Two Canada Research Chairs for Trent

Trent University is a recipient of two Canada Research Chairs, in the first round of allocations under a program established in the 2000 federal budget. Prime Minister Chrétien made the announcement on December 15th.

Associate Professor Eric Helleiner of Trent's Political Science department is nominated to the Junior Canada Research Chair in International Political Economy. This five-year chair, renewable once, is given to those with great potential for research excellence.

Bryan D. Palmer, who is currently a professor in Queen's University History Department, will be offered Trent's Senior Canada Research Chair in Canadian Studies. This is a seven-year renewable chair available to outstanding experienced researchers with evidence of research excellence.

The approval of these chairs serves to enhance Trent University's growing reputation for excellence in research and innovation, said President Bonnie Patterson. "We are very pleased with the support for research at Trent University."

Professor Helleiner's research will explore the political and economic factors at play in the debate over a North American monetary union. Appointment to the Junior Chair will enable Professor Helleiner, to play a key role in developing an MA program in International Political Economy for Trent.

The nomination of Professor Palmer to the Trent Research Chair in Canadian Studies is particularly significant for the development of the joint Trent-Carleton Ph.D. program that is to begin this fall.

The university will receive $200,000 annually, in financial support for the Senior Canada Research Chair, and $100,000 annually for the Junior Chair. Trent is expected to receive up to eight Canada Research Chairs over the next five years.

Both professors are expected to take up the posts effective July 1, 2001.