Four 91ÑÇÉ« researchers will receive federal support through new and renewed Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointments to explore how societies function and evolve.
An investment of $2.1 million, , will fund transformative work examining history, human behaviour, digital technologies and critical infrastructure to better understand and improve well-being, equity and resilience across Canada.
The CRC program bolster research excellence and advances the development of knowledge that benefits society, the economy and the environment.
"Canada Research Chairs drive new knowledge that strengthens Canada’s global competitiveness and addresses real-world challenges," says Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. "Across 91ÑÇÉ«, this research reflects a commitment to tackling complex issues – from advancing Indigenous knowledge and addressing addiction, to shaping the future of AI and strengthening critical infrastructure – in ways that deliver tangible benefits for communities in Canada and beyond."
Alan Corbiere – Canada Research Chair in Indigenous History of North America (Tier 2, renewal)
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
An assistant professor in 91ÑÇɫ’s Department of History, Corbiere’s research focuses on Anishinaabe language, oral traditions and material culture.
Corbiere uses approaches such as the study of treaty negotiations and wampum belts to challenge and reshape historical narratives while supporting the revitalization of Indigenous knowledge and culture.
Matthew Keough – Canada Research Chair in Addiction Vulnerability (Tier 2)
Faculty of Health
Keough is an associate professor in 91ÑÇɫ’s Department of Psychology, a clinical psychologist and a senior scientist with Homewood Research Institute. He studies the causes of addictive behaviours and develops evidence‑based treatments with a focus on heavy drinking, cannabis use, concurrent disorders and digital interventions for young adults.
Keough also received $100,000 through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s which supports research infrastructure projects through its partnership with the CRC program.
Jennifer Pybus – Canada Research Chair in Data, Empowerment and Artificial Intelligence (Tier 2, renewal)
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Associate professor in the Department of Politics and director of the Centre for Public AI, Pybus studies how social media, mobile platforms and AI use personal data.
Her focus is on strengthening data literacy, supporting informed public debate and examining issues of digital sovereignty and data governance in Canada.
Pirathayini Srikantha – Canada Research Chair in Reliable and Secure Power Grid Systems (Tier 2, renewal)
Srikantha, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, develops AI‑driven and transactive energy solutions.
The aim of her research is to improve the reliability, security and resilience of electrical power grids and support the design of trustworthy energy systems.