Canada is actively attracting top global researchers, awarding 64 scholars a total of $362 million to conduct their research at Canadian universities. This initiative targets fields such as health, environmental science, and artificial intelligence.
A significant portion of the talent, 48 researchers, is being recruited from the U.S., including prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT. Additionally, 16 scholars hail from countries such as the U.K., Germany, China, and Japan. Industry Minister Melanie Joly emphasized Canada’s commitment to advancing research and academic freedom, contrasting with recent U.S. funding cuts and restrictive immigration policies.
The announcement is part of a broader plan by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, which aims to invest $1.2 billion over 12 years to attract over 1,000 researchers, including 100 leading research chairs. Some notable new appointments include Sara Seager from MIT and Brian Kuhlman from the University of North Carolina.
The initiative is not just about attracting international talent; it also welcomes back 23 Canadian researchers. Other countries, like the European Union, are also seeking to attract scholars amid changing conditions in the U.S. The Canadian government plans to announce additional research chairs in the near future.
