Introducing the summer 2019 issue of ResearchLIFE

A message from Vice-President (Research and International) Digvir S. Jayas, on the new issue of ResearchLIFE:

As you read this issue, you are in the midst of summer, a time in which we bask in the warmth and the seasonal growth the sunshine and rain brings. We nurture what we are growing, watchful from the first plantings of seeds to tender seedlings to ensure steady growth and ultimately a bountiful harvest. Ensuring the future of growth of knowledge through research and scholarly and creative activities warrants similar ministrations.

Planting the seed with today’s young generation of learners begins in the early years of their education and continues through completion of post-secondary studies and on to careers inside and outside of academia.

I’ve chosen for this magazine issue to highlight early career researchers (ECR) at the University of Manitoba as well as other activities underway that encompass the entire career trajectory. You will learn about exciting research underway, new facilities, new experts who have joined us– 10 Canada Research Chairs and an internationally recruited Canada Excellence Research Chair who joins our established Arctic system science and climate change team—and award winners at every stage.

Michael Strong, new president of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) shares insights into CIHR’s vision for supporting early career researchers through a lifecycle approach. The U of M provides supports to ECRs through start-up funds, specialized grants programs, reduced teaching loads and awards like the Terry G. Falconer Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Researcher Awards.

As you read this issue, envision the stage of growth at which the individuals highlighted are in their journeys of discovery. From the perspective of Banting post-doctoral fellow Christopher Pascoe to Hee-Jung Serenity Joo’s exploration of cultural narratives to solving the speed of a rumour by mathematician Karen Gunderson to high school student Bryce Cadieux’s experiences of one day of science, engineering and technology explorations, they represent the leaders of tomorrow.

—Digvir S. Jayas, OC, PhD, DSc, PEng, PAg, FRSC