Canada Lures 48 US Researchers with $362M Funding

Canada has awarded 64 global scholars C$504 million (US$362 million) to relocate their research to Canadian universities, focusing on areas like health and artificial intelligence. Of these, 48 researchers were recruited from the US, including from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while the remaining 16 come from 12 other countries such as the UK, Germany, China, and Japan. The initiative, announced by Industry Minister Melanie Joly in Vancouver on Thursday, is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney's government's plan to boost Canadian universities, which earmarks C$1.7 billion over 12 years to recruit over 1,000 researchers. Joly emphasized that while certain countries are cutting research and turning their backs on academic freedom, Canada is doubling down on science and research. The move contrasts with recent US federal funding cuts, tightening immigration policies, and clashes between the Trump administration and top-tier universities, which have prompted some scholars to seek opportunities elsewhere. Notably, 23 of the research chairs are Canadians returning home. This strategic investment aims to position Canada as a global leader in research and innovation, attracting top talent in a competitive international landscape.