Solving pressing global problems requires both innovation and expertise, and researchers at Queen's are playing a key role in addressing these challenges. Six faculty members have been appointed Canada Research Chairs, with four renewals and two new chairs in areas like health-care innovation, communications technology, language revitalization, and sustainable resource extraction.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance, and former Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that a total of 179 Canada Research Chairs have been awarded or renewed across the country.
[Clockwise from left] Drs. Jianbing Ni, Farzaneh Sadri, Ning Lu, Amber Simpson, Gabor Fichtinger, and Lindsay Morcom.
"We know that the science of today is the economy of tomorrow," says Minister Champagne. "With these investments, we are empowering our brightest minds to push the boundaries of discovery, tackle complex global challenges, and create real solutions that will improve lives and the world we live in. Our government remains dedicated to supporting world-class research and ensuring Canada stays at the forefront of innovation."
The federal Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program recognizes established and emerging global research leaders at Canadian universities. As part of a national strategy to attract and retain top talent, the program supports researchers who are advancing knowledge and addressing critical challenges across disciplines.
The CRC program was established in 2000 to support exceptional research talent. Tier 1 Chairs are recognized as world leaders in their fields and receive $1.4 million over seven years, while Tier 2 Chairs are emerging leaders who receive $500,000 over five years. This announcement brings Queen's total number of Canada Research Chairs to 45.
"The Canada Research Chairs program supports some of the most promising and accomplished scholars in the country," says Nancy Ross, Vice-Principal (Research). "We are grateful to the federal government's ongoing commitment to research and innovation leadership in Canada. Congratulations to our new and renewed chairs who are advancing exciting research programs that are transforming how we understand communities and the world around us, locally and globally."
Queen's new Canada Research Chairs
Tier 1
Gabor Fichtinger - Computer-Assisted Surgery:
Dr. Gabor Fichtinger (School of Computing) is advancing the field of computer-assisted surgery by developing AI-driven tools for image-guided medical interventions. His research focuses on improving point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging to diagnose and treat obstructive kidney diseases and prostate cancer. Committed to global health equity, Dr. Fichtinger's team collaborates with partners in sub-Saharan West Africa and Canada, making their innovations freely available as open-source resources. (Renewed)
Tier 2
Ning Lu - Future Communication Networks:
Dr. Ning Lu (Smith Engineering, Electrical and Computer) is exploring how machine learning can enhance next generation networks, particularly at the network edge where mobile devices connect to the internet. His research seeks to improve network performance, optimize data processing, and enable mobile devices to collaborate more efficiently. These advancements support real-time services and strengthen Canada's telecommunications infrastructure with applications in health care, transportation, and smart cities. (Renewed)
Lindsay Morcom - Language Revitalization and Decolonizing Education:
Dr. Lindsay Morcom (Education) is enhancing Indigenous languages, particularly Anishinaabemowin, and examining decolonization in education. Through resource development, immersion programs, and community-based learning, her work supports language revitalization with a growing emphasis on urban Indigenous contexts. She collaborates with Indigenous peoples to understand their educational goals and underscores the role of language and culture in identity, belonging, and education. (Renewed)
Jianbing Ni - Intelligent System Security and Privacy:
Dr. Jianbing Ni (Smith Engineering, Electrical and Computer) will lead research to secure intelligent systems against risks such as data leakage, tampering, and adversarial attacks. His work includes developing techniques for secure data gathering, privacy-preserving AI model usage, and AI-generated content protection. Integrating methodologies from deep learning, cybersecurity, cryptography, and social science, his research addresses challenges in data security and privacy for emerging technologies across sectors like health care, robotics, and intelligent transportation. (New)
Farzaneh Sadri - Chemical Extraction of Critical Metals:
Dr. Farzaneh Sadri (Smith Engineering, Mining) is advancing the sustainable chemical extraction of critical metals, including rare earth elements and lithium. These metals are crucial for technologies such as smartphones and electric vehicles. Her research focuses on environmentally friendly extraction methods from sources like waste batteries, waste magnets, rare earth element ores and lithium brines. This work aims to address the environmental impact of traditional mining practices while strengthening Canada's position as a leader in mining and resource extraction innovation. (New)
Amber Simpson - Biomedical Computing and Informatics:
Dr. Amber Simpson (School of Computing / Biomedical Sciences) is working to transform cancer treatment through data-driven AI, shifting from generalized treatments to precision medicine. Her research focuses on developing predictive imaging models, creating digital replicas of individual cancers, and addressing bias in AI to improve model reliability in clinical practice. By integrating multi-modal data and benchmarking biomarkers, she aims to ensure AI-driven healthcare tools are robust, equitable, and ready for real-world use. (Renewed)
To learn more about Queen's Canada Research Chairs and their contributions, visit Queen's Vice-Principal Research website.
