University News

Bishop’s University announces record research investment

October 17, 2011

Research Chairs to focus on cultural differences, climate change, and health and well-being

October 17, 2011, Sherbrooke QC—Michael Goldbloom, Principal of Bishop’s University, proudly announced today that the University has been awarded a total of $2 million for three Canada Research Chairs (CRC) and the development of two state-of-the art laboratories by the CRC program and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). “The creation of these three CRCs is part of our recent strategic research plan and will contribute significantly to the enhancement of our research profile,” stated Principal Goldbloom.

Bishop’s newest Tier II Canada Research Chairs Dr. Cristian Berco, Dr. Matthew Peros and Dr. Fuschia Sirois are leading the following projects:

Dr. Cristian Berco, Canada Research Chair in Social and Cultural Difference and professor in the Department of History, will examine questions related to identity, gender, social, ethnic, cultural and geographic borders that construct socio-cultural difference. Using a historical perspective and analyzing inquisitorial sorcery trials against women conducted in early modern Spain, Dr. Berco will study social and cultural difference in the Spanish society of the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th centuries, focusing particularly on female sorcerers and people of color.

Dr. Matthew Peros, Canada Research Chair for the Climate and Environmental Change, a new faculty member in the Department of Environmental Studies and Geography, will study natural climate variability and its causes using geological evidence such as lake sediments, fossils, and chemical indicators.  Heat waves, droughts and hurricanes all seem to be occurring with increasing frequency. But are these events really occurring more often than they did in the past? And if so, are human activities to blame or are these changes just part of a natural cycle?  To find answer to these questions a state-of-the-art research laboratory will be developed in the Johnson Science Building, equipped with high-powered microscopes, a cold room for the storage of sediment samples, and sophisticated analytical instruments.

Dr. Fuschia Sirois, Canada Research Chair in Psychological Health and Well-being and professor in the Department of Psychology, will seek to understand how individuals can pursue their goals in ways that support rather than detract from well-being. Helping people successfully following through with healthy lifestyle goals is essential to manage the rising rates of obesity and chronic illness in Canada and the rest of the world. High school dropout rates continue to rise in Quebec, with rates as high as 40% in rural areas. Helping youth find meaning and motivation in their academic goals is one way to address this issue. Through CFI funding a new laboratory will be established in Mackinnon Hall, consisting of an interview and focus group room, a psychological testing room, a community workspace, a student research space, and a main reception area that includes comfortable seating arrangements for participants.

The Canada Research Chairs program invests $300 million per year to attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds. The program stands at the centre of a national strategy to make Canada one of the world's top countries in research and development.

Dr. Steve Harvey, Associate Vice-Principal of Research at Bishop’s, explained: “These new CRCs and research labs will contribute to the enhancement of existing collaborations, and to the development of new ones, with researchers in Quebec, Canada and the rest of the world.  Bishop’s students will be involved in all aspects of the research activities, including research design, fieldwork, laboratory research, data analysis, and the writing of manuscripts.”

Bishop’s University is renowned for its intimate learning environment, exceptional professors and engaged students. Bishop’s prides itself on delivering a student-focused education of the highest quality and is committed to developing the talents and leadership qualities of its students, who come from across Canada and around the world.

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