aside to assist universities in recruiting an additional 63 “emerging leaders” in the coming year. Sylvie Lamoureux, a vice president of the federal government’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, highlighted that these academics have a commendable track record of leading large-scale, ambitious research endeavors.
According to Joly, three-quarters of the recruited professors hail from the United States, reflecting Canada’s efforts to attract top talent in a competitive global landscape. Each professor will receive between $500,000 and $1 million annually for their research over an eight-year period. The funding is intended to support star academics in assembling teams comprising professors, students, lab coordinators, and other professionals to collaborate on research projects.
One of the distinguished recipients of Canada’s research funding initiative is Peter Caravan, who returned to Canada after a successful career in the U.S. academia. Caravan, named as one of the program’s four distinguished research chairs, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to translational molecular imaging and therapy in his home country. He acknowledged Canada’s commitment to advancing science and evidence-based research.
Regarding concerns of talent poaching, Joly dismissed suggestions that the initiative could be viewed as such by U.S. President Trump. She emphasized that the U.S. administration makes its decisions, and Canada pursues its strategies independently. Joly welcomed the influx of talented professors to Canada and hinted at future funding opportunities under the Eddie Goldenberg chairs program.
In contrast, Trump’s administration has reduced funding for scientific research and engaged in disputes with American higher education institutions. Joly emphasized the positive impact of attracting exceptional professors to Canada and hinted at forthcoming opportunities for additional research funding through the Eddie Goldenberg chairs program.