University presidents welcome federal government investment in research excellence

Ottawa, April 24, 2009 — The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada commends the federal government for its leadership in funding a significant new university research program, the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program.

“The announcement of 40 finalists in a selection of 20 research chairs worth $10 million each is great news for Canada’s university research community,” says Tom Traves, President of Dalhousie University and Chair of AUCC. “Funding at this level will guarantee that Canada can attract eminent researchers to our universities and demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to supporting world class research programs.”

The CERC program was announced in September 2008 as part of the federal government’s science & technology strategy aimed at improving Canada’s competitiveness. Universities can apply for funding in four priority areas: environmental sciences, natural resources and energy, health sciences, and communications and information technology.

The awards will allow world leaders in research to recruit teams of high calibre researchers to work on projects that will advance knowledge and spark innovation across the country. The 20 final recipients of the CERC awards will be announced in February 2010.

AUCC is the voice of Canada’s universities representing 94 Canadian public and private, not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges.

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For more information please contact:

Leslie Cole
Assistant Director of Communications
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada