From left: Tomas Hudlicky, Jennifer Rowsell, Kevin Kee, John Bonnett

The number of globally recognized researchers working at Brock is growing again thanks to a federal government investment in the Canada Research Chairs program.

The university now has 12 Canada Research Chairs who are recognized as international experts in their respective fields of research and development.

Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced an investment this week of $275.6 million to fund 310 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) at 53 Canadian universities. His comments were made in Toronto at a two-day conference celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Canada Research Chairs program.

Brock will receive $2.9 million for four Chairs — one new and three re-appointed — as part of the announcement. They are:

• Jennifer Rowsell (new), who studies the many forms of literacy in the modern world
• John Bonnett (re-appointed), who researches the use of augmented reality in historical applications
• Tomas Hudlicky (re-appointed), who converts chemical compounds into the building blocks of pharmaceuticals
• Kevin Kee (re-appointed), who uses computer applications such as serious gaming to enhance classroom learning

“We are proud that Niagara can be home to world leaders in research and scholarship, people who make invaluable contributions to knowledge and to our community,” said Ian Brindle, Brock’s Vice-President, Research.

The funding “will help strengthen Canada’s capacity for leading-edge research,” Clement said at the announcement.

Launched in 2000, the Canada Research Chairs Program is designed to attract the best talent from Canada and around the world.