$79 million dollar investment brings global researchers to Manitoba

UM is welcoming five world-leading researchers, who will lead ambitious research programs addressing some of Canada's most pressing economic and social challenges.

"We are thrilled to welcome these world-leading researchers to strengthen our reputation and impact on the global stage,” said Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research and International). “This investment in securing international top talent will ensure Canada remains at the forefront of knowledge translation and commercialization.”

Their work will advance public healthcare system transformation, Arctic navigation and defence, sustainable mining for economic development, and advanced technologies and materials. Their work also focuses on energy and food security, environmental law, and biodiversity conservation.

These appointments are funded by the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program through the Canada Global Impact+ Research Initiative, a new federal initiative designed to attract leading international researchers to Canada in areas of strategic importance.

"The University of Manitoba's five new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada are a major win for Manitoba," said the Hon. Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South. "By attracting world-class researchers and investing in innovation, this federal support will strengthen our economy, advance important discoveries, and help position Manitoba as a global leader in research excellence. Congratulations to the University of Manitoba on this remarkable achievement."

The Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, train the next generation of talent, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. UM was pleased to achieve a 71% success rate in this competition.

The Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program provides $1 million per chair per year for eight years, with an extension at $500,000 for an additional four years. Each Chair will receive $4 million in infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). 

The program also includes five Canada Impact+ Emerging Research Leader awards of $100,000 per year for 12 years in a complementary research field for a total of $6 million. Coupled to the program, UM has also secured 15 international Ph.D. Fellowships valued at $120,000 each, and 9 Postdoctoral fellowships at $140,000 each.

Together, these investments represent a significant $79 million boost to UM's innovation ecosystem. 

Meet the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada

Igor Polyakov, Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Arctic Physical Oceanography

Polyakov is a Professor in the Department of International Arctic Research Center and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the United States of America. His work leading the Nansen and Amundsen Basins Observational System was instrumental in tracking recent warming transitions in the Arctic Ocean.  

Leveraging UM expertise, Arctic research infrastructure and partnerships with Indigenous communities, Polyakov’s program will support knowledge co-production reflecting regional needs with a new year-round observation system. This will provide critical data supporting safer Arctic navigation, Canadian defence, sustainable resource management and policies to protect Indigenous food security.

Peter Reiners, Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Geoscience of Subsurface Fluid-Rock Systems for Solutions in Sustainability and Security

Reiners is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona in the United States of America. He is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America.

Applying recent discoveries in the field of subsurface fluid mineral deposits, Reiners’ new UM research program will develop environmentally sustainable answers to Manitoba’s critical economic, energy, and national security needs. Reiners will build on longstanding collaborations between governments, First Nations, corporations and communities to drive technological advancement in geoscience for Canada’s future and global leadership.

Sanket Goel, Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Translating Cyber Physical Sensory Systems to Reimagine Health and Prosperity

Goel is currently Head of the Center for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Hyderabad Campus in India. He is an established expert in biosensors, cyber-physical systems and fuel cells who recently led major projects to address global supply shortages of semiconductor critical for advanced electronics.

In his new appointment at UM, Goel seeks to develop the next generation of miniaturized bioengineering platforms. This will deliver tangible societal benefits by providing high-fidelity insights for precision medicine and agriculture while filling gaps in Canada’s digital manufacturing sector.

Patricia J. García, Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Diagnostic Systems for Health Equity: From Discovery to Delivery  

Garcia is a physician and Professor of public health and former Dean at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Peru and holds Adjunct Professor appointments at the University of Washington and Tulane University, in the USA. She was also recently appointed as a member of the United States National Academy of Medicine, becoming the first Peruvian professional to achieve this distinction.

Building on UM’s unique combination of leadership in global public health and infectious disease research, and strengths in data sciences and strong integration with public health systems, Garcia hopes to strengthen Canada’s position at the forefront of health technology. This new project led by Garcia will increase equitable access to diagnostic testing to improve health outcomes, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations.

Benjamin J. Richardson, Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Climate, Environment and Property Law

Richardson is a scholar of environmental law at the University of Tasmania in Australia. As an international scholar of environmental law, he leads collaborative research with private sector and Indigenous partners.

This new UM research from Richardson investigates initiatives led by Indigenous peoples, private landowners and conservation groups that are strengthening climate resilience in the rapidly warming Arctic. By transforming how property law aids land stewardship, the program will position Canada as a global leader in community-based biodiversity conservation, with social and economic benefits for all Canadians.