UBC Science Gains New CRC in Computer Security, Five Renewals

Research into software system stability and security will receive a major boost at UBC Science with the appointment of a new Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Computer Systems and Security out of the Department of Computer Science.

Adjunct professor Andrew Warfield comes to UBC from the University of Cambridge. His work will help make existing software systems more stable and secure and will provide developers with better tools to build new software.

UBC Science also saw five CRC renewals in this round of funding, out of the departments of Math, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Ocean Sciences. In total, UBC received four new chairs and the renewal of another 14 positions, representing more than $12.8 million in funding. They are part of the latest round of 181 appointments totaling $159 million announced today by The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State, Science and Technology.

"In the current economic climate it is more important than ever to attract and retain talented investigators whose work can help us confront and manage complex issues," says John Hepburn, Vice-President Research and International. "Top minds are sought after internationally--it is a testament to the university's reputation that these researchers chose UBC."

Warfield's recent research has focused on virtualization, device driver stability, distributed storage, migrating running computers, security (specifically DDoS prevention, and intrusion prevention), and high-availability systems. He has also worked at AT&T Research, Nortel Networks, and Intel Research Cambridge, where he investigated systems applications of Intel's hyperthreading technology.

UBC Science Renewals

James Feng, Professor Canada Research Chair in Complex Fluids and Interfaces Department of Math

Hongbin Li, Assistant Professor Canada Research Chair in Molecular Nanoscience and Protein Engineering Department of Chemistry

Scott Oser, Assistant Professor Canada Research Chair in Origins Department of Physics

Moshe Shapiro, Professor Canada Research Chair in Quantum Control Departments of Chemistry and Physics

Dominique Weis, Professor Canada Research Chair in the Geochemistry Renewal of the Earth's Mantle Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences

Chair appointments provide research and salary support for either seven- or five-year terms. The seven-year terms are renewable; the five-year terms can be renewed once.

In 2000, the Government of Canada created a permanent program to establish 2000 research professorships--Canada Research Chairs--in eligible degree-granting institutions across the country. The Canada Research Chairs program invests $300 million per year to attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds. UBC has now appointed 150 of the 175 Canada Research Chair positions allocated to the university.