$11.9-million investment in scientific research at the University of Alberta will deepen knowledge, enhance quality of life and grow the economy
EDMONTON, Dec. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada values the role that scientists play in contributing to the discoveries and innovations that lead to a strong economy, sustainable environment and vibrant middle class. The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, was at the University of Alberta today to celebrate the appointment of eight new and renewal of five innovative and talented researchers as Canada Research Chairs.
The University of Alberta will receive $11.9 million for a total of 13 Canada Research Chairs, including Dr. Kim TallBear, the new Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience and Environment. Dr. TallBear's research aims to improve the capacity of Indigenous peoples to shape science, technology and environmental projects in ways that support indigenous culture and political self-determination. Her work will enhance indigenous governance in the fields of science, technology and the environment. And that, in turn, will advance the well-being of indigenous cultures, economies, institutions and resources.
Earlier today, Minister Duncan announced more than $173 million in funding to support a total of 203 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs at 48 post-secondary institutions across the country. This funding will help support cutting-edge research in a number of fields, including environmental and climate science.
Quotes
"I'd like to extend my sincere congratulations to the latest new and renewed Canada Research Chairs. The Government of Canada is proud to support these elite researchers whose work will improve our scientific understanding and contribute the evidence needed to inform decisions that lead to a vibrant society and a strong middle class."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
"The chairholders that we are celebrating today at the University of Alberta offer unique and essential expertise that will benefit our province and country. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in their important research, which will help grow the middle class and have a lasting impact on the quality of life of all Canadians."
– The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Indigenous communities have lawyers, teachers and people in health fields—very pragmatic service fields where there is a lot of need, and that's great. But we don't have a lot of researchers. I want my research to help more Indigenous people get those higher degrees in science and engineering and other STEM fields, but in ways that are informed by critical social sciences and humanities that bring an understanding of the history of the relationships between colonialism and science and technology."
– Dr. Kim TallBear, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience and Environment
Quick facts
- More than 1,600 Canada Research Chairs are working at over 70 post-secondary institutions across the country in a wide range of fields.
- Created in 2000, the Canada Research Chairs Program has helped attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds. Canada Research Chairs deepen our knowledge, enhance our quality of life and grow our economy.
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Véronique Perron, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science, 343-291-2600; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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