CRCs appointed at UBC Science in ecology, computer science, and astrophysics

UBC Science receives funding for research in ecology, computer science, astrophysics, and microbiology through the appointment of three new Canada Research Chairs and one renewal.

This honour is shared with a total of 188 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs across 43 institutions in Canada for a total of $151 million.

“The Canada Research Chairs announced this week comprise the full diversity of Canada, both in terms of their backgrounds and training, as well as the broad range of disciplines they represent,” says Ted Hewitt, Chair of the Canada Research Chairs Program Steering Committee.

“This, in turn, helps to drive the research excellence we have come to expect from these outstanding scholars, as well as their contributions to the well-being and prosperity of Canadians.”

New CRCs at UBC Science

Kai Chan
Canada Research Chair in Re-Wilding and Social-Ecological Transformation, Tier 1

Kai Chan works in modeling and using empirical research to improve the management and governance of social-ecological systems. This also includes special interests in ecosystem services, evolutionary ecology of pest control, applied environmental ethics, and ecosystem-based management.

Karon MacLean
Canada Research Chair in Interactive Human Systems Design, Tier 1

Computer Scientist Karon MacLean’s research is focused on the study and design for human perception and affect, considering both interface usage and the process of designing them. This research applies to multiple areas of technology including mobile devices, robots, and furniture.

Jessica McIver
Canada Research Chair in Gravitational Wave Astrophysics, Tier 2

Jessica McIver’s work involves working with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in measuring the ripples in spacetime produced by gravitational waves.

Renewed CRCs at UBC Science

Lindsay Eltis
Canada Research Chair in Microbial Catabolism and Biocatalysis, Tier 1

Lindsay Eltis’ research involves studying bacterial catabolic enzymes. His primary research is focused bacterial enzymes and pathways responsible for the degradation of aromatic compounds and steroids.

The Canada Research Chairs program supports researchers and universities across the country in accomplishing globally competitive research and building the foundations for future academic discovery. The new CRCs join a total of 19 new and 3 renewed CRCs across UBC and a total of 40 other chairs at UBC Science.