Spotlight on Research - 50 x 50

50 Research Chairs by the University of Lethbridge's 50th Anniversary in 2017

It's ambitious. It's aspirational. And above all it affirms the University's commitment to continuing to build one of Canada's leading research environments.

The University of Lethbridge is aiming for 50 Research Chairs by the University's 50th Anniversary in 2017.
The University of Lethbridge is aiming for 50 Research Chairs by the University's 50th Anniversary in 2017.

“Research Chairs are high-profile academic appointments that enable the University to attract and retain accomplished and promising scholars to lead research programs that confirm our strength and shape our future,” says U of L interim Vice President (Research) Dr. Lesley Brown. “This initiative signals our commitment and strength as a comprehensive university.”

As of October 2014, the U of L’s research roster boasts 33 research Chair appointments, sponsored either through external agency support (24) or through institutional appointment as U of L Board of Governors Research Chairs (9).

In two short years, that number will increase to 50.

The new appointments will come from diverse disciplines. They will be leaders in their fields, nationally and internationally renowned for their research programs. They will come from afar and from within the institution.

“The 50 X 50 initiative will enable us to grow, strengthen and build upon our existing research portfolio across the breadth of the institution,” says Brown. “It will enable us to diversify in more established areas as well as recognize our current U of L faculty members who are already conducting high-profile research and creative performance.”

In two short years, the University of Lethbridge will increase its research Chair count to over 50
In two short years, the University of Lethbridge will increase its research Chair count to over 50.

And with each research Chair appointment comes protected time devoted to research, sharing outcomes and translating knowledge, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

As a result, graduate programs will grow, and there will be even more opportunities to enrich the undergraduate experience by including students in research programs.

“This initiative will build exceptional capacity across all disciplines and will continue to enhance the student experience,” say Brown. “The results will extend well beyond campus, impacting communities across Alberta and around the world.”

Meet four new recent research Chair appointments:

Dr. Brenda Leung - Faculty of Health Sciences Emmy Droog Chair in Complementary and Alternative Health Care.

Dr. Nehalkumar Thakor - Campus Alberta Innovates Program Chair of Synthetic Biology and RNA-based Systems.

Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk (MSc '00) - Canada Research Chair in Comparative Neuroanatomy in the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience.

Dr. Majid Mohajerani - Campus Alberta Innovation Program Chair in Brain Health and Dementia.