Solving pressing global problems requires both innovation and expertise, and researchers at Smith Engineering are playing a key role in addressing these challenges. Three faculty members have been appointed Canada Research Chairs, with one renewal and two new chairs in areas like communications technology and sustainable resource extraction.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance, and former Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that a total of 179 Canada Research Chairs have been awarded or renewed across the country.
“We know that the science of today is the economy of tomorrow,” says Minister Champagne. “With these investments, we are empowering our brightest minds to push the boundaries of discovery, tackle complex global challenges, and create real solutions that will improve lives and the world we live in. Our government remains dedicated to supporting world-class research and ensuring Canada stays at the forefront of innovation.”
The federal Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program recognizes established and emerging global research leaders at Canadian universities. As part of a national strategy to attract and retain top talent, the program supports researchers who are advancing knowledge and addressing critical challenges across disciplines.
The CRC program was established in 2000 to support exceptional research talent. Tier 1 Chairs are recognized as world leaders in their fields and receive $1.4 million over seven years, while Tier 2 Chairs are emerging leaders who receive $500,000 over five years. This announcement brings Queen’s total number of Canada Research Chairs to 45.
“The Canada Research Chairs program supports some of the most promising and accomplished scholars in the country,” says Nancy Ross, Vice-Principal (Research). “We are grateful to the federal government’s ongoing commitment to research and innovation leadership in Canada. Congratulations to our new and renewed chairs who are advancing exciting research programs that are transforming how we understand communities and the world around us, locally and globally.”
Beyond Smith Engineering, Queen’s announced the Tier 1 appointment of Gabor Fichtinger (School of Computing), and Tier 2 appointments of Lindsay Morcom (Faculty of Education) and Amber Simpson (School of Computing / Biomedical Sciences).
New Canada Research Chairs at Smith Engineering
Tier 2
Ning Lu - Future Communication Networks:
Ning Lu (Electrical and Computer Engineering) is exploring how machine learning can enhance next generation networks, particularly at the network edge where mobile devices connect to the internet. His research seeks to improve network performance, optimize data processing, and enable mobile devices to collaborate more efficiently. These advancements support real-time services and strengthen Canada’s telecommunications infrastructure with applications in health care, transportation, and smart cities. (Renewed)
Jianbing Ni - Intelligent System Security and Privacy:
Jianbing Ni (Electrical and Computer Engineering) will lead research to secure intelligent systems against risks such as data leakage, tampering, and adversarial attacks. His work includes developing techniques for secure data gathering, privacy-preserving AI model usage, and AI-generated content protection. Integrating methodologies from deep learning, cybersecurity, cryptography, and social science, his research addresses challenges in data security and privacy for emerging technologies across sectors like health care, robotics, and intelligent transportation. (New)
Farzaneh Sadri - Chemical Extraction of Critical Metals:
Farzaneh Sadri (Mining Engineering) is advancing the sustainable chemical extraction of critical metals, including rare earth elements and lithium. These metals are crucial for technologies such as smartphones and electric vehicles. Her research focuses on environmentally friendly extraction methods from sources like waste batteries, waste magnets, rare earth element ores and lithium brines. This work aims to address the environmental impact of traditional mining practices while strengthening Canada's position as a leader in mining and resource extraction innovation. (New)
To learn more about Queen’s Canada Research Chairs and their contributions, visit Queen’s Vice-Principal Research website. This article first appeared in its original form in the Queen’s Gazette.