TORONTO – Canada’s push to attract leading academics from abroad, particularly from teh United States, is facing a critical challenge: a lack of sustained investment in federal research funding. While universities like the University of Toronto are successfully recruiting “star” researchers, concerns are rising that existing funding levels will create even fiercer competition for grants, possibly hindering the success of both established and emerging scientists.
Rémi Quirion, Quebec’s chief scientist and CEO of the Quebec Research Fund, warns that without increased and sustained investment in Canada’s three federal research councils, the influx of talent will exacerbate an already strained system. The current success rate for grant applicants to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research is approximately 15 per cent,he stated. “If you increase the number of scientists that will apply for the same budget, it will be a terrible type of situation,” Quirion saeid, predicting tougher competition and more excellent proposals going unfunded.
Quirion advocates for prioritizing support for early-stage researchers – graduate students and those building long-term careers in Canada – over solely focusing on attracting Nobel-level superstars. He believes fostering domestic talent and building lasting international collaborations will yield greater long-term benefits.
Incoming University of Toronto professor Mark Duggan, however, expressed optimism about attracting talent from abroad, viewing it as a positive and forward-thinking approach. “I tend to resonate most with people who are looking ahead and thinking about our kids and our grandkids and making things better for them,” Duggan said. “I’m eager to get things done that help students, that help research, that help the world.”
Recent hires at U of T include former Stanford economist Mark Duggan, Jacquelyn Pless from MIT, and Canadian-born astrophysicist sara Seager, also from MIT. These recruitments come as some U.S. academics seek opportunities outside the country amid political and funding uncertainties.
