McGill garners nearly $13 million in SSHRC research funding
Federal council funds research in humanities and social sciences
McGill University researchers working in fields as diverse as history, medicine, management, religious studies, philosophy, psychology, law and education will receive nearly $13 million in funding from the federal Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in 2008.
Approximately $7 million is going to faculty researchers in the form of grants, while just under $6 million is being awarded as scholarships and fellowships to graduate and post-graduate students.
The federal government's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) announced a $202.2 million investment towards this initiative. Of the $202.2 million, $97.9 million over three years will be awarded as scholarships and fellowships to top master’s and doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences, $76.6 million will be invested in the work of 904 of Canada’s best researchers through SSHRC’s Standard Research Grants Program, and $27.7 million will be allocated to research in management, business and finance over the next seven years.
“SSHRC is investing $202.2 million to cultivate research talent and facilitate world-class research for the benefit of Canadians,” said Marilyn Taylor, vice-president of grants and fellowships for SSHRC. “This research will enhance understanding of political, social, cultural and economic issues, past and present, that are vital to our future innovation, prosperity and quality of life.”
“Our government is committed to fostering world-class Canadian research and increasing the supply of highly qualified and globally connected graduates that businesses need to succeed in today’s economy,” said the Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State. “We can have all the robust technologies in the world, but we need the social sciences and humanities to know how to harness them and interpret them from a human perspective, so that they translate into tangible, everyday benefits for society.”
"Our researchers are committed to exploring issues of concern to Canadians," said Denis Thérien, McGill’s Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations). "From examining gentrification and the social exclusion of seniors, to understanding the difficulties associated with learning a second language, to mapping global media and communication policy, the line-up of McGill researchers who have received funding by SSHRC is impressive for both its social relevance and level of excellence."
SSHRC is an independent federal government agency that funds university-based research and graduate training through national peer-review competitions. SSHRC also partners with public- and private-sector organizations to focus research and aid the development of better policies and practices in key areas of Canada’s social, cultural and economic life.
On the web: www.sshrc.ca