B.C. approves two Leadership Research Chairs at UVic

Funding approval in principle for two new research chairs at UVic will further advance the university's research leadership in two key areas—marine science and alternative energy systems.

Under the new Leading Edge Endowment Fund (LEEF), the B.C. government will provide $45 million to create 20 permanent B.C. Leadership Research Chairs at UVic, UBC, SFU and UNBC. Each chair will receive up to $2.25 million, with another $2.25 million coming from the private sector.

Approval in principle of 11 chairs—including the two at UVic—was announced by the B.C. government in late June. The chair proposals will now go through a formal peer review process, after which the universities are expected to confirm matching funds from the private sector.

The Leadership Chair in Marine Ecosystems and Global Change—initially supported by an anonymous donation of $2.6 million—will conduct research on the changing ecology of the sea, reinforcing collaboration among UVic scientists, nearby federal government laboratories and industry, and international partners.

The Leadership Chair in Integrated Energy Systems will build on UVic's existing research strength in the development of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.
The LEEF program was established in 2002 to enhance B.C.'s standing as a centre of excellence for research and encourage social and economic development.