Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada
The Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program, formerly known as the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, supports Canadian post-secondary institutions in attracting exceptional international and expatriate Canadian researchers whose work will advance transformational research and help build a stronger, more resilient Canada.
The program provides up to $1 billion over 12 years to recruit world-leading researchers and their teams, strengthening Canada’s research ecosystem and attracting top global talent.
The program honours the legacy of Eddie Goldenberg, a distinguished public servant and former chief of staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, and his lifelong commitment to research, innovation and building a stronger Canada.
University of Guelph Chairholder – Dr. Chris Hittinger
Dr. Chris Hittinger has been appointed as the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Biodiscovery, Biodesign and Bioproduction at the University of Guelph.
Backed by $8 million in federal funding, Hittinger will lead an ambitious research program to engineer yeasts into next-generation renewable fuels and bioproducts, helping address Canada's energy security, sustainability and climate goals. An internationally recognized biotechnology researcher and leader of the groundbreaking Y1000+ Project, which has sequenced and analyzed nearly every known yeast species, Hittinger brings world-leading expertise in fungal evolution, genomics and industrial biotechnology. His appointment will also support the development of a new Centre for Biodiscovery, Biodesign and Bioproduction at U of G, creating a hub for research, training and industry collaboration.
The initiative will help strengthen Canada's bioeconomy while training the next generation of biotechnology researchers and innovators.
