Seven awards span research in advanced digital technologies, clean technology and resource value chains, health and biotechnology, and food and water security. (FILE/University of Windsor)
The University of Windsor has secured seven Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards across the program’s two competition waves, supporting three postdoctoral researchers and four doctoral students in research areas aligned with Canada’s strategic priorities.
The one-time federal Impact+ initiative is designed to attract outstanding international or returning Canadian doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers to Canada in priority research areas, strengthening the country’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Doctoral awards provide $40,000 per year for three years, while postdoctoral awards provide $70,000 per year for two years.
At UWindsor, the seven awards span research in advanced digital technologies, clean technology and resource value chains, health and biotechnology, and food and water security.
The successful researchers are working with supervisors across the Faculties of Engineering and Science:
- Afshin Rahimi, Engineering/ Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering (MAME) – Doctoral award, Advanced Digital Technologies (AI, quantum and cybersecurity)
- Guoqing Zhang, Engineering/MAME – Doctoral award, Clean Technology and Resource Value Chain
- David Ting, Engineering/MAME – Postdoctoral award, Clean Technology and Resource Value Chain
- Vijendra Sharma, Science/Biomedical – Doctoral award, Health, including biotechnology
- John Trant, Science/Biomedical – Postdoctoral award, Health, including biotechnology
- Mehrdad Saif, Engineering/Electrical and Computer Engineering – Postdoctoral award, Advanced Digital Technologies (AI, quantum and cybersecurity)
- Opeyemi Lawal, Science/Environment – Doctoral award, Food and water security
“The University of Windsor’s success in seven Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards is a testament to the excellence of our researchers and the strength of our training environment,” says Shanthi Johnson, Vice-President, Research and Innovation.
“These awards recognize not only outstanding emerging scholars, but also the faculty members whose mentorship and research programs continue to attract exceptional talent from around the world. They also reflect our commitment to attracting, developing and retaining research talent, and creating an environment where scholars can thrive and make meaningful contributions through their research."
Johnson notes that the supported research aligns closely with national research priorities creating the potential to contribute to research excellence and innovation both nationally and globally.
“Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are at the heart of the University’s research ecosystem, bringing new ideas, energy, and expertise to some of society’s most pressing challenges,” says Jess Dixon, Interim Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies.
“These awards provide recipients with the support needed to focus on ambitious research while building the skills, networks and experiences that will shape the next generation of research leaders.”