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OTTAWA, March 26, 2010  —  The University of Ottawa is proud to announce funding for ten Canada Research Chairs, including four new ones, totalling 8.6 million dollars. The announcement, delivered by The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), was part of nationwide funding worth $155.5 million.

Here are the four new chairs joining the University of Ottawa:

Vadim Kaimanovich — Canada Research Chair in Analysis and Probability
Vadim Kaimanovich will investigate new analytical methods for predicting the statistical and functional nature of complex networks in fields as diverse as biology and computer science. His research blends analysis, algebra, dynamics and probability providing fast and powerful algorithmic tools to bridge the gap for scientists concerned with extracting, understanding and manipulating properties of such complex networks.

Marc-André Langlois — Canada Research Chair in Molecular Virology and Intrinsic Immunity
Marc-André Langlois will investigate new retroviruses that have the potential to move from animals to humans. He will also explore the latest genomics and DNA sequencing technologies to help find new retroviruses associated with diseases in humans. This research will lead to changes in the way certain diseases are treated clinically, and foster new strategies for fighting and preventing retroviral infections.

Andrew P. Makrigiannis — Canada Research Chair in Resistance to Emerging Pathogens
Andrew Makrigiannis’ research will explore and identify the early role of natural killer cells. These cells are crucial in activating the immune system in order to resist a pathogen. His research will provide better understanding of how the immune system fights off pathogen infection, and will give researchers the ability to intelligently design anti-viral, bacterial and fungal drugs.

Michael Wolfson — Canada Research Chair in Population Health Modelling/Populomics Michael Wolfson’s research will focus on the creation of very rich population health data under a common platform using innovative computer simulation modeling. These models will enable policymakers to evaluate financial and social benefits of interventions across a complete health spectrum in order to support better policies to improve the health of Canadians.

In addition to the new chairs, six existing Canada Research Chairs were renewed: Amir Attaran (Law, Population Health, and Global Development Policy), Xiaoyi Bao (Fibre Optics and Photonics), Marjorie Brand, affiliated with the OHRI (Regulation of Gene Expression), Khaled El Emam, affiliated with the CHEO Research Institute (Electronic Health Information), Trevor Hall (Photonic Network Technology) and, Mads Kaern (Systems Biology).

“The Canada Research Chair funding gives the University of Ottawa more ability to recruit and retain the best and brightest minds from around the world,” said Allan Rock, president of the University of Ottawa. “Such programs contribute to developing first-class training and competitive research in Canada and abroad.”

Click here for more information on the Canada Research Chairs program.

The University of Ottawa, one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities, is dedicated to preparing the next generation of Canadian researchers and scientists. We are committed to excellence and encourage an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge creation that attracts the best academic talent from across Canada and around the world.