New CRCs in oceans research, machine learning and quantum materials

The Federal Government’s latest round of Canada Research Chair investments include four new chair-holders at UBC Science investigating ocean sustainability and turbulence, machine learning, and quantum materials.

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced significant investments in the Canada Research Chairs Program to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds.

“Our government is committed to promoting equity and diversity within research and to supporting the next generation of research leaders,” said Duncan in making the announcement. “These prestigious Canada Research Chairs are improving the lives of Canadians and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, helping ensure a bright future for Canada.”  

The Government of Canada is investing more than $156 million for 187 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs at 49 institutions across Canada from the most recent competition. In the most recent competition, women accounted for over 43 per cent of nominations – an historic high for the program.

The new UBC Science CRCs are:

William Cheung
Canada Research Chair in Ocean Sustainability and Global Change

Leonid Sigal
Canada Research Chair in Computer Vision and Machine Learning

Stephanie Waterman
Canada Research Chair in Ocean Turbulence

Ziliang Ye
Canada Research Chair in Optical Control of Quantum Materials

The new CRCs join over 50 other Canada Research Chairs at UBC Science. This fall’s announcement includes a new investment of $210 million over the next five years, through Budget 2018, that will add 285 new chairs. It also includes a boost for early career researchers and new and currently active Tier 2 Chairs who are receiving an additional supplement of up to $20,000 to help them establish their research projects.