Research Chairs

Research chairs are essential to Memorial's research success. Their work strengthens our institutional research capacity, enhances our teaching and builds on our strong record of engagement and collaboration.

Research chairs at Memorial generally fall within two categories: Canada Research Chairs or sponsored research chairs.

Each chair represents a significant achievement and acknowledges the chair-holder as an expert in their field of study.

Canada Research Chairs

The Canada Research Chair program at Memorial University is overseen by the Office of the Vice-President (Research) and the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), and is pre- and post-award managed by Research Initiatives and Services (RIS). The awards are administered in the academic units.

The university nominates researchers whose work complements the institutional Research Strategy Framework and who are recognized as either a leader or an emerging leader in their field of study. Canada Research Chairs are either Tier 1 (i.e., seven-year term) or Tier 2 (i.e., five-year term).

Memorial’s institutional policy on Reallocation, Renewal and Reduction of Canada Research Chairs is followed for the renewal of an existing Canada Research Chair. 

Sponsored Research Chairs

Sponsored research chairs are awarded to outstanding researchers who are conducting research in areas of strategic importance. These chairs may receive financial support from national and provincial funding agencies, as well as industry partners.

The establishment of the position is overseen by the academic unit in which the chair resides. The application process is overseen by RIS.