Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

April 25, 2001

U of G research strengthened with appointment of first Canada Research Chairs

Finding new ways to combat global antibiotic resistance, safeguarding Canada’s rural water supply and expanding biological research in the Arctic are just three University of Guelph research areas receiving a major boost today through the appointment of U of G’s first five Canada Research Chairs.

The chairs – a first instalment in an expected 35 such positions to be named at U of G over the next five years -- were announced by Industry Minister Brian Tobin. Three senior professors recognized as leaders in their fields of study and two younger researchers seen as rising stars in their fields will receive a total of $5.2 million in research support.

The senior researchers, receiving $200,000 annually for seven years, are:

Paul Hebert of the Department of Zoology for a Chair in Molecular Biodiversity. His work will support biological research in the Arctic as well as examine how molecular studies can provide new insights into the diversity of life.

Jacek Lipkowski of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for a Chair in Electrochemistry. The research will be used to develop sensors and biosensors and new electrodes for fuel cells.

Chris Whitfield of the Department of Microbiology for a Chair in Molecular Biology. One of his goals is to identify alternatives to antibiotics in the fight against bacterial pathogens.

The junior researchers, receiving $100,000 annually for five years, are:

Rob De Loe of the Department of Geography for a Chair in Rural Water Management. The chair’s work will focus on rural water quality and watershed management.

Alejandro Marangoni of the Department of Food Science for a Chair in Food and Soft Materials. Marangoni is attempting to develop a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the static structure of various soft food materials.

“These awards represent the first of a series of Canada Research Chairs that will have an extremely positive impact on the research climate of the University of Guelph,” said President Mordechai Rozanski. “The investment will allow the University to enhance its current research capability and, in addition, increase its ability to attract new, excellent faculty in the future.”

Prof. Ross Hallett, assistant vice president (research and infrastructure programs), noted that the University is expecting a decision on three further research chair candidates very shortly. Launched last year by the federal government, the Canada Research Chairs Program is designed to enable to Canadian universities to become world-class centres of research excellence, by providing them with new funds to recruit and retain world-class faculty. U of G is expected to receive funding for 35 chairs, with 10 of them to be established in 2000/2001.

Contact:
Prof. Ross Hallett, assistant vice-president (research and infrastructure programs)
(519) 824-4120, Ext. 3989

For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, 519-824-4120, Ext. 3338.