University Research Chairs

The University of Waterloo owes much of its reputation and stature to the quality of its professors and their scholarly accomplishments. University of Waterloo recognizes exceptional achievement and pre-eminence in a particular field of knowledge through the designation 'University Research Chair' - a title which may be held for up to seven years, with the possibility of a re-nomination. A faculty member with this title will receive either a teaching reduction of one course per year or an annual stipend of $10,000, which will be allocated to the Department/School if teaching reduction is chosen. The University Research Chair title and benefits will be relinquished if a Canada Research Chair or other major research chair is awarded.

It is anticipated that there will be a limited number of University Research Chairs; at steady state, the intention is to make at most five appointments each year. The number of appointments will be reviewed annually by the Vice-President Academic & Provost in consultation with Deans' Council and the program will be reviewed after an initial period of five to ten years.

Selection pr​​ocess

1. A faculty Dean may forward one [Applied Health Sciences, Environmental Studies] or two [Arts, Engineering, Mathematics, Science] nominations of CRC-eligible faculty members per calendar year to the Vice-President Academic & Provost, who will make the final decision.
2. A nomination must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and a short, non-technical description of the nominee's scholarly contributions, together with any other documentation the Dean considers necessary to make a compelling case. The Vice-President Academic & Provost will consult with the President of the Faculty Association before announcing such appointments.

Current University Research Chairs at the University of Waterloo

Past University Research Chairs at the University of Waterloo