MONTREAL, June 14, 2025 – In a worldwide context marked by geopolitical instability, 4 main Quebec universities – Université Laval, McGill College, Université de Montréal and Université de Sherbrooke – are becoming a member of forces to launch a sequence of formidable initiatives aimed toward making Quebec a key vacation spot for top-tier researchers. Co-ordinated steps will even be undertaken on the nationwide degree to strengthen Canada’s scientific sovereignty and appeal to the world’s brightest minds.
A possibility to grab
As political and social tensions weaken the worldwide analysis ecosystem, Quebec and Canada have a singular alternative to place themselves as havens for rigorous and unbiased analysis. A current survey revealed by the journal Nature revealed that 75 per cent of researchers now working in america are contemplating leaving the nation.
“In these unsure instances, we can’t merely wait to be referred to as upon – we should step up. Our universities are prepared to steer,” mentioned Dominique Bérubé, McGill’s vice-principal of Analysis and Innovation. “We’re placing ahead daring, well-structured proposals to help all the analysis ecosystem.”
“We’re calling on governments to behave swiftly in order that they don’t miss the alternatives that this second of instability presents – for the advantage of each Quebec and Canada,” added Eugénie Brouillet, vice-rector of analysis, creation and innovation at Université Laval. “Different international locations, notably in Europe, have already dedicated important assets to their universities to draw prime expertise from all over the world.”
Concrete, complementary and versatile measures
Grouped underneath the title Polaris, the proposed initiatives embody each federal and Quebec-specific parts and are designed to provide translational impacts for each Quebec and Canada by:
- creating new analysis chairs in strategic sectors equivalent to synthetic intelligence, well being, and biodiversity – together with chairs collectively funded by universities and philanthropic initiatives;
- providing focused scholarships to recruit gifted PhD college students and postdoctoral fellows at vital junctures of their careers;
- supporting early-career researchers to construct a vital mass of experience in important sectors and assist drive authorities precedence initiatives; and
- investing within the fashionable analysis infrastructure important to welcoming world-class expertise.
These initiatives are designed to enhance current authorities applications. Some scholarships would improve present provincial and federal applications, whereas others would assist speed up early-career researchers’ tasks or foster worldwide collaborations.
A strategic funding
Absolutely conscious of present pressures on public funds, the colleges are proposing a variety of scalable initiatives, giving governments a set of well-considered funding choices. They imagine the time is correct for decisive motion – simply as has occurred at different pivotal moments in Quebec and Canadian historical past.
“We firmly imagine the present context represents a strategic alternative that Quebec and Canada should seize,” mentioned Jean-Pierre Perreault, rector of Université de Sherbrooke. “A transparent and optimistic sign from governments may have a direct influence on how Canada is perceived as a prime vacation spot for analysis.”
An inclusive and international imaginative and prescient
Whereas a few of the proposed measures goal researchers based mostly in america – together with Quebecers and Canadians pursuing careers there – the general purpose is to draw expertise from throughout the globe. The initiatives goal to supply an area for unparalleled mental freedom, scientific rigour, innovation and creativity to advance their work.
“Collectively, our universities are residence to seasoned analysis groups throughout quite a few fields, and these groups preserve robust worldwide networks,” mentioned Vincent Poitout, vice-rector of analysis and innovation at Université de Montréal. “We’re well-positioned to welcome prime minds who’re in search of to thrive in an open, dynamic setting the place science can flourish freely.”
Université Laval, McGill College, Université de Montréal and Université de Sherbrooke are among the many most research-intensive establishments within the nation. Collectively, they host half of all undergraduate college students in Quebec and greater than two-thirds of graduate college students.
The total proposal doc has been submitted to governments and is accessible upon request.
Media contacts:
Université Laval
medias [at] ulaval.ca
418 656-3355
McGill College
information.communications [at] mcgill.ca
Université de Montréal
%20genevieve.omeara [at] umontreal.ca (Geneviève O’Meara)
514 709-4143
Université Sherbrooke
medias [at] USherbrooke.ca
