Government of Canada invites 17 Canadian universities to compete for prestigious
Canada Excellence Research Chairs

UP TO 20 SUCCESSFUL CHAIRHOLDERS TO BE GRANTED UP TO $10 MILLION OVER
SEVEN YEARS TO ESTABLISH AMBITIOUS RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN CANADA

OTTAWA (April 23, 2009)— The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced the winners of the first phase of the inaugural competition for the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program. The goal of the CERC program is to support the development of innovative ideas and cutting-edge research discoveries in Canada.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the important role that research excellence plays in furthering innovation and competitiveness; this is why we are investing $5.1 billion in science and technology this year alone in Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Minister Clement. “With these exceptional proposals, Canada will play a lead role in developing innovative ideas that will address environmental, health, and other social challenges, while also improving Canada’s economic competitiveness.”

Forty proposals, submitted by 17 universities, were selected based on the highest standards of research excellence. These universities will now be invited to nominate world-class researchers for the second phase of the competition. Up to 20 successful chairholders, and their research teams, will each receive up to $10 million over seven years to establish ambitious research programs in Canada.

“Universities across the country answered our call for proposals with dedication, enthusiasm and creativity,” said Chad Gaffield, president, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and Chair, CERC steering committee. “The proposals demonstrate how Canadian universities and their research teams are driven by their desire to make sustained contributions to their communities, to Canada and to the world.”

“The selection process was highly competitive, and the results show the remarkable strengths in research we already have in Canada,” said Derek Burney, chair, CERC selection board. “The renowned international experts on the blue-ribbon selection board identified 40 outstanding proposals in a broad range of research areas, from Arctic research to vital health issues, where Canada and the world can reap significant benefits.”

The Canada Excellence Research Chairs program provides prestigious awards to Canadian universities to help them attract and support world-class researchers in four research areas of strategic importance to Canada: environmental sciences and technologies; natural resources and energy; health and related life sciences and technologies; and information and communication technologies.

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For more information, please contact:

Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
Telephone: 613-995-9001

Trevor Lynn
Manager, Communications
Canada Excellence Research Chairs
Email: trevor.lynn@chairs.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-992-7302
Cell: 613-302-9879

Taylor Paxton
Communications Advisor
Canada Excellence Research Chairs
Email: taylor.paxton@chairs.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-944-1758
Cell: 613-286-0012