What is a Canada Research Chair?

The Canada Research Chairs Program stands at the centre of a national strategy to make Canada one of the world's top countries for research and development.

In 2000, the Government of Canada created a new permanent program to establish 2000 research professorships - Canada Research Chairs - in universities across the country by 2008. The Canada Research Chairs Program invests $300 million a year to attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds.

Chairholders aim to achieve research excellence in natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. They improve Canadians' depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthen the country's international competitiveness, and help train the next generation of highly skilled people through student supervision, teaching, and the coordination of other researchers' work.

The Program is committed to ensuring access and opportunities to all qualified candidates, while maintaining standards of excellence. The goals of equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive. Equity ensures that the largest pool of qualified candidates is accessed without affecting the integrity of the selection process.  This commitment is in accordance with the federal government's published policies on non-discrimination and equity in employment.

For more information about the Canada Research Chairs Program click here. 

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