Faculty of Medicine researchers are among a group of new and renewed Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) at UBC announced on June 14. The university received funding for a total of 15 new chairs, 16 renewed chairs and one chair advancement for research excellence.
Over $275 million was invested for 346 new and renewed Chairs at 52 institutions across Canada.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation is also providing more than $5.2 million in new funding for research infrastructure, supporting 30 Chairs at 18 institutions, including six of the Canada Research Chairs at UBC.
“Our government recognizes that when our institutions better reflect the diversity of Canada, science and research are stronger and their impacts on the lives of Canadians are more profound,” said the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, in a release. “I am encouraged to see improved equity, diversity and inclusion among our Canada Research Chairs and look forward to seeing how their unique perspectives will help shape a better future for us all. I would like to thank our universities for embracing research excellence and inclusion.”
UBC currently has 205 Canada Research Chairs.
The Faculty of Medicine researchers and their chairs are:
Newly appointed CRCs in the Faculty of Medicine:
Steven J.M. Jones, Canada Research Chair in Computational Genomics, Tier 1, works on cancer genomics to understand the mutational landscape of cancer. He is a professor in the Department of Medical Genetics.
Stuart E. Turvey, Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Precision Health, Tier 1, examines the role of innate immunity in infectious and inflammatory diseases of childhood. He is a professor in the Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics.
Annie Vogel Ciernia, Canada Research Chair in Understanding Gene Expression in the Brain, Tier 2, studies how early life experience shapes our epigenome and influences us across our lifespan. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Reappointed CRCs in the Faculty of Medicine:
Jonathon A. Leipsic, Canada Research Chair in Advanced Cardiopulmonary Imaging, Tier 2, uses advanced imaging technology to better understand heart and lung disorders. He is a professor in the Department of Radiology.
Linda C. Li, Canada Research Chair in Patient-oriented Knowledge Translation, Tier 2, develops user-friendly digital media tools to share the latest research supporting treatment decision-making and self-management for people with chronic disease. She is a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.
Kate Shannon, Canada Research Chair in Gender Equity, Sexual Health and Global Policy, Tier 2, focuses on the complex social and structural drivers of sexual health and HIV/STI prevention, treatment and care among women, gender and sexual minority populations in Canada and globally. She is a professor in the Department of Medicine.
Weihong Song, Canada Research Chair in Alzheimer’s Disease, Tier 1, focuses on the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and developing new disease-modifying treatments. He is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry.
Evan Wood, Canada Research Chair in Addiction Medicine, Tier 1, investigates and addresses the complex health issues facing inner cities. He is a professor in the Department of Medicine.