Canada announces four new major research partnerships in key areas of interest to Canadians
(OTTAWA, Ont., March 23, 2010)–Canada will have a leading voice in developing an innovative response to the opportunities and challenges posed by religious diversity. A new multidisciplinary research project at the University of Ottawa will examine how religion affects our legal, political and social environment, and will propose strategies to enhance equality and public policy.
This project is one of four Major Collaborative Research Initiatives (MCRI) announced today by Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Orléans, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). In addition to the University of Ottawa project, York University received two MCRI grants: one examining suburban growth in the 21st century, and the other investigating new ways to organize long-term residential care for seniors. McGill received funding to investigate the rise and development of the Indian Ocean world, which includes the emerging superpowers of China and India. These four projects, supported with approximately $10 million in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), will bring some 140 Canadian and international researchers and experts together to build knowledge on social, cultural and economic issues of importance to Canadians. Each initiative will receive close to $2.5 million over seven years.
“Our government is investing in research and innovation to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians’ quality of life,” said Mr. Galipeau. “These grants are fostering collaborative research that will move our research agenda forward.”
“These grants highlight the excellence of our country’s talented researchers and recognize the importance of fostering international collaboration to keep Canada at the forefront of research, development and innovation in the 21st century,” said Chad Gaffield, President of SSHRC.
Major Collaborative Research Initiative grants support leading-edge, multidisciplinary research projects led by scholars at Canadian institutions, with the participation of top international scholars. This collaborative approach enables research excellence, helping the best minds examine and find solutions to global issues.
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For additional information on this release and other SSHRC research projects, please contact:
Trevor Lynn
Manager, Communications
Tel.: 613-992-7302
Cell: 613-302-9879
Email: Trevor.Lynn@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca