Brock University is recruiting multiple Research Chairs to head up teams applying for two Canadian government funding programs designed to attract top international talent in  priority research areas.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, which falls under the wider Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, offers $1 billion over 12 years to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work advances societal well-being, economic growth, environmental sustainability and inclusive innovation.

One of Brock’s Impact+ applications is a program to design next-generation exoskeletons, prostheses and other wearable technologies, drawing on concepts from biomechanics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence and engineering.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Human Mobility and Wearable Technologies posting can be found on Brock’s website. The last full day to apply is Friday, Feb. 13, with applications closing at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Feb. 14.

“This Research Chair, which is about empowering people to move better, live more independently and to stay engaged in work and community life, would position Brock and Canada as global leaders in creating next-generation technologies that shape the future of human movement,” says Michael Holmes, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Canada Research Chair in Neuromuscular Mechanics and Ergonomics.

A second Impact+ application aims to addressing the impacts of, and resilience to, climate change in a wide variety of environments, including Arctic ecosystems, vineyards, Great Lakes shorelines and urban areas.

“An Impact+ Research Chair in Climate and Environmental Change would strengthen partnerships with governments, conservation authorities, the grape and wine sector and community organizations, delivering actionable, decision-relevant science here and beyond,” says Department of Geography and Tourism Chair David Goldblum.

The last full day to apply for the Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Climate and Environmental Change is Friday, Feb. 13, with the post closing at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Brock is also advancing an additional Impact+ application focused on sustainable agriculture for grape and wine, building on existing strengths and prior proposal development in agri-food innovation, environmental sustainability and climate-responsive agriculture.

The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program awards universities up to $8 million over a maximum of eight years to establish research programs that expand Canada’s reputation as a global research and innovation leader in strategically significant fields.

Researchers affiliated with Brock’s Institute for Lifespan Development Research are studying a variety of psychological, social, physiological or neural mechanisms underlying developmental processes and how they impact physical, cognitive and mental health across the lifespan.

Heading this team will be the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Healthy Development Across the Lifespan. The last full day to apply for this role is Saturday, Feb. 14, and the post closes at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sunday, Feb. 15.

“A CERC in Healthy Development Across the Lifespan would provide the leadership and capacity needed to build on Brock’s established strengths in lifespan development research, attract external investment, foster collaborative partnerships and deepen meaningful community engagement,” says Teena Willoughby, Professor of Psychology and Institute for Lifespan Development Research Director.

Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon says the CERC and Canada Impact+ Research Chairs programs are “among the most prestigious and competitive research recruitment opportunities globally.”

“These projects reflect Brock’s confidence in its research and its ability to recruit exceptionally talented researchers whose work aligns with national priorities, advances knowledge and supports direct economic, societal and health impacts,” he says.

He adds that the projects align with Government of Canada priorities and Brock’s Institutional Strategic Plan, including attracting and retaining top talent from around the world, increasing global awareness of Brock’s research strengths and deepening Brock’s impact through meaningful research partnerships and collaborations.