Two Canada Research Chairs at Queen’s University, working in the areas of protein engineering and cognitive development, have been renewed by the federal government.

“Our government is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians’ quality of life,” said Science and Technology Minister Gary Goodyear in announcing the new funding. “The Canada Research Chairs program is helping our universities develop and attract talented people, strengthening our capacity for leading-edge research, while creating jobs and economic opportunities for Canadians now and in the future.”

A total of 187 newly awarded or renewed chairs were announced at 44 Canadian universities.

The Queen’s Chairs to receive renewals are:

Peter Davies (Biochemistry) Canada Research Chair in Protein Engineering, who receives $1.4 million over seven years. Dr. Davies's research focuses on antifreeze proteins, which bind irreversibly to ice to stop its growth. One of the main goals of his research group is to design inhibitors of calpain – enzymes that remodel protein networks in the cell – to prevent over-activation in various diseases.

Valerie Kuhlmeier (Psychology) Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Development will receive $500,000 over five years towards her research on our ability to interpret and reason about the behaviour of others. By uncovering the extents and limits of early social cognitive abilities, Dr. Kuhlmeier’s team is characterizing normal development, which will in turn advance the study of early development in special populations, such as those with autism.
 

Established 10 years ago, the Canada Research Chairs program funds research excellence by recruiting and retaining renowned international experts at Canadian universities. Infrastructure support for this research is provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).