UBC investigators have secured $6.5 million in federal research
support for 73 social, economic and cultural research projects,
earning them second place among Canadian universities for
funding garnered in the Social Sciences and Humanities Research
Council of Canada (SSHRC) annual grants competition.
A total of $81.6 million was granted to 981 research projects
at 77 Canadian universities and colleges. Top spot went to
the University of Toronto, which gained $9.2 million for 112
projects. The University of Montreal ranked third with $6.3
million granted to support 72 projects.
“The innovation of these UBC scholars continues to
place us among the world’s top research universities.
Their studies will contribute to key areas of social, cultural
and economic policies and practices within Canada and beyond,”
says Prof. David Dolphin, acting vice-president, Research.
The UBC investigations funded by SSHRC include:
- Robert VanWynsberghe, assistant professor at the Institute
of Health Promotion Research, received $109,620 to explore
how mega-events, such as the 2010 Olympic Games, can positively
impact the health and sustainability of a city and its citizens.
- English professor Jerry Wasserman was awarded $62,980
to study the dynamics between Canadian theatre and American
power.
- Josie Geller, associate professor of psychiatry, received
$112,300 to research the most effective role family and
friends can play in supporting someone with an eating disorder,
especially if the person is not ready for treatment.
- Political science professor Richard Johnston will analyze
whether ethnic diversity and multiculturalism erode support
for the welfare state in Canada and other western democracies.
The research project was awarded $153,268.
- Thomas Hellman, associate professor at Sauder School
of Business, will apply $48,934 to clarifying how venture
capital fuels entrepreneurship and innovation as seen in
the example of California’s Silicon Valley. He will
study which legal systems support or deter venture capital
investment.
UBC attracts leading-edge researchers from a broad spectrum
of disciplines. Research funding has climbed to $343 million,
which supports more than 5,000 studies.
A complete listing of SSHRC grant recipients may be found
at www.sshrc.ca.
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