Government of Canada Invests in Most Promising Young Researchers

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Oct. 14, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada knows and supports the vital role that young researchers play in making the discoveries and creating the innovations that build our economy and enrich our society. To further advances in the natural, applied and social sciences, the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, announced eight Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipients and four Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship recipients at the University of Calgary.

These awards, which are Canada's highest awards for doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows, are part of the government's $34.7-million commitment to attracting and retaining the best young doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows in Canada and from around the world. The recipients' specialties span health sciences, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities.

The extraordinary research being conducted by the following three researchers illustrates the range of disciplines being supported:

• Vanier Scholar Erin Hetherington of the University of Calgary is studying which social support systems best help women avoid postpartum depression.
• Vanier Scholar Yasmine Hajar of the University of Ottawa is examining how electricity can speed up the movement of chemicals that react with methane gas, which could lead to the development of low-cost fuel for vehicles and a reduction in air pollution.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellow Julien Lefort-Favreau of Université de Sherbrooke will research how editors of various publications in France helped intellectuals communicate political thoughts that led to significant social change for the country's citizens.

Quotes

"Our government understands and celebrates the important role young researchers play in furthering Canada's research excellence. The recipients of these awards will be able to advance their research and deepen their contribution to Canada's scientific ecosystem and further demonstrate the world-class work being done at the University of Calgary."

- The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

"I congratulate all recipients of this year's Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships. This investment represents our government's commitment to support emerging researchers whose hard work will help put our country at the forefront of scientific discovery while equipping them with the skills they need to join a strong middle class."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"The federal granting agencies-CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC-are proud to support the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships. Through these programs, we are supporting the creation of Canada's next generation of researchers whose work will have a tremendous positive influence on the well-being of citizens from around the world."

- Dr. Alain Beaudet, President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

"The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships recognize exceptional students and early career PhD graduates. These emerging leaders are being mentored by world-class professors to address global challenges across disciplines. We are proud to have attracted scholars that have earned this recognition and support from the federal government as we work closely with the communities we lead and serve."

- Dr. Dru Marshall, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), University of Calgary

Quick fact

• Both the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program are funded through the three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

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Associated links

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

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