Research Chairs

It takes the best to attract the best.

The Faculty of Engineering partners with government, industry, and other supporters to create faculty positions called research chairs. Research chair positions provide funding to attract and retain the best engineering researchers from around the world.

The Faculty of Engineering attracts more than $70 million in sponsored research funding from external sources annually, which directly impacts our more than 210 professors and 1,500 to 1,600 graduate students. The Faculty of Engineering is one of the most successful faculties across the University of Alberta in attracting Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) funding and is a leader in securing partner-based NSERC programs nationally.

The Faculty of Engineering currently hosts:

  • 18 Canada Research Chairs (CRCs)
  • 3 NSERC Industrial Research Chairs (IRCs)
  • 21 University of Alberta Engineering Research Chairs (UAERCs)
  • 12 Endowed Chairs and Professorships
  • 2 Foundation-Supported Chairs

Canada Research Chairs (CRC)

The Canada Research Chairs Program aims to achieve research excellence in engineering and natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. They invest up to $311 million per year to attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds.

NSERC Industrial Research Chairs (IRC)

The NSERC Industrial Research Chairs Program aims to create collaborations between universities and partners in industry and the public sector. These grants are funded jointly by the IRC program and the partner organization.

  • David Zhu open in a new tab
    Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
    Urban Drainage
    Partners: City of Edmonton, City of Calgary, Stantec Consulting Ltd.
  • Michael Hendry open in a new tab
    Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
    Railway Engineering
    Partners: Canadian National Railway Company, Transport Canada, National Research Council Canada
  • Tony Qiu open in a new tab
    Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
    Intelligent Transportation Systems
    Partners: TELUS, Stantec, IBI Group, ATS Traffic, City of Edmonton

university of Alberta engineering research chairs (uaerc)

The University of Alberta Engineering Research Chair (UAERC) Program is a competitive program within the Faculty of Engineering, aiming to foster collaborative partnerships with industry.

Endowed Chairs and Professorships

Endowed chairs and professorships are the most prestigious positions offered by the university and ensure the University of Alberta continues to successfully compete for exceptional educators and researchers who bring a wealth of expertise. The Faculty of Engineering is currently home to chairs in a variety of fields of engineering research.

Foundation-Supported Chairs