The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of a strong and vibrant science and research ecosystem. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting this ecosystem, along with the talent and innovation that it nurtures. Since 2016, we have made the largest science investments in Canadian history. We are committed to continuing these investments in support of a world-leading science ecosystem and a strong economic recovery.

Today, at the University of Ottawa, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, announced an investment of more than $24 million to support the world-leading research happening at the University of Ottawa.

This funding includes:

• $10,710,245 in new grants and grant extensions through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Discovery Grants program
• $7,268,247 for research projects through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s (SSHRC) Partnership Grants, Partnership Development Grants, Insight Grants and Insight Development Grants
• $6,120,000 for six new or renewed Canada Research Chairs (CRC) and a funding recipient from the Canada Foundation for Innovation

In addition to pandemic-related projects, these investments will support emerging and ongoing research in areas of critical importance, such as artificial intelligence, education, health, law, quantum communications and photonics. This research will help inform governments, businesses and individuals as they make decisions to grow our economy, protect our environment and ensure the well-being of communities across Canada.

Some of the recipients receiving funding include:

• Ebrahim Karimi holds the Canada Research Chair in Structured Quantum Waves. In the age of quantum computers that can bring significant risk to current information transmission and storage security measures, his research could help enhance our national security. His work could also help bring quantum secure data to the technology we use in everyday life, such as major bank transactions. Karimi and his team are paving the road toward establishing quantum internet in Canada and beyond.
• Carole Yauk holds the Canada Research Chair in Genomics and the Environment. Her research addresses an urgent need to modernize the toxicological risk assessment of environmental chemicals. Her work will help develop tools that can measure how toxic chemicals can alter or damage genetic material in both humans and wildlife.

Since 2016, the Government has invested over $13 billion in science and research. This includes more than $3 billion in new funding from Budget 2021 for Canadian researchers and science, including support for cutting-edge life sciences research and biotechnology; for research into systemic racism and gender inequality; and for national strategies on artificial intelligence, cleantech, quantum technologies and genomics. With continued support from the Government, Canada’s world-class researchers will have the tools they need to address some of our biggest challenges.

Quotes

“The University of Ottawa is home to world-leading research that will help build a more inclusive, prosperous and healthy post-pandemic Canada. I am proud that our government is supporting this research. “Congratulations to all researchers, we are so proud of the innovation happening right here in the Nation’s capital!”

– The Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier

“The University of Ottawa is committed to build a better world by pursuing our ideals of excellence, relevance and impact in research. The government’s support is vital to reach this goal. This major investment will help our talented teams of accomplished and promising minds push the boundaries of knowledge in their fields and to make an impact locally, nationally and globally.”

– Sylvain Charbonneau, Vice-President, Research at the University of Ottawa