The government of Canada has launched a $1.7bn program to recruit 1,000 research talent across the globe.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the program has been codenamed the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program.
It was gathered that the $1.7bn program to recruit global research talent is set to span over a decade, focusing on securing researchers in high-priority fields.
These key sectors include Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Cybersecurity, Health and Biotechnology, and Clean Technologies.
“[The] investment is about securing Canada’s place at the forefront of discovery and innovation and leveraging our strength in science to support our future well-being and prosperity for generations to come,” said Canadian Minister of Industry Melanie Joly, announcing the program.
Through recruiting top talent, the program aims to “deliver direct economic, societal and health benefits for Canadians,” she stated.
Speaking also on the $1.7bn program to secure 1,000 research talent, Marjorie Michel, Canada’s Minister of Health said: “Better health care begins with better research. And in Canada, we believe in science. We value our scientists. These investments will attract the best and brightest in the world, including Francophone researchers. This is the exact talent we need to drive better health care outcomes for Canadians and grow the Canadian economy.”
A statement released by the Canadian government revealed that the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program will use CAD$120 million over 12 years to bring international early-career researchers to the country and expand the research talent pool with “fresh ideas and diverse perspectives”.
Two additional funds of CAD$400m and CAD$130m respectively, will be used to strengthen research infrastructure and provide training to support doctoral students and researchers relocating to Canada.
The statement reads: “Through this initiative, the Government of Canada will invest up to $1.7 billion over 12 years to attract and support more than 1,000 leading international and expatriate researchers, including Francophone researchers. Recruitment will target individuals who are advancing world-leading research in critical fields that will deliver direct economic, societal, and health benefits for Canadians.
“The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program offers $1 billion over 12 years to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers. New chairs and their teams will advance transformational research projects that can be applied and/or commercialized by connecting with receptors in industry, government, and society, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.
“Importantly, the program funds both researcher salaries and supporting infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive support for recruited researchers.
$120 million over 12 years is being provided for institutions to attract international early career researchers (ECRs) through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program. This program will add more global talent to the Canadian research ecosystem, bringing in fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and significant potential.
“Another $400 million will be used to create the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund over six years to establish a complementary stream of research infrastructure support to ensure the recruited research chairs and ECRs have the world-class facilities they need to achieve their research goals.
“The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards will invest $133.6 million over three years to enable top international doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers to relocate to Canada.
“Canada’s research community is already home to exceptional talent. By leading major research teams, these chairs will work alongside Canadian experts, creating new opportunities for collaboration and discovery and contributing to addressing key economic, environmental, and societal challenges and opportunities at this critical time for our country.
“In an era of intense global competition and rapid technological change, Canada is committed to fostering excellence in its research ecosystem.
“By attracting world-leading talent, Canada aims to drive innovation, strengthen strategic industries, and safeguard its long-term economic security and competitiveness.
“The urgency is clear, and Canada faces a historic opportunity to attract world-leading researchers at a pivotal time for global innovation. Canada welcomes global research talent—and with world-class facilities, strong funding programs, and a welcoming research environment, it is already a premier destination for international researchers.
“Recruiting top researchers from around the world will complement Canada’s existing research excellence and commitment to diversity to help build Canada into a leading hub for science and innovation, driving the economy and supporting the health and well-being of people living in Canada through breakthrough discoveries and new technologies.”
