Universities welcome new research chair selection rules

Universities say they welcome the challenge from Ottawa to improve diversity among the ranks of the Canada Research Chairs, under threat of funding cuts, writes Chris Hannay for The Globe and Mail.

The federal government issued new rules this month for the prestigious research programme in an attempt to improve representation for women, visible minorities, people with disabilities and Indigenous scholars. Universities are now being told that their candidates for the programme, which provides CAD265 million (US$193 million) for up to 2,000 scholars across the country, must meet certain diversity targets or else granting agencies would withhold funds.

Pari Johnston, vice-president of policy at Universities Canada, said her association’s members were consulted in the run-up to the announcement, and they are glad they are being given two to three years to adjust their hiring practices.
Full report on The Globe and Mail site