Dr. Miroslaw Cygler (PhD) is one of three existing CRCs that were renewed to continue his work on a new approach to combat disease-causing bacterial resistance.

$6 million awarded for Canada Research Chairs at USask

SASKATOON – Three new Canada Research Chairs (CRCs)—all held by female academics recognized as potential leaders in their fields—have been established at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to carry out innovative research into air quality in cold climates, enhancing Indigenous health and well-being, and preventing cyberattacks.

By USask Research Profile and Impact

The announcement comes alongside the renewal of three existing USask CRCs researching bacterial resistance, the electronic structure of novel materials, and economic development barriers facing northern, remote and Indigenous communities.  

“These prestigious awards underscore USask’s place as a centre of research excellence and our commitment to a diverse and inclusive research community,” said USask Vice-President Research Karen Chad. “From cyber security to bacterial resistance, USask is pushing the boundaries of knowledge and finding answers to some of the most pressing issues facing our world today.”  

At an event today at the University of Victoria, Canada’s Science and Sport Minister Kirsty Duncan announced a total investment of more than $275 million in new and renewed CRCs at 52 institutions.

The CRC program was created by the Government of Canada in 2000 to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds and to boost Canada's competitiveness in the global knowledge-based economy.

USask’s new Tier 2 CRCs—all based in the College of Arts and Science—will each receive $120,000 a year for five years. Tier 2 CRCs are awarded to excellent emerging researchers who have been recognized by their peers as having potential to lead in their field.

Dr. Miroslaw Cygler (PhD), Canada Research Chair in Molecular Medicine Using Synchrotron Light, in the biochemistry, microbiology and immunology department, uses the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan, to work on a new approach to combat disease-causing bacterial resistance. By targeting the bacteria’s ability to cause disease instead of killing the whole pathogen, the pressure to develop resistance is reduced. Cygler’s research in the College of Medicine provides ammunition in the war against antibiotic-resistant super bugs.

Read more on the university news site.