Dalhousie University Welcomes Nine New Canada Research Chairs

Dalhousie University has announced the appointment of nine new and renewed Canada Research Chairs (CRC) as part of a broader national initiative to enhance Canada’s stature in research and innovation. This announcement was made on October 22, 2023, by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, the federal Minister of Industry, during a presentation that highlighted a national investment exceeding $690 million in science and research funding.

These CRC appointments reflect a wide array of critical research areas aimed at addressing contemporary global challenges. The new Chairs will explore topics ranging from the evolving legal frameworks in the Arctic to the impact of viral epidemics in Africa. Their diverse work encompasses essential themes such as sustainable energy, healthcare equity, and climate adaptation.

Innovative Research Addressing Global Challenges

Dr. Graham Gagnon, acting vice-president of research and innovation at Dalhousie, emphasized the importance of these appointments, stating, “Our CRCs reflect the way Dalhousie researchers are solving real problems faced by Nova Scotians, Canadians, and people around the world.” He noted that the research conducted by these scholars is pivotal in developing solutions that directly impact communities and the environment.

The CRC program, which invests up to $311 million annually, aims to attract and retain some of the world’s most innovative researchers. It features two distinct categories of Chairs: Tier 1, awarded to established leaders in their fields for a duration of seven years, and Tier 2, aimed at emerging researchers for five years. Tier 1 Chairs receive $1.4 million, while Tier 2 Chairs garner $600,000 for new appointments and $500,000 for renewals.

Highlighting Key Research Areas

Among the newly appointed Tier 1 chairs is Dr. Mita Dasog, who focuses on advanced design for water-energy sustainability. Her research aims to develop innovative materials that can purify water while harvesting energy and valuable resources. By creating solar-powered systems that convert seawater into fresh water and produce green hydrogen from treated wastewater, Dr. Dasog’s work is instrumental in promoting sustainable practices and advancing Canada’s goals toward a net-zero economy.

Another significant appointment is Dr. OmiSoore Dryden, who has been recognized for her contributions to understanding and combating systemic anti-Black racism within healthcare. Her research emphasizes the importance of centering Black voices in health education and practice, aiming to equip future health professionals with the tools necessary to foster equitable healthcare systems.

Violet Ford, the first Inuit woman lawyer in Canada, is set to lead research on Circumpolar Indigenous Marine Governance and International Law. Her initiative, the “Nuliajuk Project,” seeks to establish an Indigenous-led framework for managing Arctic and subarctic marine areas, integrating Indigenous legal traditions with international law. This work aims to redefine governance in these critical regions, promoting Indigenous rights and advocacy.

Dr. Natalya Evans is another notable new Tier 2 Chair, specializing in observational chemical oceanography. Her research explores the mechanisms by which carbon is stored in the ocean, focusing on how agricultural waste impacts carbon dynamics. This research is crucial for developing effective marine carbon removal strategies, which are essential in the fight against climate change.

Dr. Brandon Heung, appointed as a Tier 2 CRC in Digital and Precision Agriculture, is working to create a national soil database to enhance soil management practices across Canada. His research aims to improve decision-making for sustainable agriculture and forest management, critical for ensuring food security and climate resilience.

The renewed Chairs also include Dr. David Kelvin, whose work in translational vaccinology and inflammation connects historical and contemporary viral outbreaks. His research offers valuable insights into the evolution of infectious diseases, with implications for global health strategies.

Dalhousie University’s commitment to fostering innovative research through the CRC program reflects a concerted effort to tackle pressing global challenges. By supporting these emerging and established scholars, the university is positioned to contribute significantly to a sustainable and equitable future.