University Research Chairs

The University of Waterloo owes much of its reputation and stature to the quality of its professors and their scholarly accomplishments. Waterloo recognizes exceptional achievement and pre-eminence in a particular field of knowledge through the designation 'University Research Chair'.

University Research Chair
A faculty member with the University Research Chair title will receive either an annual stipend of $10,000 or a teaching reduction of one course per year, allocated to the Department/School, for the duration of the Chair appointment. 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. A title may be held for up to seven (7) years, with the possibility of a re-nomination.

The selection process is as follows:

1. A faculty Dean may forward one [Applied Health Sciences, Environmental Studies] or two [Arts, Engineering, Mathematics, Science] nominations of CRC-eligible faculty members to the Vice-President Academic & Provost, who will make the final decision.
2. A nomination must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and 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.

University Research Chair in recognition of exemplary trajectory after the second term of a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair
A faculty member at the conclusion of the second term as a Tier I Canada Research Chair may also be considered for a University Research Chair. The award recognizes distinguished record of accomplishments and a continued outstanding trajectory of excellence in research and scholarship, as well as research leadership. The successful candidate will receive either an annual stipend of $10,000 or an increase in research workload equivalent to workload associated with teaching one course per year, for the duration of the University Research Chair appointment, with this support provided by the faculty Dean. The University Research Chair title may be held for up to seven (7) years, and is not renewable.

The selection process is as follows:

1. A faculty Dean may forward nominations for individuals to the Vice-President Research, who will make the final decision.
2. A nomination must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and short, non-technical description of the nominee's scholarly contributions, together with any other documentation the Dean considers necessary to make a compelling case of exceptional achievement over the term of the Tier 1 Canada Research Chairship as well as an accelerated trajectory in the final years of the Chairship.
    

Current University Research Chairs

* University Research Chair in recognition of exemplary trajectory after the second term of a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair

Past University Research Chairs