Government of Canada Celebrates Canada Research Chairs at the University of Windsor

WINDSOR, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 14, 2011) - New sensors that respond to physical and chemical changes in the environment, as well as technology that will lead to lighter weight vehicles and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, will be developed at the University of Windsor, thanks to the Government of Canada's Canada Research Chairs program. This innovative research will be undertaken by chairs at the University of Windsor, which were announced today by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex.

"The Government of Canada's investment in research has made our economy stronger and created new jobs," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Through the Canada Research Chairs program, our government is committed to developing and attracting top research talent from Canada and around the world, to help bring new ideas into the marketplace and improve the quality of life of Canadians."

The Government of Canada's investment in the Canada Research Chairs program is enabling Canada to strengthen its position as a world leader in university research and development. As part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Canada Research Chairs program, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, on November 24, 2010, announced an investment of $275.6 million to fund 310 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs at 53 Canadian universities.

The two chairholders celebrated today, Jeremy Rawson and Daniel Green, will conduct research in the fields of molecular materials, and the development and optimization of metal-forming processes, respectively. The results of their research could potentially benefit all sectors of Canadian society, including the medical, automotive and aerospace sectors.

"The Canada Research Chairs program is bringing new jobs to Windsor and across the country," said Mr. Watson. "I am proud of the world-class research that will be conducted in our community through this program."

"Over the past 10 years, the Canada Research Chairs program has been integral to funding research excellence in Canada, attracting renowned international experts to Canadian universities and retaining the world's best researchers," said Chad Gaffield, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Chair of the Canada Research Chairs Program Steering Committee. "The program has helped build world-class research centres across the country, propelled Canadian research into a leadership position on the world stage and enhanced the education and training of thousands of Canadian and foreign students."

The investment in the Canada Research Chairs program includes $13.4 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help newly awarded chairs with research infrastructure.

"An innovative society depends on innovative people," said Gilles G. Patry, President and CEO of the CFI. "The partnership between the CFI and the Canada Research Chairs program helps ensure that Canada preserves its most critical resource in the knowledge economy: intellectual capital. The advancements and discoveries made by these researchers will have a real and lasting impact on the lives of all Canadians."

"This investment in excellence strengthens the University of Windsor's position as a place where cutting-edge research in materials is leading to innovation for our country. I thank the Canada Research Chairs program for its support of all of our chairs, and I am delighted for Dr. Rawson and Dr. Green," said Dr. Alan Wildeman, President of the University of Windsor.

A full list of chairholders is available on the Canada Research Chairs website (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/chairholders-titulaires/index-eng.aspx).