Canadian Government Announces Investments to Fund Cutting-Edge Research, Talent Development and Innovation

By Linda Forrest on Oct 4, 2012 / Categories: Blog, Government, Uncategorized

Earlier this week, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, PC, MP, Minister of State (Science and Technology) addressed students and faculty at Carleton University to announce support for two new grant competitions from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC): the Insight Grants and the Insight Development Grants.

According to Minister Goodyear, the Insight program aims to support and foster research excellence—basic research intended to deepen the understanding of individuals and societies, as well as to find solutions to society’s challenges.

“On behalf of the Harper Government, it is my great pleasure to announce an investment of more than $200 million in the fields of social sciences and humanities research and research training, through grants, fellowships and scholarships from SSHRC,” said Minister of State Goodyear. “Of that total, $101 million will go to support 815 research initiatives in the Insight program. The Insight Development Grants support basic research in its early stages; whereas the Insight Grants support basic research projects in their later stages.”

These research programs will explore everything from economic, social and cultural issues of importance to Canadians – including topics such as bullying, Aboriginal learning and women’s achievements in engineering. Likewise, Insights projects will be carried out by individuals and small teams of researchers collaborating across Canada and worldwide.

“With these investments, our government is increasing Canada’s economic advantage in a knowledge-based economy, so that our country will maintain its position as a global research leader,” said Minister of State Goodyear.

Supporting Canadian innovation and talent

He also announced a federal government investment of $102 million to support 2,400 master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral scholarships and fellowships under SSHRC’s Talent program.

“This support will help Canada’s most promising young minds gain the skills and experience they need to become the next generation of leaders in all sectors of society,” said Minister of State Goodyear.

The investment announcements indicate that our government places a high priority on maintaining Canada’s place at the cutting-edge of research, talent development and innovation. “We are investing in the people and ideas that will create tomorrow’s breakthroughs, giving Canada the best-educated and most skilled workforce in the world,” said Minister of State Goodyear.

For more information about the SSHRC funding programs, please visit http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/.