University of British Columbia research positions valued
at $13.5 million have received approval-in-principle from
the provincial government’s Leading Edge Endowment Fund
(LEEF), designed to support and promote innovation in B.C.
UBC received provisional funding approval for six of 17 LEEF
chairs distributed to B.C. universities and colleges, according
to a recent government announcement.
“This funding allows us to strengthen our talented
research teams with additional faculty recruitment,”
says Lorne Whitehead, UBC vice-president, Academic. “Our
project proposals focus on areas of critical need where we
are confident that UBC can make a significant contribution.”
The approval-in-principle for $2.25 million in funding for
each chair is based on proposals submitted by each institution.
The government has requested final proposals for the projects,
after which institutions must secure matching funds from the
private sector. They can then proceed with recruitment to
fill the LEEF chair positions.
Proposed UBC LEEF research chairs are: (in alphabetical order)
Addictions
The individual holding the leadership chair in addictions
research will lead a national program to develop and evaluate
new treatment approaches.
Depression
In partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
(VCHRI), the individual holding this chair will help build
a centre of excellence for depression treatment, an important
part of the Mood Disorders Centre at UBC Hospital.
Early Childhood Development
Projects led by this chair include an international research
program that looks at how differences in children’s
early environments affect brain and nervous system development.
Genetic Medicine
This chair will build on the outstanding genetic research
at the Children’s & Women’s Health Centre
of British Columbia to generate new knowledge about the genetic
causes, diagnosis and treatment of inherited diseases.
Prostate Cancer
In partnership with VCHRI, this chair will further the goals
of the internationally recognized research team at The Prostate
Centre at Vancouver General Hospital to create new therapies
for men with prostate cancer.
Transportation Studies
This chair will bridge economics, management and technology
and build on the research strengths of UBC’s Sauder
School of Business and Faculty of Applied Science to find
new solutions for transport system issues.
LEEF was established in 2002 to establish 20 permanent leadership
research positions across B.C. The provincial government has
provided $45 million to establish these chairs with an additional
$7.5 million provided in 2003 to create six regional innovation
chairs.
An international committee of peers reviews leadership chair
proposals.
Children’s & Women’s Health Centre of British
Columbia is an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority.
The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital and the
Mood Disorders Centre are partnerships of UBC and VCHRI, which
promotes development of new researchers and research activity.
For more information on LEEF chairs, visit www.gov.bc.ca.
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