From advancing super-resolution imaging for early disease detection and creating brain-computer interfaces that restore mobility, to reshaping intellectual property laws for equitable access to innovations, our experts are addressing some of the most critical challenges of our time. What do they have in common? They all share the goal of driving meaningful change to pave the way for healthier lives, more thoughtful technology and ethically conscious innovation.
New chairs
Jennifer Chandler, Faculty of Law, Common Law Section and Faculty of Medicine
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Law and Ethics of Brain Technologies
Neurotechnologies that interface with the brain are transforming how we treat neurological disorders and assist people with major mobility impairments. From deep brain stimulation for epilepsy to brain-computer interfaces that enable paralyzed individuals to control robotic arms, these tools hold life-changing potential. However, they also raise complex ethical and legal questions about privacy, autonomy and equality. Professor Chandler’s research explores how to regulate and safeguard brain data, shaping policies that protect users’ rights while promoting responsible innovation. Her work centres on the voices of those directly impacted to ensure that their experiences inform future policies.
Jeremy de Beer, Faculty of Law, Common Law Section
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Innovation and Intellectual Property Law
Innovation drives solutions to global challenges, but intellectual property (IP) laws often determine who benefits. Professor de Beer’s research explores how to balance innovation with fair access so that breakthroughs in health, education, agriculture and climate tech reach more people. From patents on vaccines to digital learning copyright issues, his work examines how IP rules can either promote or hinder progress. By drafting evidence based, stereotype-defying policies, his research aims to foster equitable access to technology and boost Canada’s leadership in the global knowledge economy.
Pierre Berini, Faculty of Engineering
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Nanophotonics
Nanophotonics, which is the science of manipulating light at nanoscales, is driving the design of faster, smaller and more powerful technologies. Professor Berini’s research focuses on developing next-generation photonic devices for telecom, health care and advanced manufacturing applications. His work involves designing ultra-fast detectors and modulators for high-speed communication, as well as compact biosensors that could enable faster, point-of-care medical diagnostics. By creating efficient, wafer-scale devices, his research aims to deliver more affordable and scalable solutions, helping industries harness light for faster data transfer, improved health care, and cutting-edge optical technologies.
Terri Lovell, Faculty of Science
Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Super-Resolution Biomolecular Imaging
Accurate diagnosis is key to treating disease, and that’s where Professor Lovell’s research shines. She is developing next-generation fluorescent probes that reveal molecular details hidden from conventional microscopes. Using single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), her team creates sharper, nanoscale images to track how cells behave and how drugs interact with proteins. This could lead to more precise diagnostics and better-targeted therapies, helping clinicians detect disease earlier and fine-tune treatments for improved patient care.
Di Wang, Faculty of Engineering
Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Cold Region Roads
Professor Wang is developing sustainable, cost-effective and climate-resilient solutions for road infrastructure in Canada’s North. His research focuses on using locally sourced recycled materials, optimizing mitigation strategies for permafrost degradation, and designing roads that withstand extreme climate conditions. His technical guidelines combine engineering expertise with northern community insights to enhance transportation networks, support sustainable development and strengthen Canada’s infrastructure sector.
Renewed chairs
Damien D’Amours, Faculty of Medicine
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Chromatin Dynamics and Genome Architecture
How is chromosomal DNA maintained in a pristine condition in our cells and what happens when our natural DNA repair mechanism breaks down? Research conducted by Professor D’Amours examines how structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) proteins maintain genome stability and how inactivating these proteins can promote tumour development and facilitate viral infections. By investigating how SMC proteins recognize, repair and regulate chromosomal DNA during cell division, his work could lead to major advancements in treating cancer and viral infections, such as Hepatitis B.
Ghassan Jabbour, Faculty of Engineering
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Engineered Advanced Materials and Devices
Professor Jabbour’s research explores innovative opportunities in the fields of quantum materials, smart fabrics and printed devices. A primary goal of his work is to engineer hybrid knitted fabrics that integrate metallic nanoparticles, which can increase the blocking of electromagnetic radiation, thus improving protection for sensitive electronics and improving their performance. He is committed to using cost-effective, low-carbon techniques to develop environmentally sustainable methods for synthesizing these sub-microscopic particles. This research could help with the design of sophisticated fabrics and printed systems that are both intelligent and environmentally friendly.
Teresa Scassa, Faculty of Law, Common Law Section
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Information Law and Policy
As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly shape our world, Professor Scassa is at the forefront of studying its intersection with legal frameworks. Her research focuses on regulating AI by understanding data governance, balancing the advancement of cutting-edge technologies with the protection of privacy and human rights. She advocates for an AI ecosystem that is ethical and equitable by promoting fair data access and strengthening the legal infrastructure surrounding AI. By collaborating with key stakeholders and applying legal expertise, she is poised to drive meaningful change across sectors that include health care and social media.
Jennifer Brunet, Faculty of Health Sciences
Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity Promotion and Cancer
Given that one-in-two Canadians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, Professor Brunet’s research focuses on the power of physical activity to optimize health, well-being and quality of life. Her work aims to prevent cancer-related symptoms and support those affected by the disease and its treatments. In addition to developing sustainable initiatives to encourage physical activity, she is exploring its impact on physical and mental health outcomes.