Ottawa funds 310 research chairs

The federal government is setting aside $275.6 million to pay for 310 new or renewed research chairs at 53 universities. Industry Minister Tony Clement says the money will help spur research in Canada.

The Canada Research Chairs program was started 10 years ago, drawing international experts to Canadian universities and supporting top researchers. Clement says the 310 chairholders covered by the latest funding will conduct research across a range of important fields, including water security, molecular neuroscience and globalization.

He says it’s part of an effort to encourage cutting-edge research. Chad Gaffield, head of the steering committee for the research chairs program, says it has helped build world-class research centres across the country. The program pays up to $200,000 a year for seven years to endow a top-tier research chair.

"For the past 10 years, the Canada Research Chairs Program has brought breakthroughs in clean energy, the control of infectious disease, business management, and digital technologies," Clement said.

He said the program produces economic opportunities for Canadians in the application of new technologies.

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Paul Young, vice-president for research at the University of Toronto, said the program allows Canadian universities to attract and keep some of the world’s best minds. "This program is vital for Canada, since it contributes to the development of first-class training and competitive research in Canada and abroad."

The Canadian Press