UCalgary research receives over $15 million in federal research funding

Research chairs, infrastructure funding, projects and fellowships from across campus part of $1 billion announcement

On Nov. 16, 2022, Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced more than $1 billion in funding to support scientists, researchers and students across Canada.

Funding ranged from research project grants, to support funding for institutions, to an inaugural $50 million investment in new supports for Black students and postdocs designed to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in Canadian academia and in Canada’s skilled workforce.

Over 30 UCalgary scholars and their research programs received funding as part of the announcement, totalling over $15 million in funding.

“Investing in research is investing the future,” says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “This funding ensures that we can attract and retain top-tier talent, pursue innovative new research, and support the success of students and postdocs. I look forward to the advancements UCalgary will make as a result of these generous investments.”

UCalgary research included in the announcement:

Three new Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) and one renewed CRC, in the faculties of Arts, Social Work, the Schulich School of Engineering and Werklund School of Education;
Dr. Paul Kubes, PhD, and team at the Cumming School of Medicine have received a Canada Foundation for Innovation Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund grant of $9.82 million to expand UCalgary’s containment level 3 facility to be able to visualize what a pathogen is doing inside a cell and to see whether new drugs are working;
17 researchers received Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Development grants for early-stage projects, to study topics including concussion prevention, literary biodiversity, use of digital technology in health care, youth resilience, and cinematic style;
11 UCalgary postdocs received CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowships; and
Two UCalgary postdocs from the Faculty of Arts received SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships.

“Canadian research helps improve our society, economy and healthcare, time and time again. That’s why our government remains committed to supporting the country’s world-class research community,” said Champagne. “We know the vital role research and science play in growing our economy, and today’s investments will help Canada cement its position as a world leader in research and innovation.”