Research chairs get warm reception

William Bukowsky, Lisa Serbin, Vice-Provost Research Truong Vo-Van, David Forman and Steven High (from left to right in the photo at right) chat at a reception held in the new Journalism and Communication Studies Building on May 15 to celebrate Concordia’s senior researchers. Bukowsky, Serbin and Forman are all associatied with the Centre for Research and Human Development. High has just joined the History department.

The invitation list included nine endowed chairs, 22 Canada Research Chairs, and 35 Concordia Research Chairs — of whom about 25 were able to attend. President Claude Lajeunesse greeted them all individually, and encouraged them to get to know one another “to know you’re not alone, and you have support.”

Lajeunesse told the group he is determined to continue to hire research chairs. “The senior administration is strongly committed,” he said. “We would like to do more, from start-up grants to ongoing support. Only financial reasons come into play. We are speaking to government people, donors, and everyone about your work.” He added that he is enjoying the tours organized for him of research labs.

Provost Martin Singer noted that a decade ago, Concordia had more professors than it has now, but fewer than five research chairs, whereas now there are 67. “We have succeeded beyond our expectations in creating a new university, and you’re the people we turn to.” He added that “there are some people who question the centrality of research to Concordia’s future, but we vigorously defend this vision.”